Jeanette North, OCR executive director, tells those attending Owasso's Best Gala about how the organization received a $20,000 donation.

Jeanette North, Owasso Community Resources executive director, said a lot of people were raving how elegant the event was and how much fun they had.

"It was the best event Owasso ever had," was one comment North heard from one attendee.

OCR was the beneficiary of the fund-raiser which brought in $56,000, an all-time high for charity funds raised in Owasso except for United Way.

With just $1,000 in expenses, North said that leaves $55,000 to help the OCR budget for the year.

"It's called Owasso citizens helping Owasso citizens in need, and everyone was so generous I was overwhelmed," she said.

Mike Henry, OCR board president, said, "It was three times the best gala we've ever had.

"I was excited how it went, the turn-out, the enthusiasm. It exceeded my expectations on every count."

The Bailey Education Building at the Bailey Medical Center was the setting for the 218 who participated in the event.

The evening was black-tie/casual and everyone took the theme seriously.

Fitness Together took the contest trophy home for cowboy casual, and Jerry Hixon of ONG took first place in his camouflage ensemble complete with tux jacket and camo hankie.

Second place went to Alfredo Ontiveros, Bailey Medical Center CEO, with his Hawaiian shirt to compliment his classic tuxedo look.

"The night was elegant with an air of fun - no stuffy gala feel, but a party with a purpose," North said.

The guests were greeted at the door by Mayor Steve Cataudella and wife, Kenna and pictures taken by Loy Payne of Loy's Photography, who donated back to OCR.

Bailey Medical Center loaned its Chef Barrington for this event on Saturday, March 31st plus Ryan Woodward and the kitchen staff. National Steak and Poultry supplied the entrees and the items necessary to prepare the hors d'oeuvres, soup, salads, side dishes and desserts were furnish by Reasor's and Albertson's.

The bread was from Panera and hand selected wine and beer for this event was compliments of our Sponsoring Host and Hostess, Lynn and Barbara Owens.

Starbucks provided their flavored teas and on-site espresso machines and prepare coffee drinks and teas for the guest as they arrived.

Entertainment was provided by the University of Tulsa's string quartet, a sneak preview from the Owasso Community Choir followed by Father Bradley and his Blood Sisters (Sibling Harmony) who performed soft rock sounds.

Office Depot, Sav-on Printing and Wal-mart supplied the invitations and printed material.

Silent and live auction items were provided by 61 merchants.

The guest list was a real who's who included Sen. Randy and Donna Brogdon, State Representative David and Kim Derby, Collinsville Mayor Stan and Kim Sallee, City Managers Rodney Ray and Pam Polk and spouses, County Commissioner John and Lesa Smaligo, Dr. Clark and Phyllis Ogilvie, Frosty and Gayla Turpin, Mr. and Mrs. Mike Stacy, Mr. and Mrs. Tim Rich, Alfredo and Donna Ontiveros, Dr. Painter, Dr. Jim and Angela Hess, Bart and Brenda Snow, Frank and Jane Enzbrenner and many, other dignitaries and special guest.

AEP/PSO, Bailey Educational Foundation, Bailey Medical Center, F&M Bank and Trust, Oklahoma Natural Gas, RCB Bank, St. John Owasso, Trish Hauser-Shelter Insurance, The Stacy Group, The Tate Boys and Wal-mart were Corporate sponsors and Ken Underwood, Lynn and Barbara Owens and Ron and Jeanette North were host and hostess table sponsors.

Proceeds go to OCR to help continue its good works providing emergency utility assistance, food, counseling, referrals and 575 backpacks and supplies to Owasso Public Schools, 175 families with Thanksgiving meals and 430 children with holiday gifts to Owasso and Collinsville citizens in need.

Charles Brown, a new OCR board member, sent this email to North: "Thanks for all your hard work in putting together such a fine event, and for your service to the citizens of Owasso through OCR."

Jenna Dalessandro, manager at Best Buy, sent this comment: "We had a great time. You have a definite gift for entertaining!"

For more information about OCR, call 272-4969 or go to the Web site www.owassohelps.com.