Kindness has always been at the heart of the Bristow Toy Museum. That spirit lives on through the annual Mimi’s Choice Award, created in honor of Myra “Mimi” Fadely, a woman remembered throughout Bristow for her generosity and love for others, especially children.
The award celebrates simple acts of kindness. Last year’s recipient, Trenton Wood, showed that spirit by returning with Hot Wheels cars so other children wouldn’t go without, an act that perfectly reflected Mimi’s heart.
This year’s Second Annual Mimi’s Choice Award goes to siblings Riley, Elias, Oliver, and Isaac Braden. The children are familiar faces at the museum and in the community, helping with decorating and cleaning, supporting Christmas parade preparations, collecting pop tabs for Ronald McDonald House Charities, planting wildflowers along the city lake nature trail, and staying active in 4-H.
Each child shared what the museum means to them. Riley, 11, said she loves visiting year-round. Elias, 10, enjoyed helping while learning about toys from the 1980s. Oliver, 7, said it was an honor to help, and Isaac, 4, proudly shared his joy in decorating the Grinch tree.
Their parents, Forest and Jamie Braden, expressed gratitude for the recognition, saying they are thankful to live in a community where caring for neighbors comes naturally. They also shared their appreciation for the support and friendship they’ve received in Bristow over the years.
The Mimi’s Choice Award continues to remind Bristow that kindness doesn’t have to be big to be meaningful, it just has to be shared. And at the Bristow Toy Museum, that legacy is alive every day. Y’all stop by, see Bret, and leave with a good story every time.