TULSA, Okla. – On Saturday, April 23, 2022, the GEM Gala will be held at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, 2777 West Cherokee Street in Catoosa, Oklahoma. This year’s gala events include a golf tournament in addition to the traditional fundraising dinner and after-party. Each year, the League President selects a gemstone that becomes the theme and suggested dress color of the annual event: this year, the selected stone is Citrine.

For the annual GEM Gala the Junior League of Tulsa honors a “Tulsa GEM,” an individual or organization making a significant impact on the Tulsa community, at the gala. This year’s recipient has been selected based on their dedication to the community and their mission to empower Tulsans to be agents of change in their community.

GEM Gala is proud to honor Wendy Thomas and Leadership Tulsa as our 2022 Honoree and Community GEM. The work Wendy has done for the past two decades with Leadership Tulsa has made an immeasurable impact on our community. We are so grateful for her and Leadership Tulsa’s tireless efforts in educating and empowering the community on how to best support our city. For over 48 years, Leadership Tulsa has identified, developed, and connected diverse leaders who impact the community through service. Their network of over 2,000 alumni work in all sectors of the Tulsa community and serve on nonprofit boards of all sizes.

Wendy Thomas weighs in on her nomination as the 2022 GEM Honoree:

“As Junior League of Tulsa nears its centennial anniversary and Leadership Tulsa is looking forward to our 50th, I can hardly imagine a Tulsa without these two leadership development organizations. Because of our shared history as organizations and our shared work developing leaders, it means so much to be receiving this award from Junior League of Tulsa.”

Ed Sharrer, Leadership Tulsa Marketing Director shared his thoughts on Thomas’s nomination::

“Leadership Tulsa couldn’t be prouder of Wendy Thomas for being honored as the GEM Gala Honoree, or more thankful for being selected as the Community GEM. Junior League of Tulsa was instrumental in the founding of Leadership Tulsa nearly 50 years ago. Generations of community leaders have been developed by our respective organizations over the years, so this honor is especially meaningful coming from such a respected and cherished peer group.”

The black-tie GEM Gala will begin with a cocktail hour as well as an online auction and live auction allowing guests to bid on a variety of unique. Guests will enjoy live performances and live music in addition to an open bar. Tickets will be available soon. Follow @JLTulsa on Facebook and Instagram for more information and early bird ticket pricing.

Event sponsorship information is available by emailing gemgala@jltulsa.org or by calling 918-663-6100. The Junior League of Tulsa, Inc., is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. All donations are tax-deductible.

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