The Oklahoman
March 27, 2007

Pat Nichols, founder of Parents Helping Parents, was honored recently by the Jim Thorpe Association for his outstanding work in the Edmond community. Nichols received the organization's first ever Character First business award at a quarterly luncheon held at the Oklahoma City Petroleum Club.

The Jim Thorpe Association presents this award to men in the business and sports world for their Godly characteristics and Christian witness in the community.

Nichols was nominated for this award by the association's chaplain, Chuck Bowman.

“Pat and Vickie Nichols are two the most unsung heroes in Edmond,” explained Bowman. “They are reaching out to parents whose children have a drinking problem. And they really have a caring heart for those children.”

Nichols and his wife, Vickie, founded Parents Helping Parents in 2001, because their own family had suffered through the addiction of their own son. Nichols decided to use what he learned, good and bad, and share it with others. Parents Helping Parents does just that. They provide parents with resources as they cope with the addiction. By providing information, Nichols hopes to help parents make the right choices for their families.

“Edmond Police Chief Bob Ricks has his officers carrying information about Pat's organization in their patrol cars. If they run into a situation where they think a parent needs this information, they give them Pat's information,” said Bowman. “I can't think of a better endorsement than that.”

The City of Edmond recently adopted a Social Host Ordinance which holds a party host accountable for underage drinking at a social gathering. Nichols was instrumental in the adoption of this ordinance and is still serving on a task force dealing with this ordinance.

In addition to his work with Parents Helping Parents, Nichols and his wife own Nichols Travel Inc. Nichols is also a volunteer in many organizations in the community and is active at First Presbyterian Church. He is a past president of AMBUCS and one of the original members of Edmond's Best business referral club.