Tulsa’s H.O.P.E. celebrates 20-year anniversary

by Robin Dorner
Editor in Chief

It’s “DIVAS Goes to Hollywood,” presented by H.O.P.E. testing. It’s that time of year to ‘dress to the nine’s’ and support H.O.P.E., the predominant prevention organization in the Tulsa community.

H.O.P.E. (Health Outreach Prevention Education, Inc.) organizers say the event has a long-standing tradition of being not only the most exciting and entertaining party of the year but one of the most generous.

“DIVAS 4 H.O.P.E. features live music from Tulsa’s diverse local artists along with cocktails, dinner, and one-of-a-kind live and silent auction items,” said Kathy Williams. “This event provides 20 percent of H.O.P.E.’s annual budget.

“All sponsorship dollars stay within H.O.P.E., benefitting our city and region.”

Williams said H.O.P.E. has helped create a healthier community for over 20-years by providing outreach and clinic services focused on HIV, Hepatitis C (HCV), and Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) as well as comprehensive prevention education, counseling, testing, risk reduction strategies and risk reduction supplies.

For those who test positive, H.O.P.E. provides referrals to medical care and social services.

More than half of the clients at H.O.P.E. are “uninsured, underinsured or underserved.”

Changes at H.O.P.E. include the expansion of testing services, additional screening services, and the ability to offer immediate medical services at the clinic for those who test positive. 

“This is a very important event,” said Jose Vega. “H.O.P.E. provides essential services to the community.” 2018 will be Vega’s fourth DIVAS event.

The H.O.P.E. mission is to create a healthier community.

DIVAS participating in the event are Double Treble, FuZed Band, Mark Gibson, Kara Wilber, Pam Van Dyke Crosby, Heather Richetto-Rumley, Rebecca Marks Jimerson, Andrew Witter and more.

Valet parking will be provided. Dress code is black tie if desired.

DIVAS Goes to Hollywood: DIVAS 4 H.O.P.E. 2018 will be on Saturday, August 25, at the COX Assembly Hall at the COX Business Center located at 100 Civic Center in Tulsa.

For more information, call (918) 749-8378 or visit www.hopetesting.org.

Copyright The Gayly – July 26, 2018 @ 1120 a.m. CDT.