THE DREAM Institute’s 3rd Annual Power to DREAM Achievers Award Banquet a night of inspiration!
(left to right):Rodney B. Pratz, Gail Zarrow Richards, Maxine Zarrow, Jack Zarrow and (front) Kristy Long
(left to right): Billy Robins, Kristy Long, Rodney B. Pratz
Institute Scholars at event with Co-Founders
left to right: Kristy Long, Tom McKeon, Rodney B. Pratz
The theme of a very special evening recently at the Marriott Southern Hills Hotel that honored the three new DREAM Institute’s scholars was a quote by Helen Keller, “Every struggle is a victory”.
Lori Prichard of KJRH Channel 2 was the night’s emcee. The evening began with a silent auction that benefited the DREAM Institute’s programs. Silent Auction donors include, The University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, University of Tulsa, Oklahoma Aquarium, Tulsa Ballet, Tulsa Opera, Claire Gentry, Molly’s Landing, Greg Burns Art Gallery, Jim Stovall, Brandy Donelson, Jeff Magee International, Inc, Cherokee Liquor, Jamil’s Steakhouse, Rosalind Cook, Congressman Dan Boren, Marriott Southern Hills Hotel, the Winkler Family.
The Co-Founders Kristy Long and Rodney B. Pratz were introduced and thanked everyone for being present at this special night. Lori Prichard read a proclamation by Mayor Kathy Taylor that exclaimed it DREAM Institute Day in Tulsa.
The DREAM Institute Board of Trustee award for excellence was presented Tulsa Community College. President and CEO of TCC Dr. Tom McKeon was on hand to accept the award on behalf of TCC, faculty and students. Dr. McKeon was introduced by Emil Wood. TCC and the DREAM Institute are strategic partners in making a difference in the lives of students with disabilities.
The 2006 DREAM Institute scholars were honored with star medallions and a book by Jim Stovall called “The Ultimate Gift”. Jim Stovall autographed each of the books for the scholars. The 2006 DREAM Institute scholars are: Ryan Berrigan of University of Central Oklahoma, Molly Winkler of University of Oklahoma, and Brett Cunningham of Oklahoma City Community College.
Other DREAM Institute scholars attending were: Antonia Baskerville of Tulsa Community College, Andy Dearborn of the University of Oklahoma, Kelsey Graham of Oklahoma State University, Emily Reavis of The University of Central Oklahoma, Tom Hoopes of The University of Oklahoma.
The evenings 3rd Annual Power to DREAM Achiever Award was presented to Billy Robbins. Billy was presented with a bronze statue of the DREAM Institute’s logo, a child reaching for a star. In December of 1980, while working on an aerial cable, Billy Robbins was injured in an accident that was 100% preventable. Contact was made with a 7200-volt power line! Even though the accident investigation concluded he was not at fault, the results were profound... the amputation of both his hands! From the beginning, Billy has dedicated himself to bringing new and creative ideas about how safety is presented in the workplace. Since the time of the accident he has gone on to become a successful businessman, professional speaker, author, horse breeder and entrepreneur. Billy accepted the award and spoke about dreams and how one should never stop dreaming. Billy was accompanied by his wife Harolronda and their children Cody, Caleb, Carrissa, Allyssa and Peyton.
Kristy Long, Co-Founder of the DREAM Institute was the evenings keynote speaker. The title of Kristy’s speech was “I have been there done it and I have survived”. Kristy brought to the audience her story of inspiration and survival. She encouraged everyone to never give up no matter what happens in ones life.
At the end of the program a special video entitled “A Day in Life” portrayed all 12 DREAM Institute scholars in their daily lives in college. The video was done by Rod Mayes of Expression Photography.
Sponsors of the evening include, Presenting Sponsors, Samson, The Maxine and Jack Zarrow Family Foundation, The Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation, Tulsa Community College, The George Kaiser Family Foundation, The Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation, The Hille Foundation, The Gelvin Foundation, Tulsa Community Foundation, Rita and David Adams, Johnson Construction Company and PERFORMANCE Magazine.
Power to DREAM Gold Achievers, George and Eddy Krumme, Charles Sublett, Emily and Phil Wood, Senator Bob Dole, Ability Magazine, Bank of Oklahoma, Williams Companies, Inc., The University of Oklahoma-Tulsa Schusterman Campus, University of Oklahoma Alumni Association, University of Oklahoma Zarrow Center for Learning Enrichment/University of Oklahoma College of Education.
Power to DREAM Silver Sponors include Public Service Company of Oklahoma, Kristy Long and Rodney B. Pratz.
Power to DREAM Bronze Sponsors include David and Molly Boren, Alan Weyland of Bishop Kelley High School, Barry and Karen Davis, Oklahoma State University-Tulsa Campus, Aloah Kincaid, Cynthia Harrell.
Among those enjoying the evening were, Gail Richards, Eric Richards, Maxine and Jack Zarrow, Jeff and Billye Beach, Yolanda Willams, Nate Waters, Phil and Emily Wood, Tom and Stacey McKeon, Kathy and Ken Daily, Dr. Jim Martin, Patti Long, Carolyn Dubie, Lori Prichard, Clayton Daily, Clarke Daily, Jerry Dillon, Dr. Raja Basu, Joe and Marsha Kennedy, Bob and Judy Grove, LaDeanna and Danny Bolton, Sharon Gallager, Jim and Wendy Palmer, Margaret Lee, Kay Ellis, Dewayne Dickens, John Kontogiaanes, Gary and Yolanda Crooms, Adam Leavitt, Cindy Harrel, Carol Hensley, Paula Reavis, Helen Inbody, David and Tammy Johnson, Dora Gilbert, Joyce Rum, Jan Collins, Chris and Jenni St. Clair, Darren Keller, Steven and Beth Curtin, Tracy and Ken Taylor, Rodger Johnson, Judy Leed, Cindy Barton, Pam McGowan, Jim and Joan Kelly, Maroyln and Doug Sauls, Melanie Berrigan, Ashley Bowman, Linda Barry, Priscilla Flanagan, Pam McGowan, Dora Gilbert, James and Joan Kelly.
Photography for the evening was done by Rod Mayes of Expression Photography.
The DREAM Institute was founded by Kristy Long and Rodney Bryan Pratz to help students overcome their disabilities to fulfill their purpose by enriching and increasing the success of the higher educational experience of students with disabilities through academic and professional mentorship, academic assistance, and scholastic awards. The Cofounder's inspiration for the Institute comes from battling and overcoming their own disabilities. They both lead successful careers today; Long in Politics and Pratz in business.
