Nominations have officially opened for the Anne Roberts People’s Choice Awards, a key feature of the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy’s (OICA) annual Heroes Ball, as the organisation begins preparations for its 2026 fundraising and recognition event.
The Heroes Ball, scheduled to take place on Saturday, July 25, 2026, in Oklahoma City, serves as a flagship event for the organisation, recognising individuals and organisations that have made significant contributions to improving the lives of children across the state. Held at the historic Oklahoma City Farmers Public Market, the event combines celebration with fundraising efforts to support ongoing child advocacy initiatives.
Central to the evening will be the presentation of two Anne Roberts People’s Choice Awards, which are determined through a public nomination and voting process designed to engage the wider community in recognising impactful work.
“The Anne Roberts People’s Choice Awards are given annually to an Oklahoma individual and an organization the public feels deserve special acknowledgment,” said Joe Dorman, OICA’s CEO. “The process begins with nominations made by the Oklahomans and culminates with voting for the winners.”
The nomination process is now open to the public, marking the first stage in identifying this year’s recipients. Submissions can be made online via a dedicated nomination portal, with additional access provided through the organisation’s official website. The awards are intended to honour those whose primary mission—whether through paid employment or voluntary service—is focused on supporting and improving outcomes for young people.
Organisers have emphasised that nominees should demonstrate measurable impact or sustained commitment in advancing the wellbeing of Oklahoma’s youth. This includes individuals or programmes that have shown excellence in service delivery, advocacy, or community engagement.
Nominations will remain open until 5 p.m. on Friday, May 15, after which a selection process will begin. A committee composed of OICA board members will review submissions and shortlist finalists in both the individual and organisational categories.
“From the nominations, the finalists are narrowed down by a committee of OICA board members,” Dorman said. “Then, the people will be able to vote to choose the winners in both the individual and organization categories.”
Following the selection of finalists, participants will be required to submit supporting materials, including video presentations and biographical information. These materials will be made available to the public via OICA’s digital platforms, allowing voters to make informed decisions before casting their votes online. Members of the public will be able to vote for one finalist in each category.
The structure of the awards reflects a broader trend among non-profit organisations to incorporate community-driven recognition mechanisms, strengthening public engagement while increasing transparency in the selection process.
Beyond the awards themselves, the Heroes Ball plays a significant role in supporting OICA’s wider mission. As an annual fundraising gala, the event generates financial support for programmes and advocacy efforts aimed at improving policies and services affecting children across Oklahoma.
In addition to ticket sales, the organisation is seeking support through sponsorship opportunities and donations for its charity auction, which forms part of the evening’s activities. Businesses and individuals interested in contributing are encouraged to engage directly with the organisation.
The event also provides a platform for stakeholders—including policymakers, community leaders, and advocates—to connect and reinforce collaborative efforts in addressing challenges faced by children and families.
OICA has positioned the Heroes Ball as both a recognition ceremony and a strategic fundraising initiative, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in child-focused programmes. By combining public participation with formal recognition, the Anne Roberts People’s Choice Awards aim to highlight grassroots contributions while reinforcing the organisation’s advocacy objectives.
Further information on nominations, ticket purchases, sponsorship opportunities, and auction contributions is available through OICA’s official communication channels, with direct contact also provided for programme coordination enquiries.
As the nomination window opens, the organisation is encouraging broad participation from across the state, aiming to ensure that individuals and organisations making a tangible difference in the lives of young people receive the recognition they deserve.
