The Center of Family Love didn’t let go of its record for hosting Oklahoma City’s single most profitable and most attended fundraiser when the sixth annual Gift of Love Gala drew more than 830 guests to the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum last Saturday.

The sold-out event, co-sponsored by the Oklahoma Knights of Columbus, raised more than $1 million for the second consecutive year and has become the primary fundraiser for the Okarche-based nonprofit center, which provides housing and cultural, recreational and career services to adults with intellectual and physical disabilities.

“Some people go their entire lives wondering if they’ll ever make a difference in this world,” CFL’s Chief Executive Officer Debbie Espinosa said. “It brings me such joy to know that we have communities that partner with us to give our residents who live with disabilities a life of dignity and of incredible quality.”

At the gala, the center recognized David, one of its long-time residents, who is known throughout the community for riding his bike and attending local sporting events.

Before coming to live at the CFL in the early 1980s, David suffered abuse and mistreatment at a state institution where he lived for 20 years.

In the video interview of David’s family aired at the gala, his sister Diana Luber expressed her gratitude to have a home for David where she knows he is safe and loved.

“If I didn’t have the Center of Family Love, I wouldn’t have David,” Luber said. “And I can’t imagine my life without David.”

“I don’t think there’s any other place around that would be like this place is now,” David said in the video.

David appeared on stage with Espinosa during the gala.

CFL also honored the Rev. Msgr. Patrick Gaalaas, long-time pastor at St. Bernard of Clairvaux Catholic Church in Tulsa and a Center of Family Love board member.

Gaalaas was awarded the organization’s Carol and Bill Brown Outstanding Community Ambassador Award for his exceptional strides for life, for his community involvement throughout the Tulsa Diocese and for his enthusiasm and support for the Center of Family Love.

Willard Patocka of Enid, Oklahoma Knights of Columbus Foundation president and CFL board member, received the Harold J. Wittrock Humanitarian Award for his involvement in his community’s outreach to the less fortunate, for his dedication to serving the residents at the Center of Family Love and for his loyalty and commitment to a population of people who are often neglected and marginalized by society.

The gala began with a cocktail reception followed by dinner, with entertainment provided by CFL residents performing a sign language rendition of “Don’t Give Up On Me” by Andy Grammer as special guest musician, Scott Floyd, sang and provided guitar accompaniment.

The evening also included cash raffle drawings and a live auction and was topped off with dancing and Frank Sinatra inspired entertainment provided by Wade Tower.

This year’s emcee was Malcolm Tubbs, feature reporter for Fox 25 Morning News in Oklahoma City and on-court emcee for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Founded in 1981 by members of the Oklahoma Knights of Columbus, the center has empowered hundreds of individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities to live productive, meaningful and joyful lives while inspiring them to reach for and achieve their dreams.

Pioneering new approaches in the field of disabilities, the center provides one of the most innovative educational, vocational and residential programs in the nation and is recognized in Oklahoma as a preeminent and model community.

CFL provides homes and careers for 130 residents through proven, high-quality services for people who live with physical and neurological disabilities, including: cerebral palsy, autism, muscular dystrophy, Down syndrome, development delays, spinal injuries and intellectual disabilities.

“Without the support of all the community and the companies that support the Center of Family Love year after year, the donations that come in, the Center of Family Love couldn’t function, and it needs to function. There needs to be a place for special needs people,” David’s sister Diana Luber said. “You are truly saving lives, and you are making a place where family is loved.”

“We hope it lasts forever,” David’s brother-in-law Terry Luber said.

“We hope this place never goes away.”