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Toby Keith Foundation’s OK Kids Korral Opening Its Doors
Toby Keith is giving back to his home state in a big way. Following a decade of planning and fundraising, the grand opening is set this month for the Toby Keith Foundation’s OK Kids Korral, a cost-free home away from home for pediatric cancer patients and their families.
The OK Kids Korral is located in Oklahoma City on the Oklahoma Health Center Campus, just two blocks south of The Children’s Hospital at OU Medical Center.
Photo: Courtesy Shock Ink
Toby Keith and leukemia patient Brock Hart break ground on the OK Kids Korral.
The facility will officially open its doors Nov. 21. Keith will make an appearance at the grand opening event along with speakers including Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett; Department of Pediatrics –University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center chairman Terrence Stull, M.D.; and former cancer patient Elijah Fowler and his father Tim. Executive Director of The Toby Keith Foundation Juliet Nees-Bright will be there to lead media tours prior to the 11 a.m. ceremony, which will be followed by an open house and tours of the OK Kids Korral.
“We’ve been working on the Korral for 10 years and we’re finally going to open,” said Keith. “Thank you to all of those people who have supported us over the years. Ten years goes by fast when you are working toward a goal this big.”
Photo: Courtesy Shock Ink
The 25,000-square-foot home includes 12 overnight suites that sleep five people, four daytime suites, a neutropenic wing for children with weakened immune systems, gourmet kitchen, a game room, a family resource room, laundry room, theater and reflection room.
The OK Kids Korral has plenty of state pride from the Oklahoma Route 66-themed indoor playroom to the Oklahoma-themed outdoor playground. There’s even the Korral’s version of The Blue Whale of Catoosa, a waterfront structure on Route 66, and the round barn from Arcadia. Plus, there’s a one-of-a kind glass sculpture made up of Oklahoma’s 77 counties, state animals, a schooner and artwork from the state’s artists.
Photo: Courtesy Shock Ink
“Our whole goal is to provide lodging and peace of mind to children battling cancer. To keep them together, focused on healing and not spending hours commuting or going out of state for treatment,” said Executive Director, Juliet Nees-Bright.
She added, “The families staying with us will be under unimaginable pressure. We simply hope that the care and thought we put in the house, brings them a little happiness and peace.”
For more information visit TobyKeithFoundation.org, where you can learn how to donate or volunteer.