Our Mission:
"Give Life to Rural Communities Through Action."
We live by a philosophy that it’s important to never forget where you come from. We truly believe the problem with the country currently is that people are forgetting where they come from, which is the rural communities. Bringing life to rural communities is part of our mission to help heal this country.
Our Vision
“The Redmond Project is a powerful testament to the belief that rural communities can thrive again through dedicated action and compassion. Founded by Aaron Mears, PE, after witnessing the struggles of rural Oklahoma firsthand, this initiative seeks to restore the heart of these communities.
For three generations, the Redmond family has worked to give life to rural Oklahoma through engineering, education, and environmental stewardship. Dr. Bill Redmond, a PhD in engineering and former professor at Oral Roberts University, dedicated his career to both innovation and mentorship, shaping the minds of future engineers while also leading an environmental firm in the late 80s and early 90s. His daughter, Mary Redmond, followed in his footsteps as an environmental engineer, continuing the family’s commitment to sustainability and rural development. Now, Aaron Mears carries this legacy forward—not only improving water quality through Mears Engineers but also expanding the mission through The Redmond Project to invest in people, education, and community well-being.
At the core of this initiative is The STEM Center, a program designed to engage high school students in science, technology, engineering, and math, equipping them with the skills to shape the future of rural communities. Beyond education, The Redmond Project is committed to supporting those who have dedicated their lives to serving others—veterans, first responders, and professionals in trauma-related careers. Through community-driven programs, mental health resources, and direct support initiatives, we aim to uplift and restore the well-being of those who have sacrificed so much.
By fostering education, assisting rural veterans and first responders, supporting senior citizens through meaningful events, and funding substance abuse treatment programs, The Redmond Project is creating real change where it’s needed most. With a vision to expand its reach nationwide, this initiative stands as a beacon of hope for rural areas, proving that with commitment and community-driven efforts, the decline can be reversed. Together, we can build a future where every town is vibrant, every individual is supported, and every community has the resources to flourish.”
Events
Dear Friends,
On behalf of everyone at The Redmond Project, thank you for joining us at Bourbon on the Backroads 2026!
Because of your generosity, enthusiasm, and support, the evening was an incredible success. Whether you participated in the bourbon tasting, solved the murder mystery, bid in the silent auction, purchased raffle tickets, or simply spent the evening with us, you helped make a meaningful difference.
Every dollar raised helps The Redmond Project continue investing in rural Oklahoma through initiatives that support education, veterans, seniors and stronger communities. We are truly grateful to each and every one of you for believing in our mission.
We hope you had as much fun as we did and created memories that will last for years to come!
### Help Keep the Mission Moving
While special events like Bourbon on the Backroads make a tremendous impact, our work continues all year long. One of the best ways to support The Redmond Project is by becoming a monthly donor.
Even a small monthly gift helps us plan ahead, expand our programs, and continue making a lasting difference in rural communities.
If you're able, please consider making a monthly pledge by visiting the link below:
No gift is too small—every dollar helps us continue changing lives.
Thank you again for making this event so special. We look forward to seeing you next year!
With sincere appreciation,
Aaron Mears
Founder
The Redmond Project
"Building stronger rural communities—together."
Projects
Our First Mission: A Safer Playground for Lone Grove
COMPLETED!!
We reached our goal and completed the new Playground!!
Than you to all who helped us along the way, you are very much appreciated!!
Why This Matters
✅ Safety First – The previous equipment was deteriorating and no longer met modern safety standards. Upgrading the playground ensured children can play without risk.
✅ Investing in the Community – A quality playground fosters childhood development, encourages outdoor activity, and gives
families a safe gathering place.
✅ Building a Brighter Future – Every dollar raised went directly toward providing safe, durable, and engaging play structures
for the next generation of Lone Grove.
STEM Center
Inspiring the Next Generation Through Hands-On Learning
The STEM Center is a cornerstone of The Redmond Project, designed to spark curiosity and excitement in rural high school students by helping them understand the world around them through science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). This program goes beyond the classroom, bringing real-world engineering concepts to life and showing students how they can make a difference in their own communities.
At Mears Engineers, we specialize in hydraulic analysis, evaluating the water, sewer, paving, and drainage infrastructure that supports rural towns. Through the STEM Center, I personally visit high schools to share what I’ve discovered in their own community—giving students a firsthand look at how engineering impacts their daily lives.
Hands-On Challenges & Real-World Connections
To make STEM engaging and interactive, we provide hands-on activities and real-world applications that students can explore on their own:
Pressure Gauge Challenge – Every student receives a pressure gauge and is challenged to connect it to an outdoor hose spigot at their home. If they take a picture of their reading, provide their address, and note the time of measurement, they become eligible for a pizza party sponsored by The Redmond Project. This activity not only teaches them about water pressure and distribution but also connects them to real engineering concepts in their own backyard.
Hydraulic Demonstrations – Live demonstrations bring fluid dynamics to life, showing how water moves through systems and how engineers manage infrastructure.
Life Lessons Through Hydraulics – Science isn't just about numbers; it's about understanding challenges and solutions. We use hydraulics to teach life lessons, like how the roughness coefficient in a pipe (which slows water flow and reduces pressure) is similar to the obstacles in life that weigh us down. By learning to navigate and manage these forces—both in science and in life—students gain a comprehensive perspective on resilience and problem-solving.
Building Excitement for Water Resources & STEM Careers
By making STEM relatable, interactive, and connected to real-world challenges, we aim to inspire the next generation of engineers, scientists, and problem-solvers. Water resources are the foundation of every community, and through The STEM Center, we are empowering students to see their role in shaping the future of rural Oklahoma.
Join us in exploring, learning, and building a brighter future—one student, one challenge, and onecommunity at a time.
Board Members
Aaron Mears
President
William Wilson
Treasurer
Roger Godwin
Secretary
KC Morrissey
