Reunion-Themed Green Tie Gala to Raise Money for Homeless Women in Oklahoma City

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – Tickets are on sale now for Catholic Charities of Oklahoma City’s Green Tie Gala being held on Saturday, March 5, 2022 at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. This annual fundraising event will return in-person to raise funds and awareness for women and children experiencing homelessness in our community.

Christi Jeffreys, the director of annual giving for Catholic Charities, says the committee and staff have been working hard to make this event unforgettable. 

“Green Tie Gala is a great way for non-Catholics and Catholics to mingle, enjoy entertainment and bid on all kinds of items,” said Jeffreys. “I am personally grateful to be able to work toward helping women and their children grow and thrive.”

After hosting the charity event virtually last year, Catholic Charities has chosen “reunion” as the theme for this year. Returning to host the event is local news anchor Amanda Taylor. The evening will include dinner, music, dancing, drinks, a live and silent auction, wine and scotch pull, live entertainment and more.

Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame musician, Justin Echols, will provide an evening of spectacular music. Echols, who has also been touring with fellow Oklahoman Kristin Chenoweth, will be accompanied by an orchestra throughout his performance. Echols was recently presented the Lee Allan Smith Oklahoma Legacy Award, a distinguished honor presented to those who engage in community efforts and create a legacy of pride for future generations.

This year’s auction boasts exclusive international trips provided by The American Fundraising Foundation (AMFund), a federally recognized non-profit devoted solely to raising funds for highly-respected charities worldwide. Other available items up for auction will be custom jewelry from Valerie Naifeh, a deluxe vacation package to Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort, dinner with Archbishop Paul Coakley, tickets to events and paintings from several local Oklahoma artists including Tim Kenney, Linda Tuma Robertson and Suzanne DuCom.

The evening will include a special award presentation. Gala honorees include Sister Betty Kehoe, who will be presented with the 2022 Green Tie Ambassador Award, and Dr. David Chansolme and the Infectious Diseases Specialists of Oklahoma City, receiving the 2022 Mosaic Award.

Community leaders Shannon and David Hill are serving as co-chairs for the gala. They are leading this black-tie event to raise money for the Sanctuary Women’s Development Centers in Oklahoma City and in Norman. 

“It is always an amazing evening of fellowship and inspiration, as those in attendance are able to hear directly from those whose lives have been transformed by the work that is done at these centers,” said Shannon Hill.

The Sanctuary Women’s Development Center supports basic human rights by offering homeless women resources and support to help alleviate the effects of poverty within the community.

“Our main goal is to help these women and children gain stability and to eventually find permanent housing and to be self-sustained,” said Racheal Singley, director of Sanctuary Women’s Development Center in Oklahoma City. “The sponsorships from this event are a true gift to women and children in need.” 

More than 600 attendees are expected at this year’s event. Advanced reservations are required. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available at GreenTieGala.org.

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About Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City

Guided by Catholic teaching, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City serves those in need, regardless of their faith, through transformative, empowering and dignity-affirming social service programs that seek to eliminate material, emotional and spiritual poverty across Central and Western Oklahoma. To learn more, call 405-523-3000, visit ccaokc.org, or follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.