Henry P. Iba Event to Honor Citizen Athletes
On June 16, the Rotary Club of Tulsa will hold its major fundraiser, the Henry P. Iba Citizen Athlete Awards, at the Renaissance Tulsa Hotel & Convention Center. The awards annually recognize a male and female athlete who have excelled in their sport and are personally involved and dedicated to helping others.
To be honored at the event are two outstanding professional athletes: Betsy King, who spent 28 years playing on the tour, won 34 tournaments including six major championships, and was elected to the and World Golf Hall of Fames, and Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals wide receiver, eight-time Pro Bowler, 2012 Pro Football Weekly’s Humanitarian of the Year and a finalist for the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year award.
The keynote speaker is Coach Sherri Coale, in her 18th season as head coach of The University of Oklahoma women’s basketball team and considered one of the top collegiate coaches in the nation. Back by popular demand as master of ceremonies is Seth Davis, senior writer for Sports Illustrated, author and college basketball host and analyst for Sports.
The event will include live music by Tulsa Symphony Orchestra’s String Quartet, accompanied by Barron Ryan, and the National Anthem by Kenedee Rittenhouse, a 16-year old Eufaula High School sophomore and cheerleader.
CommunityCare is hosting the celebrity reception. Some of the sports celebrities attending are Advisory Board Chairman Eddie Sutton, Bill Blankenship, Mike Carter, Joe Castiglione, Mike Garrett, Derrick Gragg, Dale McNamara, Matilda Mossman, Steve Swetoha, Barry Switzer and Fred Williams.
Chairman of the event is Trey Walling. Iba committee sub-chairmen are Steve August, celebrities; Ron Butler, producer; Margaret Butler, publicist; Mac Finlayson and Marlene Livaudais, honorees and speakers; Tom Klenda sponsorships and ticket sales; Jerry Cornelius, photography; Russ Gibbs, memorabilia; Trisha Kerkstra, facilities and volunteers; and Ed Monnet, Jr., travel and logistics.
Committee members include Dana and Michael Birkes, T.C. Blair, Mike Carter, Mark Cohlmia, Curtis Craig, Desiree Doherty, David Downing, Scott Filstrup, Jeff Hassell, Matt Hill, D.J. Morrow Ingram, Steve Mason, Bob McKenzie, and Jimmie Tramel.
Proceeds from the Henry P. Iba Citizen Athlete Awards event primarily fund the Rotary Club of Tulsa Foundation, which has approximately $2.67 million in assets and uses only its earnings to support local non-profits with an emphasis on projects benefitting young people. More info is available at ibaawards.com
Updated 06-02-2014
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