They say a mother knows best.
So when the Oklahoma Association of Mothers’ Clubs decided to support the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation 60 years ago, it was a decision that has stood the test of time.
Since 1956, the Mothers’ Clubs have donated a grand total of $134,445.09 to the Oklahoma City-based nonprofit foundation. This year’s gift of $2,149 was presented to OMRF officials at the group’s annual banquet in Tulsa.
“OMRF was started by Oklahomans and funded by people from all 77 counties,” said OMRF Director of Development Kelley McGuire. “That grassroots effort has persevered, and the Mothers’ Clubs are a perfect example of it. It means so much that we have donors who have consistently supported our research for several generations. It is a testament to the work that our scientists do and the loyalty and generosity of Oklahomans.”
OAMC donations have supported a wide variety of research areas, ranging from Alzheimer’s disease to cancer research. It has even funded the purchase of lab supplies and paid for summer scholarships for state high school and college students.
The evening’s banquet was themed “Midnight Masquerade,” complete with plenty of masks and a hula dance troupe. The event also doubled as the group’s state convention.
The Mothers’ Clubs gave several awards at the banquet, mainly recognizing the outstanding work of different women in communities. They also presented lifetime membership awards.
Each year, OAMC chapters across the state raise money for OMRF by holding bake sales, golf tournaments, 5k runs, and father-daughter dances.
“Giving to OMRF is a legacy that has been passed down through the generations,” said OAMC President Teresa Fletcher. “Over the decades, we have never come across a more worthwhile cause than OMRF. All our money is going toward research that saves lives.”
The association, which was founded in 1940, is made up of chapters in these Oklahoma cities:
- Canton
- Fairview
- Goldsby
- Hennessey
- Lexington
- Ponca City
- Medford
- Okeene
- Purcell
