Hunger In Your Backyard

Broken Arrow Neighbors Hosts Fundraising Gala on April 25, 2025

In Broken Arrow, the harsh reality of hunger is closer than many realize. One in five Oklahoma children faces food insecurity, and half of the Broken Arrow Public School students qualify for free or reduced lunches—a number that continues to climb. Seniors aren’t spared either, with one in ten unsure where their next meal will come from. Despite being a thriving, growing city, Broken Arrow reflects the sobering statistic that Oklahoma ranks 46th in the nation for food insecurity.

What Does BA Neighbors Do?

That’s where Broken Arrow Neighbors (BA Neighbors) steps in. As a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving local residents with dignity, compassion, and empowerment, BA Neighbors offers critical services that make a real difference. From combating food insecurity to providing emergency financial assistance, financial literacy programs, and career guidance, their impact is both vast and deeply personal.

“We have had so many first-time families coming to Broken Arrow Neighbors with the hard choice of whether to put food on the table or pay rent,” said Megan Quickle, executive director of BA Neighbors. “The need is just tremendously growing in our community—a staggering necessity.”

How Does BA Neighbors Raise Funds?

To continue supporting the growing number of families in need, BA Neighbors is hosting its 3rd Annual Hunger in Your Backyard: Defying Hunger Gala on April 25, 2025, at the elegant Crystal Ballroom in the Historic Mayo Hotel in downtown Tulsa. Starting at 6 p.m., this black-tie event invites guests to “dress to impress the wizard in your emerald elegance, or swish, swish into the gala in your perfectly pink best.”

Co-chaired by Cynthia Swinehart of GH2 Architects and Ray Neal of Big Ray in BA, the gala promises an evening of fine dining, live music, and an exclusive VIP after-party at the Mayo Hotel Penthouse for certain sponsor levels.

But it’s not just about glitz and glamour. The gala serves as a crucial fundraiser to support BA Neighbors’ expanding services. In 2024 alone, the organization provided over 81,000 services—a staggering increase of 53,000 services since 2022.

Is Food Insecurity A Problem In Broken Arrow?

“Broken Arrow is a prosperous and beautiful community, but there is also a growing need,” Quickle emphasized. “Oklahomans are not being paid a living wage that equates to security. Many are living paycheck to paycheck, and when something unexpected happens, that’s when BA Neighbors steps in.”

At the core of BA Neighbors’ mission is the Neighbor’s Choice Curbside Pantry program, which provides families with groceries for 30 days—including food for their pets. Beyond food help, the Emergency Financial Assistance Program helps residents avoid utility shutoffs and eviction, offering a critical safety net for families on the brink.

BA Neighbors also runs Jump Start, their community mentorship program, pairing clients with mentors to build financial literacy and career readiness. “It’s not just about providing immediate relief but also about empowering individuals to take the next step in their careers and lives,” Quickle noted.

These programs, combined with extensive community outreach and partnerships, create a safety net that helps Broken Arrow thrive.

The success of the Defying Hunger Gala—and the continued impact of BA Neighbors—depends on community support. Tickets are available in pairs and as full tables, with multiple sponsorship levels offering exclusive perks, including access to the VIP after-party.

“It isn’t just about throwing a gala—it’s about educating and bringing awareness to everything that Broken Arrow Neighbors does and helping fund that critical mission,” Quickle said.

Where Can I Learn More About the Defying Hunger Gala?

Interested supporters can learn more about sponsorship opportunities and purchase tickets at hungerinyourbackyard.com or follow BA Neighbors on social media for updates.

As Broken Arrow grows, so does the need for compassionate and effective support. By attending the Defying Hunger Gala or becoming a sponsor, you can help ensure that no family has to choose between paying rent and putting food on the table.

It’s time for our community to come together, dressed in emerald and pink, to fight hunger and empower our neighbors. Let’s defy hunger, one family at a time.