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2018 Advocacy Awards

Cindy Morrison served as the master of ceremonies for TARC’s 28th Annual Advocacy Awards on Dec. 11, 2018. More than 250 guests gathered in the ballroom for entertainment from duo Branjae & Scott, the opportunity to bid in a silent auction, dinner, and program including keynote from Peter Berns, CEO of The Arc of the U.S.

James Meadours received the Courage in Advocacy Award for his years of committed advocacy to people with developmental disabilities and his courage in sharing his experience as a sexual assault survivor. The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to TARC Executive Director John Gadja, and renamed the John Gajda Legacy Award in honor of his advocacy work and time at TARC. Long-time volunteers were also recognized for their service and awards were given to advocates committed to ensuring a high quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

Advocacy Award Winners

Additional Awardees

Case Manager  Angela Combs Self-Advocate  Katy Lew
Direct Care Provider  Misty Gilbert Parent Advocate Lora Roberts
Professional Provider  Rene’ Daman Special Achievement in Advocacy – Individual Lieutenant Terry Wiggs
Elected Official  Waiting List Caucus Special Achievement in Advocacy – Group Clark Youth Theatre
Volunteer  Benny and Elizibeth Mayes Courage in Advocacy James Meadours
Catalyst of Change Lead Learn LiveOklahoma Self-Advocacy Network

Oklahoma Family Network

Nancy Ward

Lifetime Achievement Award(The John Gajda Legacy Award) John F. Gajda

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2017 Advocacy Awards

KOTV “Six in the Morning” personality LeAnne Taylor served as the master of ceremonies for TARC’s 27th Annual Advocacy Awards on Dec. 7, 2017. More than 250 guests gathered in the ballroom for entertainment from duo Branjae & Scott, the opportunity to bid in a silent auction, dinner, and program including keynote from Joey Travolta.

James and Joseph Meadours received the Lifetime Achievement Award for their years of committed advocacy to people with developmental disabilities. Long-time volunteers were also recognized for their service and awards were given to advocates committed to ensuring a high quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

Advocacy Award Winners

Additional Awardees

Board Member Terry Trego, Woodward Self-Advocate Donald Smalley, Vinita
Case Manager Sonya Rios, Tulsa Media Advocate Oklahoma Watch, Norman
Direct Care Provider Kerrie White, Noble Parent Advocate Erica Herrera, OKC
Educator Carolyn Piguet, Vinita Special Achievement in Advocacy – Individual Ed Long, OKC
Professional Provider Kim Wotring, Tulsa Special Achievement in Advocacy – Group True Blue Neighbors, Tulsa
Volunteer Helen Taylor, Tulsa Catalyst of Change Judith Leitner, OKC

Jenifer Randle, OKC

photos courtesy