FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: UPWARD TRANSITIONS CENTENNIAL GALA TO BE HELD AT THE SKIRVIN MAY 9, 2025
OKLAHOMA CITY – Upward Transitions, one of Oklahoma City’s oldest and most treasured nonprofit organizations continues to celebrate its centennial year with a 1925-themed gala at the Skirvin Hilton in Downtown Oklahoma City this coming May.
The “American Tourist” annual fundraising event for the organization is usually themed for a specific worldwide destination. In the past, over 300 guests each year have enjoyed destination themes from “Cruising the Caribbean,” “Paris,” “Polynesian Paradise,” “New York,” “Havana,” and even “Wild, Wild West.”
Image: Left to Right: Mike Hampton, Debby Hampton, Teresa Rose, Tim Denny at American Tourist 2024 Event: “New Orleans”
“Our organization began as Travelers Aid in 1925, the year The Great Gatsby was published,” explained CEO, Periann Pulliam, “so we thought it was only right to theme our centennial destination as 1925 with the décor, music, elegance, and fun of The Great Gatsby days.”
The event supports Upward Transitions’ programs to serve the most vulnerable in Central Oklahoma. Those who are experiencing homelessness or who are at risk of homelessness receive case management and stabilizing resources to help meet their basic needs. With programs that provide rent and utility payment assistance to prevent evictions; emergency travel to assist stranded travelers and victims of crime; and help retrieving birth certificates and State IDs, the organization’s ultimate goal is to serve individuals and families during times of financial devastation, so they remain or can return to being productive contributors to their community.
“Our staff, board of directors, and volunteers are excited to celebrate 100 years of serving our community. We are so proud of the work of those who came before us, and we are committed to building on their legacy into a second century,” said Pulliam. “We invite past clients, board members, donors, volunteers, and staff along with the entire community to join us in our centennial celebration. We hope to share this momentous occasion with anyone who has been touched by our work.”
Tickets, sponsorships, and reserved tables for “American Tourist 1925, A Centennial Celebration,” are currently on sale. The time-traveling glamour will feature live jazz by the Justin Echols Trio, dancing, dinner, and a cash bar. Wine and jewelry pulls, live and silent auctions, and a raffle will be held as well.
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 more information about the “American Tourist 1925” centennial celebration, visit www.upwardtransitions.org/AmericanTourist.
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