GAIL RICHARDS

Induction into the Tulsa Hall of Fame, October 2010

I want to thank the Tulsa Historical Society for this great honor. I am humbled to be included among those you have previously recognized and those being honored tonight.

Thank you, Mike [Brose], for those lovely remarks. You have been a friend, a mentor and have opened my eyes even wider to the issues involving mental health and homelessness. Your support through the Building Tulsa Building Lives campaign is invaluable.

Kip, for almost 40 years, you have been my best friend and biggest advocate. Although you occasionally tire of my obsession with affordable housing, homelessness and mental health issues you are always there to support me, give me ideas and confidence.

Thanks to my children Rebecca, Matt, Shannon and Eric, who have always encouraged me to pursue my passions. Our newest addition Annabelle, my first grandchild, will surely do so in the future.

My parents are good examples. When I was young they instilled in me certain values that helped me to become the person I am today.

Cousin Judy, my partner in crime, we make a good team. From the beginning of the Building Tulsa Building Lives campaign we were often referred to as Batman and Robin. It remains unclear which one is Batman and which one is Robin. While we have more to raise before we meet our goal, I could not do this project without you.

Most of all tonight, I want to thank my sister Kathy. Her strength and courage in her everyday fight with her mental illness gives me the courage in my fight against the stigma of mental illness and to advocate for providing safe, decent and affordable housing for the Tulsa community.

As I end my remarks on this wonderful evening, I would like to leave you with one thought. When you leave here tonight and arrive safely back at your home –a home that we are all blessed to have–when you put your key in to unlock your door, please take a moment to think about those less fortunate than you and join me in helping to make a home a reality for every resident of this community who wants one, regardless of disability. They deserve that opportunity.

Thank you again for this great award.