The Center of Family Love resident heroes to host 9th annual Gift of Love Gala

After two years of virtual events, the million-dollar gala returns with more thrilling surprises at the 9th annual Gift of Love Gala on June 4 at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. 

This year, in a ground-breaking step, the residents will host the event, showcasing their talents and their love to the very guests that fund The Center of Family Love. Participants’ financial support makes the lifetime care possible for 130 residents and families who cannot afford to live there. 

One of the largest fundraisers in the state, the gala will display the extraordinary talents of these heroes who are conquering their intellectual and physical disabilities. They will display their capabilities, serving guests in every capacity, like garnishing drinks with herbs hand-grown by residents in the CFL Farm-to-Fork program. 

These heroes will greet guests with smiles and hugs, and will provide an Oklahoma City Ballet performance. 

“I am thankful and grateful to God in more ways than one that they are helping other people with disabilities,” says Ryan, a four-year “hero” who lives at CFL.

For more than 40 years, The Center of Family Love has pioneered innovative programming to develop intellectually and developmentally impacted adults to discover their talents and become the best version of themselves. Initially established in 1981 by the Knights of Columbus, president and CEO Debbie Espinosa’s vision has taken the individual experience of each hero to a whole new personalized level. 

“We are determined to give our heroes the support and opportunities to spread their wings and discover gifts and talents within themselves. This will allow them to acquire and develop the skills necessary to make their dreams come true for themselves, and to those who will conquer disabilities in the generations to come,” Espinosa said. 

Many of the resources that enable the residents to thrive are a direct result of funding from the Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, which will be presented with the Carol and Bill Brown Outstanding Community Ambassador Award at the gala. 

David Egan, director of operations for Cattlemen’s Steakhouse, who will be honored at the gala with the Harold J. Wittrock Award, has been a witness to the empowerment provided to CFL heroes through the Farm-to-Fork program. 

“To be here, and to witness and see the residents in action, is to see God’s love being transformed in these people. I think we’re all called to leave this world a little better than we found it. We are standing on the shoulders of some very generous and dedicated people who got The Center of Family Love where it is today, but there is a long way to go and it’s only through the generosity of all the supporters that this can all take place,” Egan said.

Malcolm Tubbs, on-court emcee for the Oklahoma City Thunder, will be this year’s emcee. The evening will begin at 6 p.m. with a cocktail hour, entertainment provided by residents, cash raffle drawings, live auction, dancing and Frank Sinatra inspired entertainment provided by Wade Tower.


The Gift of Love Gala – June 4
Tickets $250 pp; $2,500 for table of 10
Sponsorship opportunities
Contact Jalaina Hammett
[email protected]
Register at cflinc.org/gala 
(405) 263-4658, Ext. 1009


Photo: (Above) The Center of Family Love resident, David, pictured with CEO Debbie Espinosa at the 6th annual Gift of Love Gala in 2019.



The Center of Family Love resident, Ashlye, working in the greenhouse on the campus in Okarche. Photos provided.