Looking for a fun night on the town while also giving back to your community? Many nonprofits in Cleveland County offer galas throughout the year to raise the money they need to fulfill their missions. Many are quite elaborate, with big-name speakers, live and silent auctions, great food and drink, and much more. Following is a round-up of some of the area’s biggest upcoming galas and info on how you can participate.
1. Women’s Resource Center Gala
At the 2019 Women's Resource Center Gala Oct. 4, three people will be celebrated who have dedicated their lives to the field of gender-based violence. This year’s theme will celebrate the Kentucky Derby, so break out those bow ties and big hats! Derby attire is encouraged; otherwise, dress is business casual. For information and tickets, visit WRCNormanok.org/wrc-gala. Some 100 people attended last year’s WRC Gala. Over $8,000 was raised to support the important work of the Women’s Resource Center, the only certified agency in Cleveland County to serve victims of domestic violence, sexual violence and stalking.
2019 Women’s Resource Center Gala
Friday, Oct. 4
The Hall at the Railhouse
102 W. Eufaula St., Norman.
2. Assistance League of Norman All Hallows Gala
Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! On Friday, Oct. 25, the Assistance League of Norman will host an All Hallows Gala. Although the theme has changed this year from years past, the gala is the league’s biggest fundraiser of the year, and all proceeds benefit the organization's signature program, Operation School Bell. Costumes are encouraged and masquerade masks will be sold at the door.
To purchase tickets or make a donation, please visit the league's website.
Assistance League of Norman's
All Hallow's Gala
The Nest at Terra Verde
1000 36th Ave. SE, Norman
3. Nicole Jarvis MD Parkinson's Research Foundation Inc. Winter Gala
The Nicole Jarvis Winter Gala features a social hour with a silent auction, seated dinner with inspirational speakers and a fabulous live auction at the end. This gala is Oklahoma’s only Team Fox event, and 100% of the money donated through Team Fox is used to support research funding by the Michael J. Fox Foundation. The foundation has raised and donated over $1.6 million since its inception in 2012. For more information and tickets, visit JarvisMDParkinsonsFoundation.org.
2019 Nicole Jarvis Winter Gala
Thursday, Dec. 12
Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center
2501 Conference Drive in Norman
4. Junior League of Norman Charity Ball
The Junior League of Norman’s "Taster's Affair" Charity Ball returns in February 2020 with multiple local restaurants providing samples from their menu.
The evening also will include a silent auction, raffle and dancing. Come dressed for your favorite decade, formal or informal, and invite your friends for a fun night.
The 2020 event will mark the return of the Cleveland County Lifestyle VIP area. Enjoy the fun by adding on VIP access to tickets or a table.
"Each year, our community comes together for a fun evening to support our league and the many local programs we organize," said Krystyn Richardson, event co-chair and owner of BOLD Multimedia.
Tickets start at $75 each, or you can purchase a table to guarantee a seat and sit with the guests of your choice. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.Check out their website for information as it becomes available.
Feb. 29
Tera Verde
1000 36th Ave SE, Norman
5. ABLE Comedy Night
ABLE’s annual event, Comedy for a Cause, features a stand-up comedian, a silent auction, a wine pull and a raffle. With all the generous sponsors and donations, enough funds have been raised to allow for reconstruction on clients’ homes in the community. 2020’s event is tentatively scheduled for the Main Street Event Center in Norman on Aug. 14. For details, please check out okable.org closer to event time.