Event to raise funds for adoption agency

For the Johnsens, Sunday's Lunar New Year celebration is as much a celebration of family as a cultural festivity.

In March 2005, Greg and Debbie Johnsen adopted their daughter Alyssa from China. Two years later, they returned to finalize adoption on their youngest child, Alaina.

The girls join birth children Ryan, 15, a student at Jenks High School, 205 E. B St., and 13-year-old Laura, who attends Jenks Middle School, 3019 E. 101st St.

Debbie Johnsen, a former pediatrician, is in her second year on the planning committee for Dillon International Inc.'s Lunar New Year Celebration, and this year, Alyssa, 3, will join the procession of children at the event.

"They have kids dress in native costume and parade around," Johnsen said.

Alyssa enjoys wearing her outfit, as she and Alaina did two weeks ago for Alaina's dedication at church, Johnsen said.

Alyssa, a pre-kindergarten student at First Baptist Church of Jenks, 205 E. A St., also enjoys being a big sister to 1-year-old Alaina.

"I tell everyone. I tell them I have a little sister -- the whole town," she said.

"We share. ...She likes to do what I do."

Although Alaina joined the Johnsens just three months ago, she quickly settled in as a regular member of the family.

"They seem like sisters that have always been together," Johnsen said.

The family knew very little about Chinese culture before adopting the girls through Dillon

"Ryan's in his third year of Chinese now," Johnsen said, adding that Laura also studies the language.

Additionally, Johnsen and her husband, a cardiologist at Oklahoma Heart Institute, 1265 S. Utica Ave., sponsored a Chinese exchange student last year and took him to Dillon's Lunar New Year.

The celebration is open to the public, development director Susanna Will said.

"It's at a nice hotel, so it's an adult atmosphere, but it's a children-friendly event," Johnsen said.

Pianist Don Ryan and singer Luigi Balletto will perform, in addition to cultural displays and a dance performance by Korean Youth Group, according to a media release.

"Of course, it's the Year of the Rat, so they are doing kind of a Rat Pack, Frank Sinatra theme," Johnsen said.

"A lot of people don't want rats on their table while they're eating."

Proceeds from the celebration, to be held at the Doubletree Hotel Downtown, 616 W. Seventh St., will benefit Dillon's humanitarian aid programs overseas.

"It is Dillon International's annual fundraising event, and it's the 13th year. ...The purpose of the dinner is to raise awareness of our services for children and the humanitarian aid we give to children in each country," Will said.

Proceeds also will go to Dillon's adoption education programs.

Between 400 and 450 people usually attend, Will added.

"Hopefully, they'll raise a lot of money for the kids," Johnsen said.

"The number of kids who are adopted are just a fraction of the number of orphans."

The event also will include a silent auction and a dinner featuring international foods, the release states.

Lunar New Year celebration

Where Doubletree Hotel Downtown, 616 W. Seventh St.

Cost $70 per adult; $15 for children ages 3 to 11

For more Call 746-4600