The Treasures For Tomorrow event celebrates individuals who embody the light of compassion, caring and creativity in our communities, schools or workplace. They make a difference in the quality of our lives and contribute to our heritage. Providing inspiration with their hope, heart, courage, conviction and wisdom, they follow their heart’s passion and are an inspiration and a model for values, goodness and the finest in humanity. Prominent individuals in our community, individuals with roots in Oklahoma whose contributions remain at least partially in Oklahoma, and individuals who may be less well recognized are all eligible for the award. We honor and recognize these individuals as our Treasures.

Treasures for Tomorrow event proceeds and generous donors have raised significant funds for beautification projects on the Oklahoma Health Center campus. Completed projects include the Live Oak Grove, the Jimmy Everest Garden Walk,  Founders Plaza at Stiles Park featuring the Beacon of Hope, New Horizons, public art installed next to the Dean McGee Eye Institute and "Ten Standing Flowers" installed at the Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center. The next public art project will be installed at The Children's Hospital for funds raised during 2012-2014.

ANNOUNCING THE 2012 HONOREES -

The Jean I. Everest Foundation is the presenting sponsor. Thank you to our other events sponsors.

The Oklahoma Health Center Foundation announced five Oklahomans as its 2012 Treasures For Tomorrow honorees. A spiritual leader dedicated to community involvement, a couple devoted to philanthropy, and a couple deeply involved with community leadership will be honored at the 13th annual Treasures For Tomorrow celebration scheduled for Thursday, April 12, at the Petroleum Club in Oklahoma City. The evening starts at 6:30 p.m. with a reception followed by the awards dinner.

The Treasures For Tomorrow honor pays tribute to individuals whose passion for life, courage and inspiring actions serve as a model for quality values and goodness in our community. Dave Lopez and Teresa Rose are co-chairs for the event. 

The 2012 Treasures are Carl and Susan Edwards, Harold and Sue Ann Hamm and Dr. George Young Sr.

Carl and Susan Edwards

Outstanding Community and Business Leaders

Carl and Susan Edwards participate in significant leadership roles within the community. Carl is currently serving as chairman of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber and as president of the Presbyterian Health Foundation Board of Trustees. He is a member of the Advisory Board of Directors and past president of the Board of Trustees of the Oklahoma Health Center Foundation, a member of the Board of Trustees and chairman of the Oklahoma City Metropolitan Area Public Schools Trust (MAPS for Kids). Carl Edwards is a partner of Price Edwards & Company, the largest Oklahoma-based commercial real estate service company. In addition, he is a manager of PEC Investment Properties LLC, an affiliate of Price Edwards & Company, as well as other real estate ownership entities. Susan is actively engaged in the community by serving on the Board of Directors with A Chance to Change, Payne Education Center and the Arts Council of Oklahoma City. Susan is also a member of the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club Ladies Golf Association, is vice moderator for the Board of Deacons at Westminster Presbyterian Church. She co-chaired the Treasures For Tomorrow program from 2006 to 2008. She has also served as a volunteer with Junior League, Leadership Oklahoma City, Schools for Healthy Lifestyles and the Redbud Classic.

Harold and Sue Ann Hamm

Dedicated Philanthropists

Harold and Sue Ann Hamm are truly dedicated to improving the health of Oklahomans as the founding donors for the Harold Hamm Oklahoma Diabetes Center at the Oklahoma Health Center. The Hamms have recently taken the “Giving Pledge” whereby they commit a majority of their wealth to philanthropy. Harold is chairman and chief executive officer of Continental Resources, an independent oil and natural gas exploration and production company. He is also chairman of the Board of Hiland Partners GP Holdings, the general partner of Hiland Partners, LP, and is a member of the Board of Complete Production Services. Harold is also a member of the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation Board of Directors. Sue Ann developed and managed both the natural gas and crude oil marketing departments at Continental Resources. She has served as Secretary on the Executive Board of the Oklahoma Energy Resources Board, promoting education of future oil industry employees. She is past Chairman of the Crude Oil Committee for the Oklahoma Independent Petroleum Association and is a member of the Oklahoma Bar Association. While living in Enid, Sue Ann served on numerous community boards including Youth and Family Services, United Way, YWCA and the First United Methodist Church. Since moving to Oklahoma City, she joined the Central Oklahoma Humane Society Board and with their support, wrote Oklahoma’s “Puppy Mill Bill,” SB 1712, that was signed into law by Gov. Brad Henry.

Dr. George Young Sr.

Devoted Community Volunteer and Spiritual Advisor

Rev. George Young has long served his community by providing spiritual guidance and being actively involved in volunteerism.  He serves as the senior pastor for Holy Temple Baptist Church in Oklahoma City. In addition to his pastoral duties, he is also a Certified Behavioral Health case manager and is currently under supervision for licensing as an Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor (LADC). Young recently completed a term as a Commissioner for the Oklahoma Department of Human Services where he served as budget chairman. Young is a board member of the American Red Cross of Central Oklahoma (where he served for two years as chairman of volunteers), Leadership Oklahoma City and Ethics Officer for United Way of Central Oklahoma. He serves on the governing board for Oklahoma’s Big Brothers and Big Sisters organization. He is founding president of the African American Faith Community for Aids Prevention. He also serves as a commissioner and helps select the One Awards presented to outstanding nonprofits across the state. Young initiated a partnership that sponsors the largest back to school block party and school supply giveaway in the northeast quadrant of Oklahoma City. He led the church in completing a multi-million dollar senior housing project, Temple Gardens, which received an award from the Oklahoma Housing Finance Authority for its community impact.

Treasures For Tomorrow event proceeds and generous donors have raised significant funds for beautification projects across the Oklahoma Health Center campus. During the next three years, 2012 through 2014, funds will be dedicated to a public art project to be located at The Children’s Hospital. The project has not been announced yet. Completed projects include two public art projects, “Ten Bronze Standing Flowers” at the Stephenson Cancer Center, and “New Horizons,” located in front of the Dean McGee Eye Institute. Other projects were the Founder’s Plaza at Stiles Park featuring the Beacon of Hope, Jimmy Everest Garden Walk and the Live Oak Grove. Details and photos of each project appear on the Oklahoma Health Center website.

The Treasures For Tomorrow event will begin with a reception and musical entertainment, followed by dinner and the awards presentation. Tickets are $250 per person, patron level sponsorships are $650 each and other sponsorships are also available. For more information about Treasures For Tomorrow, contact the Oklahoma Health Center Foundation at 405-271-2200 or visit www.oklahomahealthcenter.com. 

The Oklahoma Health Center is a consortium of 28 private, educational, governmental and nonprofit organizations, located on nearly 300 acres just south of the Capitol complex in Oklahoma City. The Oklahoma Health Center collectively employs more than 12,500 people and contributes $3 billion to the Oklahoma economy on an annual basis.  These organizations represent the areas of patient care, research, technology, education and community support with the common goal of improving health and creating high-tech jobs in Oklahoma and the nation. Visit www.oklahomahealthcenter.com for more information.