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June 28, 2019The Center of Family Love and the Oklahoma Knights of Columbus hosted the 6 th Annual Gift of Love Gala on June 15 at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, raising more than $1 million for residents with intellectual and physical disabilities who reside at the center in Okarche.
Founded in 1981 by members of the Oklahoma Knights of Columbus, The Center of Family Love has empowered hundreds of individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities to live productive, meaningful and joyful lives while inspiring them to reach for and achieve their dreams. Pioneering new approaches in the field of disabilities, the center provides one of the most innovative educational, vocational and residential programs in the nation and is recognized in Oklahoma as a preeminent and model community.
The Center of Family Love provides homes and careers for 130 residents through proven, high-quality services for people who live with physical and neurological disabilities, including: cerebral palsy, autism, muscular dystrophy, Down syndrome, development delays, spinal injuries and intellectual disabilities.
This year, The Center of Family Love honored Monsignor Patrick Gaalaas of the Diocese of Tulsa, who is a COFL board member. Monsignor Gaalaas was awarded the organization’s Carol and Bill Brown Outstanding Community Ambassador Award for his exceptional strides for life, for his community involvement throughout the dioceses and for his enthusiasm and support for the center.
The center also honored Willard Patocka of Enid, who serves as the Oklahoma Knights of Columbus Foundation president and a COFL board member. Patocka received the Harold J. Wittrock Humanitarian Award for his involvement in his community’s outreach to the less fortunate, for his dedication to serving the residents at the center and for his loyalty and commitment to a population of people who are often neglected and marginalized.
Following a blessing from Archbishop Coakley, residents of the center performed a sign language rendition of “Don’t Give Up On Me” by Andy Grammer as special guest musician, Scott Floyd, sang and provided guitar accompaniment. This year’s emcee was Malcolm Tubbs, feature reporter for Fox 25 Morning News and on-court emcee for the Oklahoma City Thunder.
To learn more about the center, go online to www.centeroffamilylove.org.
Photo: The Center of Family Love’s Chief Executive Officer, Debbie Espinosa, directs residents of the center in a rendition of “Don’t Give Up On Me” by Andy Grammer as special guest musician, Scott Floyd, provides guitar accompaniment. Photo provided.
