Lyric Bash
Mahjong in QC
Lyric Theatre honored First Lady Cathy and Governor Frank Keating during its annual gala. They are pictured with their daughter Carrie Leonard, who was the event chairman, and her husband Ryan. Page 10
Mahjong is taking the country by storm — Quail Creek is no exception. A group of neighborhood ladies are finding community in the game. Here Sarah Smith shows a space they have decorated to play. Page 11
OKC Friday okcfriday.com • facebook.com/okcfriday Vol. 60, No. 10
People You Should Know
DR. MICHAEL (MIKE) KIRK Managing Dentist, Owner Grand Dental Studio Where did you grow up, and do you have a favorite childhood memory? My family is originally from southeast Oklahoma and my early childhood was spent in Stringtown and later in Ada. We moved to Tulsa and I started at Jenks Schools when I was in eighth grade. My favorite childhood memory is spending summers helping on my grandparents farm and riding my bicycle back and forth to Stringtown on the gravel roads to get treats. What did you want to be when you grew up? I'm not sure, because during high school I mostly just thought about sports. I knew I liked science and enjoyed being creative, so I thought medical or dental school would be a good fit. What are you most passionate about professionally? I am passionate about many parts of dentistry. I love helping our patients and improving their lives using advanced general and cosmetic dentistry techniques. I’m also proud of the professional team we have at Grand Dental Studio. We are very intentional with our training, experience, and the services See PYSK, Page 8
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July 17, 2026
2 Sections • 20 Pages
FASHION MEETS PURPOSE Goodwill celebrates 90 years of service Goodwill Central Oklahoma will celebrate 90 years of service with the return of its signature fundraising event, Work the Runway: Glam for Good — 90 Years of Style and Service, on Friday, Aug. 7, at The Criterion in downtown Oklahoma City. The annual fashion show supports Goodwill's workforce development programs, while highlighting the organization's mission of helping Oklahomans overcome barriers to employment. This year’s event introduces a new partnership with the University of Central Oklahoma through a student design competition that emphasizes sustainability and creativity. Fashion students were challenged to transform pre-loved clothing from Goodwill stores into high-fashion runway designs, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to giving donated items a second life. See RUNWAY, Page 12
At Work the Runway, Goodwill Central Oklahoma’s signature fundraising event, guests are to enjoy hors d’oeuvres, signature cocktails, a pop-up boutique, raffles, a silent auction and the runway presentation.
Allied Arts raises more than $5.3 million for arts Allied Arts announced that it has raised more than $5.3 million during its 2026 fiscal year through its annual community campaign and signature events, OPUS and ARTini. The annual campaign generated more
than $3.73 million, marking one of the largest fundraising efforts in the organization’s 55-year history. Led by Co-ChairmenSusan Davis Jordan, Bank of Oklahoma, and Farooq Karim, REES Associates, this year’s
FRIDAY’s Dog of the Week This is Richard the Lionheart! He’s a 3-year-old Old Time Scotch Collie who is often on walks around Quail Creek; assisting with outdoor projects is his second favorite activity. He is a part of the O’Shea family. We love him so much! (He brings a lot of joy to people who remember Lassie especially!). Email Pet of the Week submissions to rose@okcfriday.com.
campaign reflects strong support from individual donors, corporate and foundation partners, and community stakeholders across central Oklahoma. Funds raised provide critical operating support and grant funding to
nearly 50 cultural nonprofits, helping sustain a vibrant and accessible arts landscape. “What we’re celebrating is not just a number. It’s 55 years of impact, See ARTS, Page 3
Five more are Merit Scholars By Rose Lane Editor Thirty-six percent of the latest round of Oklahoma National Merit Scholars financed by college and universities are graduates of Fridayland schools. National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) announced over 750 additional winners of National Merit Scholarships financed by colleges and universities. Of 14 new scholarship awardees, five graduated from a Fridayland school. See MERITS, Page 12
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