The McMahon Foundation

08/21/2026

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Sarah Bridges, beloved wife of Kenneth Bridges, a longtime and cherished member of the McMahon Foundation Board of Trustees.

Sarah was a constant source of support to Kenneth throughout his years of service to our Foundation and this community, and her warmth touched everyone who knew her. Our thoughts and prayers are with Kenneth and the entire Bridges family as they navigate this profound loss.

Please join us in holding Kenneth and his family close during this difficult time. 💙

Sarah Katherine Leister Bridges passed away on Sunday August 16, 2026. She was born May 3, 1931, in Taylor, Mississippi to Leroy Bismark Leister and Willie Lucille Crisp Leister. She was one of six children. Along with her family, Sarah moved to Lawton, Oklahoma when she was approximately five years

08/20/2026

National Senior Citizens Day

Today we're honoring the wisdom and contributions of the seniors in our community — and the organizations that show up for them every day.

The Center for Creative Living has long been a hub for Southwest Oklahoma seniors. Last year, the McMahon Foundation was proud to support their Senior Food Assistance program with a $10,000 grant, helping ensure our community's elders have access to the meals they need.

To every senior who has shaped Lawton and Southwest Oklahoma — thank you. And to the organizations who serve them so faithfully — we're honored to stand behind your work.

08/17/2026

Happy National Nonprofit Day! 💙 To every nonprofit across Southwest Oklahoma doing the quiet, meaningful work of caring for our community — thank you. We see you, and we're grateful for you.

08/13/2026

What a wonderful way to celebrate 125 years of the City of Lawton! Thank you for including the McMahon Foundation and for shining a light on Louise McMahon's legacy. We especially loved watching the dancers perform — what a joy! Congratulations to all the individuals and organizations recognized with awards today. Proud to be part of this community. 🎉

08/06/2026

Happy 125th birthday, Lawton. 🎉

On August 6, 1901, the first families staked their claims out on the prairie, and a hometown was born. One hundred and twenty-five years later, that same spirit — neighbors looking out for neighbors — is still what makes this place special.

We're grateful to The Lawton Constitution for telling some of that story this summer through its series on Lawton's history, including the chapters featuring the McMahon family. The McMahon family's roots and this city's roots grew up side by side, and it's been a gift to see those early days remembered.

There's no better way to mark the occasion than together. Join us this Saturday at 9 AM for the Grand Re-Opening of the McMahon Memorial Auditorium — a place built for our community to gather and celebrate for generations to come. We can't wait to see you there.

Here's to 125 years, Lawton — and to everything still ahead.

Legacy in Service. Purpose in Action.

08/06/2026

💙 Grantee Spotlight: Infant Crisis Services

The BabyMobile rolled into Lawton this week, and the line of cars said it all. 🚗

Infant Crisis Services brings their mobile pantry right into our community, delivering formula, food, diapers, wipes, and other basic necessities to families with babies and toddlers — no appointment needed, no barriers, just help when it's needed most. Their belief is simple: no baby should go hungry.

We were proud to award Infant Crisis Services a $10,000 grant in 2025 to help sustain this vital work. Raising an infant or toddler is expensive, and for families feeling the squeeze, that support can make all the difference.

Seeing the BabyMobile serve so many families right here in Lawton is exactly why we do what we do. Thank you, Infant Crisis Services, for showing up for our community. 💙

08/04/2026

18 years. 💛

That's how long Mike Mayhall has served the McMahon Foundation — since 2008.

Eighteen years of grant cycles, board meetings, and careful financial stewardship in support of education, human services, and arts and culture across Southwest Oklahoma.

Behind every grant we award is the quiet, essential work of trustees like Mike — the diligence, the accountability, the commitment that keeps our mission strong. That kind of dedication doesn't happen by accident. It's a choice made, year after year.

Thank you, Mike, for 18 years of service to this Foundation and this community. We're deeply grateful. 🙏

08/03/2026

What a treat to host the young performers of Sherri's Dance Center at the McMahon Foundation this afternoon!

Before they take the stage this Saturday, these talented dancers stopped by to learn about Louise McMahon — the woman whose vision and generosity helped shape arts and culture in our community for generations.

Come cheer them on Saturday at the newly renovated McMahon Auditorium as Lawton celebrates its 125th Birthday! We can't wait to see them shine. 🎉

07/31/2026

Happy National Talk in an Elevator Day! 🛗

Did you know the McMahon Foundation has a little piece of history tucked inside our headquarters? Our building — the former McMahon family home, built in 1950 — has its very own elevator. It's no longer in service, but it remains one of our favorite reminders of just how forward-thinking Mrs. McMahon was.

A residential elevator in 1950 was a genuine rarity, and it speaks to the same spirit of foresight and care that has guided this Foundation for decades. Mrs. McMahon built for the future — in her home, and in the legacy she left behind.

So today, we're raising a smile to good conversations, unexpected details, and the people who think ahead. 💛

07/30/2026