A big thank you to the Will Rogers Inn of Claremore for generously accommodating our whole team once again!
New friends who also stayed at Will Rogers Inn.
We started our day with running to the Will Rogers Memorial Museum.
We were welcomed by Tad Jones, Executive Director of the Museum. We first met him 2 years ago when we offered our Torch-Bearer award to the Museum. The grounds are so beautiful!
Tom warmly welcomed us to the museum!
Will Rogers (November 4, 1879 – August 15, 1935) was a beloved American vaudeville performer, actor, and humorous social commentator. He was born in Oklahoma as a citizen of the Cherokee Nation and is known as "Oklahoma's Favorite Son". As an entertainer and humorist, he traveled around the world three times, made 71 films (50 silent films and 21 "talkies"), and wrote more than 4,000 nationally syndicated newspaper columns. By the mid-1930s, Rogers was hugely popular in the United States for his leading political wit and was one of the higher paid Hollywood film stars. He sadly died in 1935 in a plane crash.
Will Rogers first became famous for his rope tricks. We were treated to peace torch inclusive demonstration!
Then it was time to try for ourselves!
Inside the museum.
Fun and inspiring gifts abound!
Some of us stopped at She Brews and learned of the important support this non-profit organisation provides employing and empowering women transitioning out of incarceration.
Thank you Gayla!
Running to reunite with our friends from Tulsa Boys Home, which we have been visiting for the last 20 years!
We had a very enthusiastic welcome from boys and staff alike!
Many of the boys had prepared wonderful welcome posters and artwork for us.
A big thank you to students and staff for welcoming us and providing a delicious lunch for the entire team!
Thank you Fox 23 News for coming and broadcasting this great story!
We were not able to photograph the boys, but so happy to be able to have some of the wonderful staff members hold the torch!
We were blessed to have a little time to see the horses which serve in the special program of equine therapy which helps provide healing and hope to the boys. Staff are always astounded by the success of this form of treatment which develops social intelligence end enhances the boys ability to connect in relationships and increase their sense of self-worth, confidence and hope.
A big thank you to the wonderful staff who took the time to give us a fun speed tour of the grounds!
Such beautiful horses!
These gentle giants give so much to all who stand in their presence- and they are also rescue horses!
A special thank you to Mike Murphy, Development Director, who has been welcoming us here since 2006. We offered him our Torch-Bearer Award in 2010.
Our next stop was to Key Elementary School Champions After School Program. These kids were very attentive and sweet!
Run, run, run, run, run, run!
Feeling peace.
David leads the kids in a run around the field.
Many of the kids had their faces painted!
Time to pass the torch!
Area Supervisor of the program, Latravia Ford, takes a moment to feel the peace.
A big thank you to Champions After School program Site Director Traci Nunnally for facilitating our visit.
We finished off the day by running along the Joe Creek Trail in Tulsa.
We were so happy to meet Brook, Mahkya and Lileeana along the trail.
Gerald and his adorable granddaughter Luna were excited to hold the torch.
David running strong over the Arkansas River.
Our heart’s oneness Is indeed A peace-bridge-builder. -Sri Chinmoy
