Is the Celebration of Hope Gala with Tom Selleck looking for sponsors and expanding community support?

Oklahoma City — A deepened sense of excitement is building for The Salvation Army of Central Oklahoma’s Celebration of Hope Gala.

Set for May 17, 2024, the gala will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum.

The event will include a keynote address from Tom Selleck, star of the long-running CBS program “Blue Bloods,” central character in the original version of “Magnum, P.I.,” and star in a wide variety of successful motion pictures, mini-series and other notable ventures.

Selleck is a generous philanthropist, supporter of many charitable causes, in his own right.

Organizers say this gala promises a delightful evening in support of our community’s most vulnerable.

The Salvation Army of Central Oklahoma, in collaboration with “our esteemed Advisory Board and dedicated Women’s Auxiliary, is thrilled to announce the return of the Celebration of Hope Gala.”

This event celebrates not only the group’s “collective spirit of compassion but also serves as a pivotal fundraising opportunity to propel our mission forward.”

Mary Blankenship Pointer — a well-known philanthropist and, further, a frequent writer for CityNewsOKC, said in a statement sent to this reporter:

“We are honored to welcome acclaimed actor and philanthropist Tom Selleck as our special guest speaker. Mr. Selleck’s commitment to humanitarian causes resonates deeply with The Salvation Army’s ethos of providing hope and assistance to those in need.”

Pointer said “community leaders and compassionate individuals” will unite “to make a difference.”

Sponsorship opportunities abound, offering the chance to align with our mission and gain exposure to a diverse audience.

Sponsors include The Chickasaw Nation and Jasco Giving Hope Foundation.

A Celebration of Hope press release said all levels in sponsorship “play a crucial role in supporting our initiatives, and we invite you to join them in this noble cause.”

The Salvation Army’s programs include “emergency shelter, disaster relief, food assistance, youth empowerment through the Boys & Girls Club, and senior care.”

Pointer and her fellow organizers and sponsors affirm, “Together, we can transform lives and uplift our community.”

Major-level sponsors and above will have an opportunity to attend a VIP reception presented by Bob Funk & Express Employment International, along with Frank, Cathy & Chip Keating.

Attending at the VIP event will include a chance to “capture a moment with Mr. Selleck.”

For those interested in exploring sponsorship opportunities or securing their seats, please visit Celebrationofhopeokc.com or contact Special Events Manager, Amanda Lester, at 405-246-1109.

The Salvation Army, the Gala press release noted, “annually helps nearly 24 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at nearly 7,000 centers of operation around the country. For more information, visit SalvationArmyUSA.org. Follow us on Twitter @SalvationArmyUS and #DoingTheMostGood. The Salvation Army of Central Oklahoma is a proud partner agency of the United Way of Central Oklahoma.”