Children’s Museum to Honor Barry Switzer

Friends and supporters of the Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum will gather in Tulsa Oct. 1 to honor former coach of the University of Oklahoma Sooners and Dallas Cowboys, Barry Switzer. Switzer will be the recipient of the Museum’s “Jasmine Award” presented once every two years to a person, or persons, who have given extraordinary service to the children of Oklahoma.
Previous honorees have been Cathy Keating, David and Molly Boren, Gene Rainbolt, Kim Henry and George and Donna Nigh.
Switzer, who has won three national championships, 12 Big Eight titles and Super Bowl XXX, is being honored for his work with children – especially for his involvement with the Special Olympics organization.
The benefit banquet will be held at the Tulsa Southern Hills Marriott Hotel. Co-chairs of the event are Gov. Brad Henry and First Lady Kim Henry. Additional committee members are Marci Donaho, Phyllis Logsdon, Melvin Moran and Lana Reynolds.
The emcee for the event will be former Gov. George Nigh. The presentation of the Jasmine will be made by former Oklahoma First Lady and previous Jasmine recipient Donna Nigh.
Proceeds from the tribute will be used to support exhibits and admission scholarships at the Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum in Seminole.
The museum is one of the world’s largest children’s museums and a favorite destination for school field trips and family outings. The hands-on, award-winning museum is uniquely created as an imaginary town where children can role-play a variety of occupations.
Among the special guests who have been invited are: Dean Blevins, sportscaster; Steve Burrage, Oklahoma State Auditor and Inspector; Jeff Cloud, Corporation Commissioner; State Sen. Harry Coates; Joe Castiglione, University of Oklahoma Athletic Director; Drew Edmondson,  Oklahoma Attorney General; Keith Jackson, former football player for OU, Philadelphia Eagles, Miami Dolphins and Green Bay Packers.
State Rep. Shane Jett; Merv Johnson, sportscaster and former coach; Scott Meacham, Oklahoma State Treasurer; House Minority Leader Danny Morgan; Dana Murphy, Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner; Jim Riley, former football player for OU and the Miami Dolphins; Lee Roy Selmon, former football player for OU and Tampa Bay; Cledon Thomas, former football player for OU, Los Angeles Rams and Pittsburg Steelers; and Uwe von Schamman, former football player for OU and the Miami Dolphins.
During the evening, special recognition will be given to several organizations and individuals for their past support of the Children’s Museum.
Anyone interested in attending the banquet, or receiving more information about table sponsorships or the Museum, may contact the Executive Director Marci Donaho at 405-382-0950 or by email at mdonaho@jasminemoran.com