Live CFL gala back
CFL resident Ashlye tends plants in the greenhouse.
After two years of virtual events, the million-dollar Center of Family Love Gift of Love Gala returns at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum on Saturday, June 4.
This year, in a ground-breaking step, the residents – heroes to the staff and friends of the Center of Family Love – will organically host the event, showcasing their talents and their appreciation to the guests that fund the Center of Family Love.
Their financial support makes the lifetime care possible, and free of charge, for 130 residents.
CFL residents will display their capabilities, serving guests in every capacity, such as garnishing drinks with herbs hand-grown by residents in the CFL Farm-to-Fork program, greeting guests with smiles and hugs, and providing an Oklahoma City Ballet performance.
“I am thankful and grateful to God in more ways than one that they are helping out other people with disabilities,” says Ryan, a four-year CFL resident.
Initially established in 1981 by the Knights of Columbus, for over 40 years, CFL has pioneered innovative programming to develop intellectually and developmentally impacted adults to discover their talents and become the best versions of themselves.
“We are determined to give our heroes the support and opportunities to spread their wings and discover gifts and talents within themselves,” Debbie Espinosa, CFL president and CEO, said.
“Many of the resources that enable the residents to thrive are a direct result of funding from the Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, which will be presented with the Carol and Bill Brown Outstanding Community Ambassador Award at the gala.
David Egan, Director of Operations for Cattlemen’s Steakhouse who will also be honored at the gala with the Harold J. Wittrock Award, has been a witness to the empowerment provided to CFL heroes through the Farm-to-Fork program. He observed recently,To be here, and to witness and see the residents in action, is to see God’s love being transformed in these people. I think we’re all called to leave this world a little better than we found it. We are standing on the shoulders of some very generous and dedicated people who got the Center of Family Love where it is today, but there is a long way to go and it’s only through the generosity of all the supporters that this can all take place.
Malcolm Tubbs, On-Court Emcee for the Oklahoma City Thunder will be this year’s emcee. The evening will begin at 6 p.m. with a cocktail hour, entertainment provided by heroes of the Center of Family Love, cash raffle drawings, live auction, dancing and Frank Sinatra inspired entertainment provided by Wade Tower.
The ticket price for the event is $250 per person or $2,500 for a table of 10, and sponsorship opportunities are still available.
If you or your company would like to purchase tickets or be a supporting sponsor, please contact Jalaina Hammett at jhammett@ cflinc.org. To register for the event online, go to www. cflinc.org/gala or call 405-263-4658 x1009 for more information.