Celebrating with OK Kids Korral

Kids Korral 2015 with Toby Keith Foundation. Photo by

Kids Korral 2015, Toby Keith Foundation. Photo by ahhshoot.com

The Toby Keith Foundation opened the doors of OK Kids Korral on January 7, 2014. In recognition of the families who have been guests at the Korral and the volunteers who play a crucial role in the operations of the cost-free home for children battling cancer, the foundation held their first family reunion on January 10th, 2015.

“We wanted our families to know that although they are guests at the Korral, they are welcome here anytime as our friends and our family, said Juliet Nees-Bright, executive director, The Toby Keith Foundation.

OK Kids Korral is normally a very quiet, peaceful atmosphere. But for one day, they decided that they were going to let loose and celebrate with a dj and photo booth from Nexus Productions and over a dozen walk-around characters from 501st Legion Troopers, Camp Ironhorse/New World Comics and Project Princess. Also in attendance was the most popular volunteer at OKKids Korral, Whiskey the Therapy Dog.

Super Kids and Super Heros. Photo by ahhshoot.com

Super Kids and Super Heros. Photo by ahhshoot.com

“Doing the congo line with Spiderman and our kids was a memory of a lifetime. I am an incredibly lucky person to be a part of a home that provides comfort and fun to families who are fighting for their kids,” continued Nees-Bright.

Over 100 people showed up to the reunion with Rees & Associates and Optum RX receiving Toby Keith autographed chef hats for being the two groups who have cooked meals for the families since opening. Several volunteers received special recognition for working hundreds of hours. Precision Construction Group provided a bbq with all the fixins and a few of the families brought some of their home cooking to make the event truly special.

Tricia Covel, Toby Keith’s wife, welcomed the group and Toby Keith talked to each family and volunteer personally. The Korral has been a project for Toby and Tricia since one of Toby’s original band members lost his daughter to cancer. They wanted to open special lodging for families to be together, near their doctors and hospital, during their treatments.

Amazing BBQ meal by Precision. Photo by ahhshoot.com

Amazing BBQ by Precision. Photo by ahhshoot.com

Last year, the Korral opened and has housed over 400 family visits ranging from overnight stays to people staying for months at a time. OK Kids Korral has become the home-away-from-home they envisioned years ago.

For more information about The Toby Keith Foundation and OK Kids Korral, visit www.tobykeithfoundation.org.

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