The Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy (OICA) is preparing for its annual Heroes Ball, a major fundraising event focused on celebrating individuals and organizations dedicated to improving the lives of children across Oklahoma while supporting the organization’s ongoing advocacy work.
The event will be held on Saturday, July 25, at the OKC Farmers Public Market, 311 S. Klein Ave., beginning at 6 p.m. The fundraiser will bring together supporters, community leaders, and child advocates for an evening featuring awards, entertainment, and fundraising opportunities.
Heroes Ball serves as OICA’s most significant fundraising initiative of the year, helping ensure the organization can continue its efforts to protect Oklahoma’s children and advance policies that support families and young people.
“Heroes Ball is our most important fundraiser of the year. Not only is it a night where we recognize the most important heroes for children (you!), but it also ensures we can continue our mission to protect Oklahoma’s children.”
The organization emphasized that donor support plays a critical role in sustaining its programs and advocacy initiatives.
“Our work is made possible by the generosity of our donors!”
OICA is also extending a special sponsorship opportunity connected to the event. The offer includes two tickets to Heroes Ball along with a calendar page sponsorship for $1,000, allowing supporters to participate in the event while contributing to the organization’s annual outreach efforts.
Event to Honor Historic NAACP Youth Council Activism
A key focus of this year’s Heroes Ball will be a tribute to the NAACP Youth Council members who participated in peaceful protests that helped influence the civil rights movement in Oklahoma.
OICA will recognize the Sit-In Youth and host a panel discussion highlighting how their actions created lasting change. The organization is honoring the young activists and their teacher, Clara Luper, who led a group of Oklahoma children and teenagers in a 1958 lunch counter sit-in to challenge racial segregation.
The demonstration became a defining moment in Oklahoma’s civil rights history and showed the impact that young advocates could have in shaping social progress.
“In 1958, a group of courageous Oklahoma children and teenagers along with their teacher, Clara Luper, sat down at a lunch counter to stand up for justice.”
“They didn’t just change local policy; they ignited a movement that altered the course of American history.”
OICA said the recognition reflects its commitment to preserving the legacy of those young activists while inspiring future generations to continue advocating for children and communities.
“OICA is honoring the legacy of those young advocates while helping to build the next generation of child advocacy in Oklahoma.”
Awards Program to Recognize Individuals and Organizations
The Heroes Ball program will include a cocktail hour, the main celebration, complimentary drinks, silent and live auctions, live painting by Zonly Looman, and opportunities for guests to take photos with superhero-themed characters.
The event will also recognize the 2026 Award Honorees for their contributions to child advocacy and community service. Honorees include Clara Luper (posthumous) and NAACP Youth Council, PIVOT, Carmelita Skeeter, Labor Commissioner Leslie Osborn, and The Honorable Fred Harris (posthumous).
The event will also feature the 2026 People’s Choice Award finalists, with attendees participating in the final voting process.
Individual finalists include Lou Carmichael of Variety Care, Michele DeBerry, Ed.D. of Oklahoma Autism Network, Meghan Hollingsworth of Pioneer Library System, Trisha Koelsch of Calm Waters, Maci Shoemaker of Cordell Memorial Hospital, and Julie Sisler, Ph.D. of Bethesda, Inc.
Organizational finalists include Bethesda, Inc., Hearts for Hearing, New World Comics Superhero School, Oklahoma CASA, Oklahoma Parents for Student Achievement, Parent Promise, and Urban Bridge.
“The final votes cast in the People’s Choice Award voting will be by those in attendance. These last votes almost always determine the winner. To make sure you vote counts for your choice, get your tickets now and be there on July 25th!”
Sponsorship Opportunity Supports OICA Calendar Initiative
In addition to supporting the fundraising event, sponsors will contribute to OICA’s annual calendar project. The organization distributes the calendar to members, members of the Oklahoma Legislature, child advocacy partners, and members of the Congressional delegation.
Each calendar page features the day of the month, family or child statistics, a featured partner organization, the sponsor of the day, and an optional sponsor message.
OICA said the calendar provides an important platform for sharing information about children and families while recognizing organizations working to strengthen communities.
With seats still available, the organization is encouraging supporters to attend Heroes Ball and join others committed to advancing child advocacy efforts throughout Oklahoma.
