Shine A Light
Thank you for supporting Shine a Light!!!
Because of our community coming together, Shine a Light raised more than $280,000 to invest in children and families through Sunbeam Family Services. Your partnership helps ensure families have access to early education, whole‑family support, and a brighter path forward.
Thank you for being part of a community that believes in children, families, and the power of showing up together. We hope you left feeling inspired—and we can’t wait to see you again soon.
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2026 Aspire Award Recipients, David and Jean McLaughlin
David and Jean McLaughlin built lives defined by entrepreneurship, generosity, and a deep commitment to family and community. David co-founded Advance Food Company in Enid in 1973, growing it from a five-person operation into an internationally recognized food company employing thousands. A champion of free enterprise and opportunity, he believed business should create not only products, but possibility for employees, families, and future generations. Jean, a lifelong advocate for education and civic engagement, has devoted decades of service to organizations that strengthen children, families, and informed communities across Oklahoma.
Together, David and Jean founded the McLaughlin Family Foundation in 2004 around their dining room table, guided by a simple but powerful mission: to help children and families thrive. For more than two decades, their philanthropy has strengthened organizations throughout central Oklahoma through thoughtful grants, steady leadership, and personal involvement. Their commitment to opportunity and hope has been consistent and intentional—including 22 years of partnership with Sunbeam, supporting its work to uplift children and families across generations.
At the heart of their success is family. David and Jean raised four children and delight in their nine grandchildren, who, along with their parents, carry forward the values of hard work, integrity, generosity, and joyful living that define the McLaughlin legacy. Whether building a business, mentoring young leaders, supporting the arts and education, or investing in the well-being of Oklahoma families, David and Jean have led with gratitude and action. Their lives reflect the very spirit of the Aspire Award: strengthening community by opening doors of opportunity for others.
Shine A Light 2026 Emcee, Amanda Taylor of News 9
Amanda Taylor can be seen on weekdays co-anchoring the 5 p.m., 6 p.m., and 10 p.m. newscasts and reporting on issues important to Oklahomans. She’s anchored news coverage from the devastation in Moore after the 2013 tornado, brought us live coverage from Cushing after the 2016 earthquake, and traveled across state lines to get the whole story.
As a consumer reporter, Amanda’s gone to bat for Oklahomans who were wronged and even helped send a con man to prison thanks to her investigative report. Since joining the News 9 team, Amanda’s been recognized with multiple awards for her work. These include 6 Emmys, an Edward R. Murrow Award, Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters awards, Associated Press honors, and Society of Professional Journalist awards.
Amanda also has a passion for the welfare of children. She’s most proud of her work with News 9 and the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma’s Food for Kids program. She received an Emmy nomination for the emotional story of her father’s struggle with hunger. Through that, and her other community outreach efforts, she has helped raise more than two million dollars to feed hungry children.
Amanda graduated from the University of Florida but grew up a “Hoosier” in Bloomington, Indiana. She joined the News 9 team in 2006 after leaving KENS in San Antonio, Texas. Before her work in San Antonio, Amanda reported and anchored for KAUZ in Wichita Falls, Texas and WUFT in Gainesville, Florida.
When you don’t see Amanda on television, she keeps busy chasing after her very active children, Gage and Harlow, and hanging out with her husband Nick and their Sheepadoodle, Ralphie. Amanda also enjoys crafts and photography.
If you have any questions, please contact Zac Gillis at zgillis@sunbeamfamilyservices.org or (405) 609-8926.