Incoming Speaker of the House of Representatives, Charles A. McCall, will host a sold-out charity event on Saturday, benefiting Oklahoma CASA Association, and featuring Tony Award-winning performer Kelli O’Hara.
“We have had an overwhelming response this year with over 1,000 registrants, which I believe is due to support for Oklahoma CASA, as well as excitement surrounding Ms. O’Hara,” McCall said.
The charity event, knows as the Speaker’s Ball, is an annual inaugural gala that first began in the 1960s under the late Speaker Rex Privett. The initial purpose was to develop and build rapport between members and their spouses prior to the legislative session.
The tradition has endured, but also expanded to serve as a way to raise money for a worthy cause and to include others who have a hand in the legislative process, including other lawmakers, business leaders, and advocacy groups.
“It’s an honor to raise funds for such an incredible organization as Oklahoma CASA, which helps vulnerable children across the state, including in my hometown of Atoka,” McCall said.
Oklahoma CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) Association volunteers represent the best interests of abused and neglected children across the state who are in the juvenile court and foster care system. The volunteers give a voice to children, making recommendations to the court free from biases, policies and procedures.
O’Hara, a native Oklahoman who has built a successful career as a Broadway actress and singer, will perform at the culmination of the event, which is being held at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.
“Kelli O’Hara launched her brilliant career right here in Oklahoma, after earning a degree in opera from Oklahoma City University,” McCall said. “She is a shining example of all that is great about our state, and has been a great ambassador for us.”
Oklahoma Speaker’s Ball, Inc. is a 501(c)(4) organization, managed by an independent board of directors outside the walls of the state Capitol.
