100 Seconds

At the young age of 10 years old, Edmond native Olivia Kay became a Youtube sensation with her rendition of Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” (almost 3 million views).

Since the video, Olivia has accomplished more at her young age than most vocalists twice her age. With a powerful voice and vibrant personality, Olivia has been featured on The View with Barbara Walters, sung with Shaquille O’Neal on TNT and performed the national anthem for a number of OKC Thunder playoff games.

With Olivia’s poised confidence and talent, Oklahoma is sure to see great success in her future singing career.

– Jake Pasdach, Jones PR

Video by Jake Pasdach

These days one dollar can’t buy much, but at Crossings Community Church in Oklahoma City, the power of a dollar goes a long way.

The church’s innovative program, The Dollar Club, is a simple concept with a major impact. The program encourages each person to give one dollar at every Sunday service. At the end of each month, Crossings Community gives the entire collection of dollar bills to a person, family or organization in need.

In April, the Dollar Club surprised shoppers at a local store by purchasing their groceries. Watch the inspiring 100-second video for the full story.

– Jake Pasdach, Jones PR

Andrew is 15 years old and lives in Mustang, Oklahoma. He was diagnosed with a life-threatening autoimmune disease called Wegener’s Granulomatosis.

Andrew studies piano with long-time music instructor Greg Fisher. Andrew’s wish was one the Make-A-Wish Foundation does not experience too often. When granted the opportunity to wish for anything, Andrew selflessly wished to give his piano teacher a brand-new grand piano.

Andrew proves to be an inspiring reminder that anyone can still serve those they love in times of adversity. Make-A-Wish Oklahoma serves all 77 counties and granted 143 wishes in 2015.

– Jake Pasdach, Jones PR

Simply google the word “mayor,” and you’ll likely discover information about Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett.

As president-elect of the United States Conference of Mayors, the official non-partisan organization of city chief elected officials, Cornett is passionate about Oklahoma City.

One project he’s particularly fond of is MAPS, Oklahoma City’s voter-approved capital improvement program. MAPS began in 1993 to upgrade or build new entertainment, cultural, recreational and athletic facilities. In 2016, MAPS 3 will bring a new convention center, outdoor trails, river improvements, public park, senior health and wellness centers, and a modern streetcar and transit system.

– Jake Pasdach, Jones PR

Here’s a simple gourmet dish to make at home for your valentine.

Preheat oven to 400 and season lamb with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in medium sauté pan and sear. Next, brush lamb with pomegranate molasses, and press chopped pecans on the meat. Roast in oven about 20 minutes for medium rare. While roasting, prepare sauce in original sauté pan. Over low heat, stir together vinegar, sugar, and pomegranate molasses. Allow to simmer and reduce by 1/3.

After lamb is done, let rest for 10 minutes. Served here with sautéed Swiss chard and pomegranate Molasses Gastrique.

– Valarie Carter, Editor of Edible Tulsa Magazine

Sergeant Ashley Peters of the Oklahoma City Police Department is one of the state’s finest. Behind Peters lies a story of success and triumph over homelessness as a former student of Positive Tomorrows, Oklahoma’s only elementary school for homeless children.

With over 7,200 homeless youth in OKC alone, Positive Tomorrows removes barriers to education and restores hope in its students.

Recognizing that only one in four children living in poverty will graduate high school, Positive Tomorrows’ main goal is to ensure every child can be successful and eventually live a life they’re proud of, just like Sergeant Ashley Peters.

– Jake Pasdach, Jones PR