The Vynomma Argo Memorial Gardens will be dedicated at 1 p.m. at the Red Cross Chapter in Oklahoma City, 601 NE 6^th St. The garden area features brick landscaping inscribed with individual names of donors and supporters.

Vynomma Argo left the American Red Cross of Central Oklahoma a significant donation upon her death earlier this year. Her bequest ensures that Oklahomans will continue receiving vital Red Cross services such as disaster relief and emergency communication for military families.

"We are grateful for Ms. Argo's life and for her generosity in leaving a gift to the Red Cross," said Vince Hernandez, CEO of the Central Oklahoma Chapter. "Her gift to the Red Cross will be used to carry out our mission of helping Oklahomans when they need it the most. The heart of the Red Cross is neighbors helping neighbors, and Ms. Argo's kindness is a wonderful example of that."

Oklahoma County Assessor Leonard Sullivan, who befriended Argo several years ago upon learning she had no living close relatives, said she was a successful real estate businesswoman who wanted to leave a generous gift to the Red Cross. A long-held memory spurred her to choose the Red Cross.

"During World War II, she was working in Washington, D.C., and she saw how well the Red Cross treated military people coming in through the bus and train stations, and how well they treated veterans," Sullivan said. "She was particularly impressed by that and decided that's where she wanted her money to go."

The American Red Cross of Central Oklahoma has been serving people since 1917, carrying out its mission of disaster relief and helping people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Each year, the Chapter responds to more than 300 house and apartment fires by providing the comfort and assistance that families need to get back on their feet. The Service to Armed Forces department annually works some 900 military cases to verify and transmit emergency messages. All disaster and military assistance is free and made possible because of the public's support of time and donations.

For more information about the Aug. 26 dedication or about Red Cross services and volunteer opportunities, call 228-9500 or visit http://www.okc.redcross.org/.