OKLAHOMA CITY — All things Austin will be the themed event when Upward Transitions’ supporters attend an in-person fundraiser following a two-year hiatus.
Upward Transitions will host an annual fundraiser, “American Tourist: Hello Austin!” from 6:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Friday, May 6, 2022, at Oklahoma City’s Historic Farmers Public Market located at 311 South Klein Avenue, to address homelessness in Oklahoma County. Event tickets may be purchased: American Tourist – Upward Transitions
Major sponsors for this year’s event include Porter Hedges LLP; Ray & Lisa Lees; Cannon Law Firm, PLLC; Claims Management Resources; Attorney Tim Dowd with Elias, Books, Brown & Nelson, P.C; Home Creations; Land Information Services; NBC Oklahoma; OG&E; Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C.; Scott Love and Larry Cassil; Carl Stern and Joe Norton; and The Chickasaw Nation. Markie Berg with OG&E is the event chair, and former broadcaster Shawn Carey will be the master of ceremonies.
“American Tourist is our signature event,” said Periann Pulliam, Upward Transitions CEO. “We’re excited to be able to gather in person again with our supporters and donors! We know there will be something for everyone at our event and look forward to sharing our mission with our community.”
Upward Transitions will also honor Wade Brawley with the “Inspiring Hope” award for his work with the nonprofit and the Oklahoma City community.
“Wade has been a champion of Upward Transitions and our mission to end generational poverty in Central Oklahoma since he first served on our board of directors in 2004,” said Pulliam. “He has not only given of himself as a leader in our organization, he has shared his commitment to Upward Transitions with countless friends and colleagues, and we couldn’t be more excited to honor him.”
Guests will be treated to live and silent auctions, wine and jewelry pulls, and a raffle, which all feature items ranging from $20 to $3,200 in value. The auctions include a “Thunder Experience” package with two floor seats and an arena dinner at an Oklahoma City Thunder game with a one-night stay at the Skirvin Hotel; a beautiful painting by local artist Tim Kenney valued at $2800; and a variety of themed baskets and experiences. Guests can win beautiful jewelry from Kendra Scott and Rustic Cuff and a variety of red or white wines. A “Sunset Sail Date Night” complete with a boat captain and cocktails, dinner at Red Rock Grill, and a stay at The Bradford House will be the featured package for the raffle.
Center stage entertainment features DRIVE’s six-piece band performing a variety of music throughout the evening, concluding with dancing from 10:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
The evening’s menu will feature BBQ and all the fixings; salad provided by Hideaway Pizza; appetizers from Uptown Grocery; desserts prepared by Francis Tuttle’s School of Culinary Arts; and the official event beverage called the “Tito’s Two-Step” sponsored by Cannon Law Firm.
Upward Transitions assists people experiencing homelessness and those at risk of becoming homeless. Last year, Upward Transitions served more than 5,500 people through programs including rent and utility assistance to prevent homelessness, assistance in regaining identity with ID cards and birth certificates for those who are experiencing homelessness, and emergency travel for victims of domestic violence and human trafficking and stranded travelers.
Over 50 dedicated Upward Transitions volunteers assist visitors at the two information booths at Will Rogers World Airport 365 days a year serving over 100,000 visitors a year.
For more than 97 years, Upward Transitions has touched the lives of Oklahomans by helping families and individuals who face threats to financial stability. The organization works in collaboration with other local nonprofits to help families and individuals reach their potential with the ability to support themselves and contribute back to their community.
For more information and tickets, call (405) 232-5507, email info@upwardtransitions.org, or visit the website: www.upwardtransitions.org/americantourist