"Your support this year continues to be a major indicator of the success of our campaign," Gary Paxton, 2007 United Way Campaign chairman, told the crowd attending a reception for members and guests of the organization's Alexis de Tocqueville Society.
"The Tulsa Area United Way remains the leader in effectively meeting the most pressing needs of this community and we do that because of your generosity," he added. Paxton, who is president and CEO of Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, noted that each day some 2,500 people in the six-county service area are helped by the Tulsa Area United Way through its 65 member agencies. The fall party for members and prospective members of the de Tocqueville Society was hosted by Bryan Close in his home. The society is made up of the United Way's leadership donors who personally donate $10,000 or more to the community's annual campaign. This year's campaign ends on Nov. 15. Dan Ellinor, 2007 chair and senior executive vice president of Bank of Oklahoma, N.A., announced "The Alexis de Tocqueville group represented 15 percent of last year's goal and these members are critical to the success of this year's campaign. Our goal is to exceed last year's numbers, both in members and percent of goal, and we think we can do that with the AdT Leadership Matching Grant Challenge." The Matching Grant Challenge consists of two grants of $200,000 each, funded by Henry Zarrow and George Kaiser, both longtime friends of the Tulsa Area United Way. All new AdT gifts or increases over last year's gifts will be matched dollar for dollar. This grant includes all new and increased Key Club gifts of $500 or more. This year's community-wide campaign kicked off on Sept. 7 with an overall goal of $23,266,434 to support all 65 local member United Way agencies. Ellinor and Paxton, who led the evening's program, recognized past board chairs and campaign chairs John Gaberino, Terry Carter, Bill Thomas and Joe Cappy. Past chairs Daryl Woodard, John Gaberino and Terry Carter were also acknowledged. Among the many attending the event were Sandra and John Barnett, Suzanne and Jim Kneale, Diana and Jim Benien, Ralph Evans, Marla and Steve Bradshaw, Kim and Rob Coretz, Margo and Kent Dunbar, David Hogan and June Patton, Patty and Len Eaton, Kristin Bender, Linda and Daryl Woodard, Sue and Jack Maxwell, Jill Thomas, Bryan Close and Gayle Abney, Marge and John Gaberino, Pat Brown with Laurie Bledsoe, Mary Lhevine and George Schnetzer, Patty and Joe Cappy, Susan and Bill Thomas, Debbie and Dean Luthey, and Debbie and John Favell. Also, Greg Stubblefield, Jackie Kouri and Gary Paxton, Angela Johnson and Dean Williams, Ellen and Carlisle Mabrey, Pam and Terry Carter, Alan Ross, Robert Thomas, Carol and Terry McDonald, Moon Hamra, Susan and Porter Shults, Sarah Hansel and Mike Cooke, Peter Walter, Bill Grant and Christi Tackkett, Bonnie and Joe Klein, Libby Johnson, Betty and Steve Pirnat, Lori and Mike Fletcher, Lynna Pollard, Kathy and Joe Craft, Fran and Bob Biolchini, Andrea and Dan Ellinor, Lori and Jeff Holmes, Marjorie Singer and Kenneth Renberg, Debbie and Steve Hildebrand, Debby and Steve Ganzkow, and Kevin Hayes. Tulsa Area United Way representatives on hand were Kathleen Coan, Laura Bell, John Cory, Shana Lamons, Cynthia Qualls, Anne Tarbel and Derk Tenzythoff.
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It's almost Carinvale time
It is back on our radar screen. It's the Carnivale season and plans for that huge extravaganza -- you know the one billed as the best party in Tulsa -- got started with a get-together at Steven Howard's KoKoa Chocolatier. The committee met to launch this legendary, fun-filled night benefiting the Mental Health Association in Tulsa. Now in its 19th year, Carnivale is set March 29 at the University of Tulsa's Donald W. Reynolds Center. Samantha Parham and Tony Henry are 2008 Carnivale chairmen. "Samantha and I are honored to be a part of this event and to work closely with the Mental Health Association to help improve our community," Henry said. Phil Long of Phil Long Productions said that each year it is a challenge to top the previous year's event. "But he always does," agreed the group at KoKoa. Long has traveled around the country to come up with the fabulous entertainment from Las Vegas that will perform -- including an eight-person teeterboard act, which is sure to dazzle, along with those surprises always in store. "Our guests will think they have been transported magically to Vegas and have a blast doing it," Long said. More importantly, the funds raised will help the Mental Health Association's 10 housing programs and much-needed support services. With the revenues generated from Carnivale, the Association is able to provide a home to 225 Tulsans affected by mental illness, many of whom would otherwise be living on the streets. Michael Tucker's logo design also got a standing ovation at the kick-off meeting. Carnivale committee members include: Carol and Robert Skib (patron chairs), Suzanne Warren (executive consultant), Tamra Sheehan (advisory chair), Phil Long (producer/director), Michael Tucker (graphic designer), Rita Singer (chair elect 2009), Sheila and Kevan Buck, Andie and Jason Doyle, Suzanne O'Brien, Julie and Ted Mundt, Nancy and Ryan Rex, Melissa and Rob Schmidt, and Donna Witt. Patrons include: High Rollers -- Bank of America, Laureate Psychiatric Clinic and Hospital, and Zarrow Families Foundation. Parade of Stars -- Tony Henry and Samantha Parham, New Dominion LLC, Tamra and David Sheehan, The University of Tulsa, and Mollie Williford. Sun Goddess and God -- Carol and Robert Skib, Tulsa Marriott Southern Hills, and Ann and John Wieczorek. Boas and Beauties -- Anchor Stone Company. Muscles and Masks -- Katie and David Bollinger, Sheila and Kevan Buck, Marilyn and Larry Lee, Phil Long, Marcy and Dr. Bernard Robinowitz, Rita and George Singer, Social Security Law Center, and Dr. and Mrs. H. Wallace Vandever. Bangles and Beads -- Judy and Dr. Jeff Alexander, Daryl and Bill Eaton, and Rose and Sheldon Miller. For more information about Carnivale or the Mental Health Association in Tulsa, contact Muriel Hakim at 382-2409.
Danna Sue Walker 581-8342