"It's no surprise that this month's Southern Living Magazine named Tulsa one of the top five Southern cities," said committee member John Tucker, during Tulsa C.A.R.E.S. Red Ribbon Gala held recently in the atrium at One Williams Center. "It's Tulsa's terrific support of events like this one that makes it such an exceptional place to live."
That support helped the largest nonprofit organization serving people with HIV/AIDS in northeast Oklahoma raise $90,000 in patron sponsorships and $36,000 in a live auction of luxury items.
When gala planners said they were pulling out all the stops for this one, they weren't kidding.
It was an elegant, red-carpet kind of evening.
Lush floral arrangements of white lilies, roses, freesia, orchids and hydrangeas filled the space with their scent. White balloons tied with red ribbons dipped and swayed in the air.
A gourmet dinner and an auction completed the scene. Entertainment was provided by the Council Oak Men's Chorale, directed by Rick Fortner Jr., and pianist Glen Jones.
Event chairman Charles Faudree thanked all those attending for their continuing support. He also thanked Williams, Keith Bailey and Sylvia Schmidt for the use of the atrium, as well as creative consultant Phil Long and Toni's Flowers.
Tulsa C.A.R.E.S. executive director Sharon Thoele added her thanks and noted how important it is to continue working against the AIDS epidemic.
"This disease is not over," she said.
She said in the last year the organization has provided services to 546 low-income people.
"Many of you here tonight are the reason that our doors are still open and that we are able to extend a helping hand to those in need," she said.
She recognized Linda Jenkins of United Way and Janice Nicklas of the Community Service Council, as well as Faudree for his "generosity and unyielding dedication."
Tucker, a popular auctioneer for the last several years, assume those duties again.
"Thank goodness there isn't a swimming pool this time -- and the fountain is filled with flowers," said Tucker, who has been thrown into a pool several times as an extra fund-raising bonus.
Tucker led the bidding on such items as a child-sized Porsche and Mercedes donated by Jackie Cooper Imports; a red tulip watercolor on handmade French paper by artist and longtime supporter Pat Gordon; two tickets to the U.S. Open with clubhouse access, donated by Mary and Frank Cooper; four tickets to the Oprah Winfrey Show; a William Yeoward crystal piece donated by Miss Jackson's; a Jimmy Steinmeyer room rendering or pet portrait; an 18-karat gold ring with amethyst center stone and diamonds, courtesy of Susan Sadler; and a garden bike donated by T.A. Lorton.
Other donors were Toni Garner, Mary and Frank Cooper, Julie and Warren Kruger, Rochelle and John Dowdell, Alice and Dr. Jim Rodgers, Faudree, Robert Lupo and Southern Hills Chef Devin Levine, Garnett Plaza Wine and Spirits and the Swab family, Charlotte Moss, Bob Stewart, M.A. Doran Gallery and Gary Quiggle of Chelsea Gallery.
Spotters assisting with the bidding included Francie Faudree, Gordon, Nancy Ingram and April Moore.
Among those attending were patron co-chairwomen Tracy Salisbury, there with her husband, Hal, and Julie Kruger, there with her husband, Warren.
Also, committee members Francesanne Tucker, Nancy and Martin Vaughn, Gordon and Duane MenNe, Martha Bruner, Toni Garner, Leanne Helmerich and the Rev. Rick Hollingsworth.
Others attending included Leslie and Bobby Lorton, Beth and Keith Goddard, Barbara and Jackie Cooper, Tracey and Joel Norvell, Susan and Doug Pielsticker, Jo and Trey Siegfried, Beth and Robert Sachse, Maricarolyn and Brett Swab, Lisa and Gregg Swab, Jeffrey Swab, Susan and Steve Swab, Dr. David Haggard, Vaughndean and Dr. Munson Fuller, Marilyn and Larry Lee, Nancy and Terry Ingram, Hillary Kitz, Nora and Stan White, Frances Chandler, Francie Faudree and Dale Gillman.
Special recognition went to executive chef Tony Fialo and the Sodexho Marriott Williams Cafe. Also, Omni Lighting, Zebra Printing, Saied Music Co. and ABCO Party Rentals.
Tulsa Boys Home plans tourney and big event
The Tulsa Boys Home has two big fund-raisers coming up.
The first is its 21st annual Golf Classic, which will be held May 7 at Oaks Country. The second, which is being billed as The Big Event, is a party and auction that will be held May 12 at the Marriott Southern Hills.
The golf tourney will begin with morning rounds at 8 a.m. and an afternoon tee-off at 1 p.m. The event, which is considered among the best charity golf tournaments in the city, features lots of prizes, player favors and fun.
Williams is the presenting sponsor. Other sponsors include Naugel & Company, American Mutual Funds, Hale-Halsell Co., Hilti, Unlaub Co., American Airlines, MidFirst Bank, Sam Rhoades, Chapman Exploration, Genave Rogers, R.B. Snow Foundation, Bama Cos., Cowen Construction. St. Francis Health Care Systems and the Rhoades Foundation.
Tournament fees also include admission to The Big Event.
The Mexican-themed Big Event will have a big auction, great food and door prizes as well as entertainment by the eleven-piece rock 'n' roll band M-Dock.
TBH board member is Sharon McElroy and Barbara Naugle is auction chairwoman.
AAON is the presenting sponsor for the Big Event. Others include Bama, McElroy Manufacturing, Ray and Janada Batchelor, Thrifty Car Rental, Parker Drilling Co., Helmerich & Payne, Bank First, ONEOK, the Junior Association of the Tulsa Boys Home, Johnson Jones Dornblaser Coffman & Shorb, Dover Resources, Dentsply Tulsa Dental, Simple Simon Pizza, Tom and Barbara Naugle, Simpson Enterprises LLC, Shamrock Oil and Gas, and F & M Bank.
Cost is $40 per person.
For reservations or more information, call Michael Lail at 245-0231, ext. 5006.
