Choctaw Event Benefits Three Colleges
(Press Release 5-21-04)
Hank Mooney, Office of Public Information

Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma hosted a Celebrity Waiter Night at tribal casinos in McAlester and Durant May 18 to benefit three southeastern Oklahoma higher education institutions where “a number of Choctaw young people attend college,” according to Choctaw Nation Assistant Chief Mike Bailey.

The Choctaw Nation donated receipts from all of its enterprises in McAlester and Durant including casinos and travel plazas to be divided equally between Eastern Oklahoma State College in Wilburton; Carl Albert State College, Poteau and Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant.

“We estimate there will be $150,000 to be equally divided among the three colleges,” Bailey said.

Bailey told Eastern regents during their regularly scheduled meeting Friday that Eastern waiters raised more funds during the dinner than other groups.

Celebrity Waiter Nights are designed as a “fun” evening for not only the diners but also the waiters. Waiters generally withhold food or other items from guests who have purchased tickets to the meals until they receive a significant tip for the item in an attempt to raise funds. Eastern staff and other institution representatives served as waiters for the event.

“I would like to commend the Eastern waiters,” Bailey, who serves as a regent for the Wilburton college said. “This group raised more money for the cause than any other.”

Eastern President Dr. Richard Bernard said he admired the dedication of the Choctaw nation and their generosity.

“Eastern truly appreciates the vision and foresight of the Choctaw Nation and their continuing support of higher education,” Bernard said.

“Mike, Chief Gregory Pyle and the Choctaw Council have continued to demonstrate their understanding of the importance of higher education over the years.

“We are particularly proud of Mike as a regent and his demonstrated dedication and support of education for the future of the Oklahoma.”

Eastern waiters at the event included: Bailey, Rep. Ray Miller, Sen. Richard Lerblance, Bernard, Preston Boyles, Glen Earley, John Garofoli, Mark Lauerman, Leah Miller, Brad Rice, Ray Rice and Karen and ‘Woody’ Woodruff.

Bailey said that more than 700 steaks were cooked for patrons attending the dinner.