Not many people have lived through horse-drawn wagons, world wars, the invention of televisions, man on the moon, the internet, and smartphones, but Tennyson AJ-royd DeGraffenreid did just that and more. His life was not only long, but also rich in purpose, community, humor, and as one of the Lake of the Ozarks’ first pioneers.
For its 18th Anniversary Edition, themed “There’s No Place Like Home,” L•O PROFILE proudly presents its 6th Annual Ambassadors of Hope. Nominated by the Lake community, these honor- ees are drawn from a place of extremely generous giving and, most of all, determined individuals whose optimism, resilience, and spirit lift others. Their stories, shaped by both challenges and triumphs, shine as beacons, reminding us that with perseverance and positivity, the light will always lead the Lake forward and illuminate the path for others to follow.
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, a time to honor young warriors and shine a light on the urgent need for research, funding, and support. This month, we remember Vivian Robinson, a bold and beautiful soul whose life was touched by one of the most devastating pediatric diagnoses: Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG).Vivian’s journey began with a subtle symptom—a drifting eye. Initially suspected to be a concussion, it soon became clear that something far more serious was happening. After a series of scans and hospital visits, the Robinson family received the heartbreaking news: Vivian had DIPG.
A home at Lake of the Ozarks is a treasure year-round, but there is a special kind of magic that comes with living at the Lake during the summertime. Beautiful backyard sunsets, outdoor grilling, and laughing children are a few of the highlights of the summer months. These exact anecdotes can be found in the home of Jacob and Beth Sullivan. The house is a stunning reflection of transitional modern style, blending timeless vintage charm with everyday functionality. “It’s a transitional modern style, both architecturally and in the interior design,” Beth shares.
In 1975, Mack Amini opened a modest store in Oklahoma City with just five pool tables and a handful of bar stools. Having emigrated from Iran in the 1960s, Mack was driven by a vision of entrepreneurship and a desire to build a better life for his young family. Over the next five decades, that small venture grew into Amini’s Galleria, a premier destination for luxury home furnishings, game room essentials, and outdoor living, with locations in Chesterfield, Kansas City, Tulsa, and Oklahoma City.
At 36, Kyle Robinson, Vice President of Sales at Econo Lift, brings passion, family pride, and a love for helping others to the generational boat lift company his grandparents founded. Raised in Camdenton, Missouri, Kyle never imagined himself back in his hometown, much less leading the next generation of the family business.
Within a few seconds, once you hear the familiar guitar and harmonica lick, you’ll immediately recognize the treasured serenade “If You Wanna Get to Heaven.” The Ozark Mountain Daredevils have delighted audiences worldwide for over 50 years with their impeccable harmonies, musicianship, and creativity.
Nestled near Rocky Mount, Wonderland Camp has long provided a retreat for individuals with differing abilities. Since breaking ground in 1969 and welcoming its first campers in 1971, the camp has grown into a renowned facility—comparable to Paul Newman’s Hole in the Wall Gang Camp. Wonderland Camp serves participants as young as six, and they never “age out”; some campers have returned for 40 consecutive years. Today, 80% of campers are repeat visitors, traveling from 23 states to experience the camp and providing respite for caregivers. In May 2025, Wonderland Camp completed a transformative renovation of Miller Hall, its main dining and activity center.
The May/June 2025 issue takes you inside the adrenaline-fueled action of the 2024 Lake of the Ozarks Shootout, showcasing top offshore powerboat teams like MCON/Monster Energy, Dirty Money Racing, and XINSURANCE as they battled for glory on the water.
Luxury modern homes represent the pinnacle of architectural sophistication, seamlessly blending state-of-the-art technology, high-end materials, and contemporary design elements to create unparalleled living experiences. These homes are more than residences; they are statements of style, comfort, and innovation catering to the most discerning homeowners.