Over $2 million gala launches new CFL vision

The Center of Family Love’s multi-million-dollar, 9th annual Gift of Love Gala, provided the impetus towards world-change, literally, for those conquering intellectual and physical disabilities. 

The black-tie event, held at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum earlier this summer, provided the platform that launched a new direction and expansion for the Okarche-based organization. Founded in 1981, the Center has been providing lifelong care and career opportunities for adults conquering disabilities, at no charge to families who cannot afford their care.

“We are excited to unlock the talents of our NextGen Heroes and infusing their love into the world,” Debbie Espinosa, president and CEO of CFL, said. Espinosa’s remarks referred to the biggest news of the night, that the Center of Family Love, and their partners attending the gala, are igniting an unstoppable global movement to empower future leaders in the workplace with different abilities. 

“The Center of Family Love is determined to change the biggest gaping hole in society for those who live with disabilities. For generations, children with developmental differences have not been given the opportunity for professional development after high school. Their extraordinary talents have been underdeveloped and they have not had opportunity to incorporate their abilities in advanced positions in our workforce … until now,” Espinosa said.

The Center of Family Love does much more than provide quality lifetime care to their residents. They discover and develop the hidden talents of each hero. A hero is someone who is admired for their courage, outstanding achievements and noble qualities. 

“When our residents conquer their disabilities every single day, they are heroes to us, and will one day soon be heroes to the next generation. We call them NextGen Heroes,” Espinosa said.

A centerpiece of their new vision is a brand-new 69,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art building that will serve, Espinosa described, “as a catalyst for career development and leadership training for those conquering disabilities. This building will not only serve our 130 current heroes, but an additional 600 elderly, veteran and disabled adults living in the Oklahoma City metro area who will continue to live at home supported by their families.” 

The vision is clearly shared by some of the most influential Oklahomans in the restaurant industry as well. David Egan, director of operations for Cattleman’s Steakhouse interrupted the gala proceedings with several other head chefs and owners from top Oklahoma City restaurants including: Kurt Fleischfresser, director of operations at Vast; Oliver Boudin, chief executive officer at Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club; Michel Buthion, owner of La Baguette Bistro; Verej Jazirvar executive vice president of Oklahoma City Petroleum Club; Rick Naifeh, president of Premium Brands Wine & Spirits and Greg Gawey, owner of Jamil’s Steakhouse. 
Egan spoke for the group, stating, “we believe in what the Center of Family Love is building, and we want to partner with your culinary art school to develop the next generation of sous chefs with different abilities. We can all use our expertise to help you develop your culinary program.”

Restauranteurs were not the only people that were impressed; a new documentary by a former BBC internationally-acclaimed documentary filmmaker will begin filming in 2022, covering the genesis of this global movement. 

“Together we are going to ignite a generational impact like nothing the world has ever seen. We invite you to join our global movement and redefine the next generation of role models, with different abilities, entering their rightful place in our workforce,” Espinosa said. 

Located in Okarche with more than 41 years of experience, the Center of Family Love has developed nationally recognized, innovative solutions to the ever-growing, worldwide demand for comprehensive development after high school, at no charge for those who cannot afford their lifelong care.


Photo: Center of Family Love residents, NextGen Dance Heroes, at the 9th annual Gift of Love Gala. Photos provided.