Story and images provided by Stillwater Medical Center Foundation

The Stillwater Medical Foundation Made In Oklahoma Gala was held on Veteran’s Day, Saturday, November 11th at the ConocoPhillips OSU Alumni Center. Veterans from every branch of the military were recognized at the event, chaired by Dolores Lemon. Chef Jeff Denton of TS Fork provided a truly Oklahoman farm-to-fork menu. Joe Ogle, a physical therapist with OrthoOklahoma, served as Master of Ceremonies for the third year and auctioneer Gregg Pickens led the live auction. Proceeds from the evening and generous sponsorships brought in over $100,000 benefitting the Stillwater Cancer Center.

The live auction included a personal dog-training session with Animal Planet star and Oklahoma native Travis Brorsen, a vacation to Greece, and many other once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Special hometown favorites such as 1907 Meat Company, Billy Goat Ice Cream, and Iron Monk Beer were among some of the recognizable names from which guests savored the tastes of Oklahoma.

The Stillwater Cancer Center has been undergoing a 14-month renovation and expansion that will enhance the services offered. The building has grown by 7,000 square feet. It also has a beautiful new healing garden funded by the Sherman Smith Family Foundation in memory of Mary Frances Hoke Smith, a former Stillwater resident. Nearly $1.25 million has been raised by the Foundation during its two-year campaign to benefit the cancer center expansion.

Participation in the medical foundation gala has increased for the third consecutive year. Attendance was over 300 guests, almost double the turnout in 2015. The gala committee has already begun assessing the possibility of other venues in anticipation of next year’s event, featuring Chef Jonas Favela of the Meat Market Refectory. To stay informed and receive an invitation to the 2018 gala, call the Foundation at 405-742-5387.