OKLAHOMA CITY – Upward Transitions, one of Oklahoma City’s oldest and most treasured nonprofit organizations, held its annual travel-themed fundraising gala May 8, 2026, at the Skirvin Hilton in Downtown Oklahoma City. Each year the organization recognizes one community leader at their “American Tourist,” event.
The Inspiring Hope Award is given to a leader who embodies the phrase, “…inspiring hope in our neighbors…” taken from the mission statement of the 501 (c) (3) organization.
“We are delighted to honor Christian Keesee with our Inspiring Hope Award,” said Upward Transitions’ CEO, Periann Pulliam. “Through his leadership, the Kirkpatrick Family Fund has supported the missions of organizations like Upward Transitions to enhance the quality of life in Central Oklahoma.”
Through his leadership, philanthropy, and unwavering commitment to improving lives, Christian Keesee exemplifies the values celebrated by Upward Transitions. His work continues to inspire hope, strengthen communities, and create lasting impact across generations.
The 2026 “Inspiring Hope” Award presentation was a highlight of the American Tourist: British Invasion event, celebrating not only Keesee’s achievements but also the collective effort to uplift and empower Oklahoma’s most vulnerable citizens.
Keesee’s leadership, innovation, and philanthropy have earned him national recognition and numerous accolades. His work has been featured in publications such as The New York Times, Fine Art Connoisseur, okcFRIDAY, and The Oklahoman, highlighting his enduring commitment to community enrichment and cultural advancement.
A philanthropist, banker, and art collector, Keesee’s charitable focus spans animal wellbeing, arts, and arts education in central Oklahoma, Green Mountain Falls, Colorado, and New York City. He serves as chairman of his family foundations and oversees grants supporting arts, culture, social services, humanitarian efforts, education, beautification, animal welfare, environmental conservation, and historic preservation.
Upward Transitions’ American Tourist gala is an annual event inviting donors and guests to an evening of food and beverages inspired by a chosen destination city with dancing and live music to raise funds for Upward Transitions’ charitable mission to “prevent generational poverty” in the Oklahoma City and Oklahoma County areas.
News Channel 9’s Lisa Monahan and Megan Gold co-hosted the event as emcees, and live rock and roll from the bands of the British Invasion era as well as some good old, American Classic Rock were provided by The Wise Guys Band with special guest, Edgar Cruz. Funds were raised through live, silent, and online auctions; a game of Singo (musical bingo); a wine pull; and a jewelry pull all of which took place during the evening’s festivities. Auctioneer Brian Preston engaged and entertained the crowd as generous supporters of Upward Transitions tried to outbid one another for the live auction items to fund the organization’s Community Outreach Program.
The event raised $129,500 for Upward Transitions’ Community Outreach Program serving families and individuals who are experiencing homelessness, at risk of homelessness through evictions, or stranded by providing case management and stabilizing resources to help meet basic social needs.
For more than 100 years, Upward Transitions has touched the lives of Oklahomans in need. Upward Transitions’ mission is to prevent generational poverty through community collaboration, emergency relief, and empowerment, therefore inspiring hope in families and individuals experiencing housing instability.
Sponsors supporting the American Tourist Gala included a diverse number of both individuals and local corporations:
Tower Bridge Sponsors
Bank of Oklahoma
Kirkpatrick Foundation
Kirkpatrick Family Fund
Porter Hedges, LLP
Ray and Lisa Lees
Abbey Road Sponsors
Wade and Rebecca Brawley
Tim and Pam Dowd
First United Bank
Debra and Larry Logan
Stantec
Piccadilly Circus Sponsors
BancFirst
Claims Management Resources
Crowe & Dunlevy
Lawrence & Ronna Davis
First National Bank of Oklahoma
E.L. and Thelma Gaylord Foundation
Forvis Mazars
McAfee & Taft
okc Friday
OG&E
Ogletree Deakins Law Firm
Quail Creek Bank
Beverage Sponsors
Cannon & Associates
For information about Upward Transitions and its programs and services, visit www.upwardtransitions.org, or contact Conna Dewart, Development and Public Relations Manager at 405-232-5507 or cdewart@upwardtransitions.org.
For pictures and more information about the “American Tourist” annual gala, visit www.upwardtransitions.org/AmericanTourist26-gallery.
