People & Places: 'Bustles and Boots,' Brush Creek Bazaar events help youth programs
BY DANNA SUE WALKER World Staff Writer
Sunday, September 30, 2012
9/30/12 at 9:15 AM
Two evenings that flirted with Italian style awaited patrons of the annual Art of Living Well, which benefits Brush Creek Ranch and Oklahoma Teen Challenge.
Patrons of "Bustles and Boots on the Piazza" enjoyed a party in the Italian villa home and gardens of Marjo and Bob Burk, followed by an informal evening on the Piazza at Carol and Joe McGraw's historic log barn.
The barnyard was transformed with roosters and flowerpots of roses, sunflowers and vegetables under the creative direction of Alene Davis and her team, including Marellie Robinson and Mary Anne Pierce.
Guests enjoyed a pasta buffet and aperitivos created by chef Jacques Lissonnet of Party Serve.
Patrons and sponsors included Larry and Lee Akers, American Bank, John Arend, Ludi and John Beasley, Jeanmarie Billington, Linda and Ray Booker, Bonefish Grill, Sam Brenner, Marjo and Robert Burk, CFR, Bryan Close, Lynette's Fine Couture, Alene and John Davis, JoAnne and Bill Detamore, Angela Drake, Wendy and Gentner Drummond, Amanda and Robert Duenner, Ruthie and Steve Duenner, Tracey and Troy Gudgel, Mary Hickok, Grant Hinch - Halsey Management, Jarboe Sales Co., Fran and Bob Kimmel, Jenny and David Lamb, Leigh and Chuck Lamson, Shelley and Brian Lewis and Suzanne and Bill Magee.
Also, Hester and Ken Mans, Kelly and Bill McCollough, Carol and Joe McGraw, Mary and Mike McGraw, McGraw Davisson Stewart Realtors, Ann and Jim McKellar, Robert Merrifield of Polo Grill, Gayle and Bill Meyer, Pamela and Shelby Oakley, Randy Oxley, Mary Anne and Mike Pierce, Rick Phillips, Sherry and Chuck Ramsay, Leigh and John Reaves, David Sheehan, Phyllis and Leslie Simmons, Christy and Bill Soloman, Paige and Chris Sutherland, Barbara and Dave Sylvan, Terri and J.D. Vivion, Wells Fargo, Theda and Jon Werthen, Lacy and Al Whitehead, Mollie Williford, Valerie and Mark Wilson, and World Travel.
Carol and Joe McGraw welcomed friends to the party at the log barn and introduced honorees Hester and Ken Mans, who have been supporters and volunteers for 30 years of the program that helps young people change the direction of their lives. Their daughters, Kim Mans, Lisa Seifeat and Sheri Stinson, have followed in their parents' footsteps and helped create the menu for this year's events.
The week's grand finale was the annual Brush Creek Bazaar, a weekend fall festival for the whole family featuring handmade arts and crafts, games for children, food, music, adoptable pets, and picnicking on the grounds above the pond.
The property is a popular wedding site through Vive le Ranch directed by Leslie Taylor. All rentals benefit Brush Creek Youth Ranch.
Originally designed to help boys who spend a year learning skills to control anger and substance abuse issues at Brush Creek Ranch in Jay, the Bazaar now also supports New Life House for adolescent girls located in Disney.
Both programs are under the direction of Shawn Blankenship and his wife, Shannon. They were adopted by Oklahoma Teen Challenge eight years ago and share administrative offices and an accredited school. They boast an 86 percent success record and are two of six Teen Challenge programs in the state, including two for adult men, one for adult women, and a new program for adolescent girls that will open soon in Checotah. The mission of Teen Challenge is to provide a successful faith-based solution for people of all ages with life-controlling issues.
Sponsors of the Bazaar included McGraw Realtors, Sutherland Lumber, TulsaPeople, Tulsa World, Southwood Landscape and Garden Center, US Payments, Merrill Lynch, and Owasso First Assembly of God Church.
For information about Tee918-435-8206 or email shawn.blankenship@okteenchallenge.com.
To participate in next year's Bazaar set for Oct. 11-13, call 918-749-0101 or email monte.lovvorn@okteenchallenge.com.
To reach Leslie Taylor at Vive le Ranch, email vive.le.ranch@gmail.com.
Original Print Headline: Events help support two youth programs
Associated Images:
Amanda Duenner (left), Hester and Ken Mans, and Carol McGraw attend the Bustles and Boots on the Piazza event, benefiting Brush Creek Youth Ranch for boys and New Life House for girls. The programs are part of the faith-based Oklahoma Teen Challenge. CORY YOUNG / Tulsa World
|
