Local couple aims to be named America’s favorite through contest
Trending
LOCK HAVEN -- A Clinton County couple is hoping to secure the title of “America’s Favorite Couple” through an online contest.
Jolean “JoJo” Lucas and James “Jimmy” Evanock competed among thousands of couples across the country in the quarterfinals of the competition, hosted by Colossal and Variety magazine. The competition began in June and runs through October.
The contest also serves as a fundraiser for the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank and Oceana, an international advocacy organization dedicated to ocean conservation.
The winner of this year’s contest will have the chance to share their love story in a special spread inside Variety, receive $20,000 and have dinner with Jeff Goldblum and his wife, Emilie Livingston, along with Charlie Day and Mary Elizabeth Ellis.
JoJo said they entered the competition in hopes the $20,000 could help pay off debt incurred by Jimmy to help ensure their home is safe for JoJo.
“I was born with Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC), a physical disability that causes permanent joint contractures (permanent stiffness or fixing of muscles and joints) and requires me to use a heavy power wheelchair for mobility,” JoJo told The Express.
She explained that Jimmy took out a $10,500 loan to structurally reinforce the kitchen and dining room floors to safely support the weight of her wheelchair.
JoJo said that since they met online more than 20 years ago, Jimmy has been her rock -- a dedicated partner and caregiver. In addition to his job working in an emotional support classroom at Central Mountain Middle School, he manages the household, cares for their two dogs and helps his mother, she said.
“Winning this competition would allow us to pay off some of this debt and make essential home updates, such as replacing our windows for proper insulation and modifying our kitchen to increase my independence,” she said.
Throughout their relationship, JoJo said the couple has shared many firsts.
“We moved into our first apartment, went to a rock concert for the first time, had our first pet together and experienced our first airplane ride to attend our first comicon,” she said. “My favorite is when Jimmy bought our first home. Neither of us come from much, but he has worked hard to give us what we have now.”
The couple said they were amazed to have made it as far as the quarterfinals.
“Honestly, we’re amazed that we were able to get this far. The morning we got the email confirmation for the quarter finals didn’t feel real,” they said.
Beyond the chance to win money that could help the couple financially, they hope to share their story with millions.
“For me, Jimmy has made my life have meaning. From the beginning, Jimmy has stepped up to help me. The very first week we were together in person, Jimmy helped me with a personal situation and I don’t know too many 18-year-old guys who would help their new girlfriend like he did me,” JoJo said. “He brings me a lot of laughter, he makes me feel seen as a person first -- not just as someone in a wheelchair, and I feel a sense of safety with him. No matter what life has thrown at us or me, Jimmy is my home, my peace of mind.”
For Jimmy, he said it’s impossible to list the many ways his partner has impacted him.
“She gave me hope when I believed I had none left. She continues to support and encourage me with my dreams and goals, whether it be working at the school or something in my everyday life. She also puts up with my nonsense and that is all anyone can really ask for,” he said.
Quarterfinal voting concluded Thursday. Results of that round were not available in time for publication.