There’s ‘No Place like Home’ at Hospitality House

The Route 66 Gurney Tourney Raised Funds and Awareness for Families in Need

No Place Like Home was the theme of Hospitality House of Tulsa’s Route 66 Gurney Tourney race held Saturday, May 11, at the University of Tulsa. Many of the 65 racers dressed in costume attire from the movie classic, The Wizard of Oz and decorated their gurney beds in creatively themed décor.

This unique team race is a fundraiser for Hospitality House of Tulsa, a nonprofit that provides a “home away from home” for families traveling to get medical care in Tulsa. Over $35,000 was raised from the Route 66 Gurney Tourney with all proceeds going toward providing home-like lodging, meals, prayer support, and transportation assistance to families in medical crisis.

The event featured teams of five from local businesses, universities and health care companies racing gurney-style beds around a race track and obstacle course. Three team members push the gurney while one rides on top, and the fifth member serves as an alternate. Each of the four race obstacles were designed to represent real-life obstacles that families face during a medical crisis far from home, such as having adequate transportation and meals.

“The fact that over 25,000 families travel to Tulsa from 50 miles away or more each year is not common knowledge in our community,” said Toni Moore, President and CEO of Hospitality House of Tulsa. “Gurney Tourney is designed to bring awareness to this staggering need in a light-hearted way by bringing teams together around this cause.

We are incredibly grateful for our amazing sponsors, racers, and volunteers who made this event happen for the fifth year. It is always so inspiring when the community comes together to collectively meet a need in our city.”

Hillcrest Medical Center’s team, The Flying Monkeys, won the gurney race and took home the prize trophy. Event Chairs for the 2019 Gurney Tourney were Michael and Angela Yelich, owners of Mattress Firm Tulsa, and Darryl Baskin of KRMG Radio served as Emcee. There was also plenty to do for all ages, including a bounce house and face painting for children.

For more information on Hospitality House of Tulsa, including donations and attending a free open house tour, call 918-794-0088 ext. 205 or visit www.hhtulsa.org.