The annual Red Ribbon Gala, traditionally one of the city's most lavish charity fundraising events, will take place Saturday, March 8, at the Arvest Convention Center, 100 Civic Center. The black-tie gala, which has the theme of "Club Red," will begin at 6 p.m. and will include a live auction, dinner, entertainment, and an afterparty. The evening also will present the Patricia G. Chernicky Luminary honor to Ryan Jude Tanner and Jay Krottinger, Tony Award-winning producers of such Broadway shows as "The Outsiders," "Pippin," "Come From Away," and the revival of "Oklahoma!" Tanner and Krottinger have served as chairmen of the Red Ribbon Gala four times and were instrumental in encouraging this year's chairmen, Cody Davis and Louie Napoleone, to become involved in the event. The gala is the primary fundraiser for Tulsa CARES, the largest and most comprehensive provider of prevention and care programs serving low-income individuals living with HIV and Hepatitis C in Oklahoma.
The agency, founded in 1991 during one of the darkest periods of the HIV/AIDS crisis, is committed to delivering social services to some of the most marginalized and at-risk populations in the area and works to foster a community where people living with stigmatized conditions have equal opportunities for healthy living. Preston Shatwell, Tulsa CARES' newly hired director of development, said, "I was familiar with the work of Tulsa CARES before, but I am constantly astounded by how our services are meeting all the needs of our clients as opposed to just treating their health exclusively."
The 2024 gala raised $1.23 million, which represents 25% of Tulsa CARES' budget. Later this year, the organization will open a new medical clinic next door to its headquarters at 3712 E. 11th St. The 4,160-square-foot facility will provide on-site HIV and HCV medical care, basic primary care, and on-site lab and pharmacy, along with telehealth access. "We are excited about our new clinic which, once opened, will be able to treat anyone who needs care in the community," Shatwell said. "Our core client programs are restricted with a fairly generous income threshold at or below 400% of the federal poverty level. This works out to be around a $60,000 income threshold for receiving our full wraparound client services. Tulsa CARES always welcomes walk-in clients and can provide free testing regardless of income."
Tickets for the Red Ribbon Gala are $1,000 ($500 per person for those age 40 and younger), and sponsorships are available. To purchase and for more information: redribbongala.org.
