Area residents spend a night in the Caribbean to help children

 

story and photos by Joel Rafkin
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A trip to the tropics, at least in spirit, was only a few miles away for those attending the 8th annual A night in the Caribbean fundraising event for The Gregory Kistler Treatment Center for Children.

Those who attended the fund-raising event were dressed in casual attire including Hawaiian style shirts that fit with the theme. Food was catered by Mickey Sellard, executive chef at Golding Living, where the event was held. The main entrée was the traditional Bahaman-basted whole roasted hog. Caribbean citrus and spice flavors accompanied other fare including grilled chicken breasts, tail-on shrimp with a special cocktail sauce and a mango-citrus salad dressing to compliment the salad. An open bar served Mojitos, other mixed drinks of choice and traditional beverages. Latin music filled the air from Tulsa-based salsa band Grupo Salsabor.

Jennifer Kistler, executive director of The Gregory Kistler Treatment Center for Children, said more than 200 people attended the primary annual fund raising event. Corporate sponsored tables were $1,000 and the individual ticket price was $60. Live auction items, 14 in all, included trips, artwork, jewelry, furniture, clothing and a riding lawnmower. More than 150 donated items were spread around tables along the walls for attendees to place silent auction bids.

The Kistler center provides rehabilitative services for children in the Arkansas River Valley area regardless of the family’s financial means. Parents and family members also receive support from a community environment built around the camaraderie of of caregivers, therapists and other families in the same situation. The center offers physical, occupational and speech therapy to children with special needs.