Toby Keith Event Nets Almost $600,000
The seventh annual Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic raised close to $600,000 May 21-22 in Norman, Oklahoma. Comprised of a dinner/auction/concert and golf tournament the following day, the event has raised almost $3,000,000 since its inception for Oklahoma’s children battling cancer and their families.
The perennially sold-out gathering was standing-room-only again, with co-emcee Larry The Cable Guy keeping the crowd in stitches and Toby Keith jumping on stage to perform with headliner David Allan Coe. Surprise guest, and Show Dog-Universal Music label mate, Phil Vassar also took the stage to rock the house for a few songs.
Top draws in the auction included dinner for 20 with Keith. As it did last year, the meal generated such interest that Keith agreed to do two dinners, one for each of the top bidders at $28,000 a piece. A Super Bowl package went for $16,000 and top silent auction items included a canvas of Keith featuring the lyrics to “Cryin’ For Me (Wayman’s Song)” that went for $3,900, Vikings and Jets Brett Favre jerseys at $4,100 and a Cal Ripken, Jr. package that brought in $3,500.
Pros For Africa and Whitten-Newman Foundation Co-Founder Reggie Whitten donated a custom Triumph Rocket III motorcycle autographed by NFL stars Tommie Harris (Bears), Adrian Peterson (Vikings), Roy Williams (Bengals) and Mark Clayton (Ravens). The bike sold for $40,000 and Whitten intends to make the cycle donation an annual occurrence because, in his words, “Triumph” is exactly what he wants the sick children of Oklahoma to do.
Proceeds from this year’s event will help fund the OK Kids Korral 16-room guest lodge, which will house pediatric cancer patients and their families on the grounds of Oklahoma University Medical Center. With completion expected in 2012, the 30,000 sq. ft. facility will be a haven of respite for families of young children struggling through cancer treatments. Visit the website at www.tobykeithfoundation.org for details.
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Just incredible what Toby Keith and Friends have achieved year after year with this event to benefit Oklahoma’s children battling cancer and their families!
Thanks to Peter Cronin and Music Row for sharing the information!