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 |
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| 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 |
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 |
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| 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 |
