November 21, 2013 was a big day for music superstar, Toby Keith and his foundation. Toby was joined by the Toby Keith Foundation board and advisory council members, as well as several hundred invited guests at the OK Kids Korral grand opening ceremony last Thursday. Speakers introduced the cost-free home for children with cancer included Joey Root, President of First Liberty Bank and advisory council member, Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett, Dr. Terrance Stull, Chairman of Pediatrics at OU Health Sciences Center, Tim and Elijah Fowler, donor and pediatric cancer survivor. OK Kids Korral is like Ritz Carlton meets Disney World and I couldnt be more excited to open the doors to children with cancer, said Toby Keith. The design and building team consisted of Manhattan Construction and Crafton Tull while Rees and Associates helped with the interior furnishings. Executive Director, Juliet Nees-Bright commented, It was a group effort. On any given day we had five construction contractors working while furniture was being installed. It felt like it took a small army, but because we all worked together, we got it done. The 25,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art Korral has 16 rooms (12 overnight suites that sleep five people and four daytime suites), neutropenic wing for children with weakened immune systems, gourmet kitchen, Oklahoma Route 66 indoor play room, Oklahoma themed outdoor playground, game room, family resource room, laundry room, theater and reflection room. Creating a true Oklahoma experience, the house features icons only found in the Sooner state such as the blue whale from Catoosa, the round barn from Arcadia, a one-of-a kind glass sculpture with Oklahomas 77 counties, state animals, a schooner and artwork from some of the states talented artists. Several artists attended the grand opening as well as companies who donated materials such as Harrys TV, The Masters Craft, W&W Steel and Delco Electric. Every decision about the house was made with our guests in mind. We hope the Korral brings comfort and a smile to those who need it the most, continued Nees-Bright. Conveniently located two blocks south of The Childrens Hospital at OU Medical Center, it will also house The Toby Keith Foundations offices. For more information on OK Kids Korral, how to donate and volunteer to help, please visit tobykeithfoundation.org. About Toby Keith From his first No. 1 smash Shouldve Been A Cowboy to his latest release Drinks After Work, Toby Keith has been one of the most consistent self-directed hit makers of his era. From one of his previous collections, Clancys Tavern, the lead single, Made In America, topped the charts as one of the fastest rising songs in a long line of chart burners from Keiths pen. The second hit, Red Solo Cup, has become the most remarkable and commercially successful country single in recent memory with a viral video with more than 22 million views while having topped the top downloaded country songs. His latest single, Shut Up And Hold On, hails from his current offering. At the core of Tobys unparalleled success is his songwriting, which has powered an astounding succession of hit songs to the tune of more than 80 million BMI performances on commercial radio stations worldwide. He has been honored by the Nashville Songwriters Association International with its Songwriter/Artist of the Decade distinction, is a three-time BMI Country Songwriter/Artist of the Year and was named the American Country Awards Artist of the Decade. His albums have sold more than 37 million copies, ranking him among the top-selling all-genre artists on Billboards Top 200 Artists of the Decade. Keith is also Billboards No. 1 Artist of the Decade and No. 1 Country Songwriter of the Decade. His tours, including 2013s Hammer Down Tour, long sponsored by Ford Trucks, have drawn more than one million fans each year for the last decade. His roster of I Love This Bar And Grill restaurants continues to grow, and his signature spirit Wild Shot has become the No. 1 premium mezcal in the U.S. These, among other endeavors, have earned Keith annual recognition from Forbes as one of the very top-earning entertainer/musicians in the world. But Tobys most rewarding experiences, as exhibited in his continual devotion to them, come from giving back. Whether its helping sick children and their families in his native Oklahoma through the Toby Keith Foundation or supporting US Troops including USO Tours throughout the world, Keith has never lost touch with the most important things in life.
Posted on: Wed, 27 Nov 2013 17:19:19 +0000
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