DONOR SPOTLIGHT BY HALSEY B. MUSSELMAN Sarkeys J. Sarkeys Sarkeys Foundation In 1891, Sarkeys J. Sarkeys immigrated to the United States from Lebanon when he was just 17 years old, meeting his two brothers in St. Louis. Like many, Sarkeys made his way through Cushing, Oklahoma during the oil boom as a traveling lamp salesman. During this exciting time in Oklahoma history, he quickly made Oklahoma his home selling oil and gas leases, while also acquiring mineral rights. In 1962, Mr. Sarkeys established the Sarkeys Foundation which has since been deeply committed to furthering his vision of improving the quality of life in Oklahoma. Since its founding, the Sarkeys Foundation has awarded more than $80 million in grants to nonprofit organizations and institutions across the state of Oklahoma, including the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. In 2020, the Sarkeys Foundation awarded the Oklahoma Hall of Fame a grant to increase sensory friendly accessibility at the Gaylord- Pickens Museum. The Sarkeys Foundation’s Executive Director Kim Henry said, “We loved the idea the Oklahoma Hall of Fame had with the sensory-friendly programming for alternative- learning students.” This funding allowed Oklahoma Hall of Fame staff to create sensory kits for guests, to convert gallery space into a calming room, and to construct a stimulating sensory wall with play panels and a mural in the Museum’s Makerspace. The purchase of this equipment, along with training from community partners like the Oklahoma Autism Network and the Chickasaw Nation Vocational Rehabilitation department has made it possible for the Museum to begin offering sensory friendly programming once a month as an extension of See You Saturdays. This project provides for visitors with sensory sensitivities the opportunity to enjoy free programming including story times, art making, and stimulating activities throughout the Museum. “This project is a wonderful way to make sure the museum is a great and fun place for all of our children to go and learn about our state’s history,” Henry said. Visit oklahomahof.com/ways-to-give today to support Free Family Fun and sensory friendly Member FDIC programming at the Gaylord-Pickens Museum, home of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame.