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Saint Pat's
Ball Moves to Downtown Oklahoma City Hotel
Proceeds from the St. Patrick’s Day Grand Marshal Ball will benefit Catholic Charities of Oklahoma City, said Jane McDonnell, Chairman of the Ball. “Catholic Charities is a reputable organization which helps people of all religions and races in fighting poverty in our own community,” McDonnell said. “The proceeds from the ball will be used for Catholic Charities Family HOPE; social services that enable families with emergency needs to obtain temporary assistance and long-term case management in restoring their financial independence. The need for these services has continually grown in the past few years.” The Sheraton Hotel, (formerly the Westin) is a new venue this year for the annual ball. The special evening will begin at 6:30 p.m. The festivities include a formal sit-down dinner, Irish performers, silent and live auction, and dancing to the music of Pearl. The Irish entertainment features Tommy Cunningham, tenor; Jean Hill, School of Irish Dancing; and Wayne Cantrell, fiddler. The ball is a black-tie (optional) affair and tickets are $125 per person. Corporate tables are $2,500, $5,000, $7,500, and $10,000. Corporate tables receive recognition in printed materials and media outlets. The Grand Marshal Ball, which began in 1998, has grown into an attendance of over 250 guests. “Our goal this year is to increase attendance to 350. We welcome our previous supporters to this event, but also encourage newcomers to join in this fun and festive occasion,” McDonnell said. All the proceeds generated from the ball go to Catholic Charities for direct services. This year’s Grand Marshal for the Ball and St. Patrick’s Day Parade is Lyn Hester. The honor of Grand Marshal is given to someone of Irish decent who has demonstrated positive civic and charitable contributions in Oklahoma. Mrs. Hester will be recognized at the ball, and will be honored as Grand Marshal during the St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 19, beginning at 1 p.m. in downtown Oklahoma City. Hester is Vice President of Comm-unity Services for INTEGRIS Health, a 14-hospital system and the largest Oklahoma-owned system in the state. She oversees all Senior Services, a Hispanic Initiative, Mentoring Programs, Humor Serv-ices, educational programs, and community activities. She has been an active member in the community serving on several boards and organizations. In 1989, Lyn founded the National Clown and Laughter Hall of Fame and currently serves as chairman of the board promoting the healing art of laughter. For the Grand Marshal Ball tickets, please contact Connie Blaney, Public Information Director, at Catholic Charities’ Public Inform-ation Office, (405)-523-3000. Reserv-ations with payments must be made by March 4, 2005. Tickets will not be sold at the door. Corporate Sponsors to date include Teleflora/Meinders Foun-dation, Integris Health, Freemont Enterprises, Midfirst Bank, Daily Oklahoman; Kelley, Kelley, Gregory /Milligan Enterprises; Mr. and Mrs. Mike Steffen; KFOR-Oklahoma’s News Channel 4; and Robert Robles Company. |
