NONPROFIT NOTES
Toby Keith Golf Classic returns May 20-21
The 18th annual Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic returns May 20-21 to benefit OK Kids Korral, the cost-free home for families of children being treated at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital at OU Health. The kickoff dinner and auction will be headlined by John Conlee, with support from local favorite Hypnotik. The live auction features a hand-tooled saddle from famed saddle maker Travis McIntyre, who also is the parent of a child staying at OK Kids Korral. Other items include a luxury golf getaway to Cabo San Lucas, a painting by Zonly Looman, a hog hunt, a golf cart and a one-of-a-kind offering from event host and organizer Toby Keith. Silent auction items include signed memorabilia from music makers and sports icons, getaways and more. Silent auction bidding begins online May 5.
On May 21, 54 golf teams will enjoy a dual shotgun start at Keith’s Belmar Golf Club in Norman. The day concludes with a closest-to-hole shootout for $10,000.
For more information, go to winningticket.com/tkfgc-2022.
Event honors 10 outstanding women
Oklahoma Hospitality Club hosted its 54th Ladies in the News April 8 honoring 10 remarkable Oklahoma women. Attendees enjoyed a raffle, lunch and style show.
Proceeds benefited Pivot – A Turning Point for Youth and Curbside Flowers, which made the centerpiece floral arrangements.
This year’s honorees were Kitti Asberry, executive director of the Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women; Clytie Bunyan, managing editor for diversity, community engagement and opinion at The Oklahoman; Priscilla Cude, First Bethany Bank & Trust president and CEO; AJ Griffin, director of government and community affairs for Paycom; Robin Gunn, founder of Oklahoma Senior Journal and host of The Rise and Thrive OSJ Radio Hour; Heather Lunsford, chair of the studio art and design department and the director of the Nona Jean Hulsey Gallery at Oklahoma City University; Donna Miller, CEO and co-founder of Purse Power; Sarah Rahhal, CEO at Sunbeam Family Services; Kym Koch Thompson, founder of Koch Communications and OROS Analytics; and Tarah Warren, executive director and founder of Tenaciously Teal.
Oklahoma Hospitality Club has raised millions of dollars since 1923 and given to Oklahoma charities to assist their missions.
Festival features hot air balloon rides, fun run
SHAWNEE — Twenty-five hot air balloons will take flight at the fifth annual Firelake Fireflight Balloon Fest Aug. 12-13 at Raymond Peltier Park, 1702 S Gordon Cooper Drive.
The Citizen Potawatomi Nation is hosting the weekend of live music, fireworks, 5K fun run and family friendly activities, including a kid zone with petting zoo, splash pad and inflatables. Guests will have the opportunity to ride in hot air balloons and enjoy the entertainment from the sky.
A variety of merchandise will be available from regional artists, craftspeople and retailers at a vendor market. The Outdoor Nation Expo will take place at FireLake Arena featuring hunting and fishing vendors and activities. Registration is open for the 5K run. Limited RV spots are available. Balloon rides will go on sale July 12. For more information, go to firelakeballoonfest.com.
Oklahoma Humanities pursues ‘More Perfect Union’
Oklahoma Humanities presents an initiative that explores American history and its influence on the present. “A More Perfect Union: America at 250” examines the evolution of America, its democratic principles and the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Using historical and contemporary experiences, this initiative will include diverse perspectives from groups who have been historically underrepresented.
Programming includes reading and discussion groups, curated resources, podcasts, more than 100 articles from Oklahoma Humanities magazine and links for further learning. Thousands of students statewide will compete in the annual Oklahoma National History Day. For more information, programming and resources, go to okhumanities.org/ initiative/a-more-perfect-union-america-at-250.
Jasco grants funds to Salvation Army
The Jasco Giving Hope Foundation recently granted funds to the Salvation Army of Arkansas-Oklahoma to help with programs critical to meeting needs for the most vulnerable.
The Jasco Giving Hope Foundation has granted more than $600,000 since 2019 and has been dedicated to projects including operating expenses and an emergency standby generator for the Oklahoma City location, The Salvation Army’s pandemic efforts and response, and upgrades to the campgrounds of Camp Heart O’Hills in Welling.
In addition to the financial contributions, Jasco team members also blessed Angels in the Angel Tree program this past Christmas.
For more information, go to salvationarmyusa.org and byjasco.com.