OKLAHOMA CITY — More than 400 child advocates, community leaders, elected officials, nonprofit organizations, and supporters gathered in Oklahoma City for the 10th Annual Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA) Heroes Ball, celebrating individuals and organizations whose work has strengthened the lives of children across Oklahoma.
The annual gala served as both a recognition of long-standing contributions to child advocacy and an opportunity to highlight collaborative efforts that continue to shape policies and services benefiting children and families throughout the state. Organizers described the event as one of the organization’s most successful gatherings, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds who share a common commitment to improving opportunities for Oklahoma’s youth.
One of the evening’s highlights was a keynote panel featuring members of the historic NAACP Youth Council, whose activism under the guidance of civil rights leader Clara Luper during the 1950s and 1960s played a pivotal role in the desegregation of Oklahoma City. Their efforts helped inspire a broader civil rights movement that extended well beyond the state.
OICA recognized the significance of hosting many of the surviving participants and members of the Youth Council’s Legacy Committee. Their contributions to civil rights history continue to be remembered through educational and community initiatives. A television special by Bobbie Miller is scheduled to air on News 9 in Oklahoma City and News on 6 in Tulsa on August 19, commemorating the anniversary of the historic sit-in and honoring the Youth Council’s legacy.
Public Officials and Community Leaders Receive Recognition
The event also honored a range of public officials, nonprofit leaders, and organizations whose work has had a meaningful impact on children and families across Oklahoma.
Among those recognized was Oklahoma Labor Commissioner Leslie Osborn, who is concluding her service in office in January. OICA highlighted her partnership with the organization in efforts to strengthen and protect child labor laws throughout the state.
The family of the late U.S. Sen. Fred Harris attended the ceremony, allowing guests to reflect on the senator’s decades of public service in Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Washington, D.C. His leadership and advocacy for public service were remembered as part of his lasting legacy.
Another notable recognition celebrated Carmelita Skeeter, whose 50 years of service with the Indian Healthcare Resource Center of Tulsa marked a significant milestone in community healthcare leadership. Family members and colleagues joined the celebration honoring her dedication to improving healthcare services for Native communities.
Pivot, an Oklahoma City nonprofit focused on addressing youth homelessness, received OICA’s organizational award. The organization continues to work with community partners and policymakers to reduce homelessness among young people in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area through support services and long-term policy initiatives.
People’s Choice Awards Spotlight Outstanding Community Service
The ceremony also featured the presentation of the Anne Roberts People’s Choice Awards, named in honor of OICA’s longest-serving executive director and a nationally recognized advocate for children’s policy.
Trisha Koelsch of Calm Waters received the individual People’s Choice Award, while Hearts for Hearing earned the organizational award following votes cast by more than 17,000 Oklahomans.
Organizers emphasized that although two winners were selected, all 13 finalists represented exceptional examples of community service. Their work spans a broad range of programs supporting children and families through healthcare, counseling, education, and advocacy.
The awards demonstrated strong public engagement while recognizing the many organizations and individuals working to improve outcomes for children across Oklahoma.
Community Support Helps Advance OICA’s Mission
In addition to honoring award recipients, the Heroes Ball included live and silent auctions featuring a variety of donated experiences and prizes. Sports-themed dinners, exclusive experiences with Oklahoma sports personalities, and premium football game packages generated enthusiasm among attendees while helping raise funds for OICA’s advocacy efforts.
The organization also acknowledged the generosity of sponsors, businesses, and individual donors whose contributions helped make the fundraising activities successful. OICA noted that additional recognition of sponsors and award recipients, including video segments highlighting each honoree, will be available through the organization’s digital platforms.
Staff members, board members, youth governors, volunteers, and community supporters were recognized for their efforts in planning and executing the event. Former Oklahoma legislator Don Armes served as auctioneer, while Randy Cassimus provided music and recorded the keynote presentation so that it can be shared with broader audiences.
The strong attendance and widespread community participation reflected continued support for OICA’s mission to advocate for policies that protect and improve the lives of Oklahoma’s children. As the organization concludes its milestone 10th annual Heroes Ball, preparations are already underway for the next gala, scheduled for the final Saturday in July 2027, continuing its tradition of recognizing champions dedicated to serving children and families across the state.
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