Toby Keith’s 10-Year Dream, OK Kids Korral, Set To Open

Toby Keith

After 10 years of work and dedication raising funds for its creation, Toby Keith is about to hold the grand opening of his OK Kids Korral, a home away from home for pediatric cancer patients and their families, on Nov. 21. The 25,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art facility features 16 guest rooms with 12 overnight suites, a neutropenic wing for kids with weakened immune systems, a Route 66-themed indoor playroom, an outdoor playground, a game room, a gourmet kitchen, family resource room, laundry room, theater, and reflection room. It also boasts original artwork of Oklahoma icons from some of the state’s artists and a unique glass sculpture featuring Oklahoma’s 77 counties.

“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.

Located two blocks south of The Children’s Hospital at OU Medical Center, the building will also house The Toby Keith Foundation’s offices. The Korral offers free housing and support to families whose children are battling cancer, and is a longtime dream of Keith’s. He hosted the Toby Keith and Friends Golf Classic fundraiser annually for the last 10 years to help raise funds for the new center.

“Thank you to all of those people who have supported us over the years,” said Keith. “Ten years goes by fast when you are working toward a goal this big.”