Caribbean-style fun helps raise money for critical child therapy

 

story and photos by Joel Rafkin
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The 9th annual A Night in the Caribbean fundraiser for The Gregory Kistler Treatment Center for Children was held Saturday night at Golden Living.

Kathy Smith, development coordinator for the Kistler Center said it was the best turnout for the event. About 250 people attended the event which expects to raise almost $40,000 this year. Corporate sponsored tables were $1,000 and the individual ticket price was $60.

"Eighty-eight cents of every dollar you donate to the Kistler Center does go to provide therapy services," said Smith.

About 100 silent auction items and 12 live auction items were available for bid. The drawdown, a 50/50 split the pot was modified this year. Tickets were $20 but participants could buy back their already drawn ticket for $10 and be re-entered in the drawing for an additional chance.

Food was catered by Mickey Sellard, executive chef at Golding Living. The main entrée was the traditional Bahaman-basted whole roasted hog. Salad, twice-baked sweet potatoes, chips and queso, rice, beans and a seafood salad rounded out the menu. Guests enveloped strawberries, marshmallows and bananas in chocolate flowing from a multi-tiered fountain at the dessert table.

An open bar staffed by volunteers from Top Shelf Bartenders served Mojitos, other mixed drinks of choice and traditional beverages. A multi-berry drink was created this year and appropriately name A Night in the Caribbean. For the non-drinker, Mexican sodas in sangria and pineapple flavors as well as sparkling water were available.

Following the meal, the room and the dance floor came alive with Salsa and Latin jazz music from Tulsa-based band Grupo Salsabor.

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.