OKMULGEE, Okla. – On your mark, get set, go grab a plate at the Mvskoke Nation Youth Council’s Spaghetti Fundraiser and Silent Auction! The event will serve spaghetti lunches including the classic Italian dish, bread, a cookie and a drink. Funds raised will benefit the newly-formed Mvskoke Nation Youth Council Hotvle En Pefatkvlke (Wind Runners), a running group. The Hotvle En Pefatkvlke will use the funds for registration fees and equipment like running shoes.
Most departments and communities typically host Indian taco sales for fundraisers. According to Mvskoke Youth Digital and Social Media Coordinator Ticara Turner, the department decided to serve spaghetti because February is associated with Valentine’s Day and love, à la “Lady and the Tramp”. All hands will be on deck serving hungry customers.
Turner is also a secondary advisor for the Muscogee Nation Youth Council. The Hotvle En Pefatkvlke consists of seven members; six girls and one boy. It is currently limited to members on the youth council, however the department has plans to expand it.
“Pete Coser Jr. from the Scholarship Foundation came to Youth Services seeking to collaborate,” Turner said. “His idea was to form a small running program with our youth council. They’re the pilot group, next year we’re hoping to expand it to all Creek youth within Youth Services.”
Coser is a Mvskoke citizen and recently ran in the 2024 New York City Marathon. The running program will last eight weeks and will train runners in order to prepare for the Nene Letkv Run. The annual 5k and Fun Run/Walk takes place in May, and is hosted by the MCN Scholarship Foundation.
The silent auction will feature donations including Pendleton blankets, a free one-night stay and voucher to the Grand Casino in Shawnee, Nike brand polos and more.
Proceeds from the spaghetti fundraiser will allow Youth Services to purchase running equipment like tennis shoes, socks and tank tops. Funds will also go toward race registration fees. The department’s goal is to sign up the running group in three races.
Youth Services employees are also tying up their laces to run with students. Turner is a runner herself and has been a member of different running clubs in Tulsa. She believes the rewards from running are remarkable.
“I find it offers more than just physical benefits. I find the mental wellness that comes with it is really amazing,” Turner said.
The event is set for Friday, Feb. 21 at the MNYC Office from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. The MNYS Office is located at 2710 N. Miami Ave in Okmulgee. The department will take preorders. Delivery will be available for orders with more than three plates. For more information, contact Youth Services at 918-549-2557.The youth council meets the second Saturday of the month. All Mvskoke citizens ages 12-24 are invited to join.
