Keith annual fundraiser raises record total

Despite Keith's passing earlier this year, the event, held May 31-June 1, showed continued commitment to The Toby Keith Foundation and OK Kids Korral – what the late music icon called "my best gift I've ever given the world" – in support of children and families dealing with critical illnesses.

As in prior years, the gathering comprised an opening gala and silent auction followed by a shotgun start golf tournament the next day. Among this year's top selling auction items were:
Custom guitars featuring the logo from each year of the event – Year-20 sold twice for $90,000.
Two paintings by KWTV's Robin Marsh sold for $125,000.
Two guitars painted by Johnny Smith sold for more than $100,000.
A hand-drawn play by former University of Oklahoma head football coach Bob Stoops went for $35,000.
A VIP experience with baseball Hall of Famer Roger Clemens auctioned for $40,000.

Newly established this year, The Toby Keith Foundation announced the goal of creating a $10 million endowment and received pledges of more than $1.5 million during the gala. Hosts Bob Stoops and Jim West welcomed Keith's family and nine Korral families onstage during the event, which was headlined by the Eli Young Band, who were formerly signed to Keith's Show Dog Nashville record label.

Regarding the foundation, OK Kids Korral, and the endowment, Keith's daughter Krystal Keith told The Oklahoman, "Somebody has to carry the torch, somebody has to lead the charge in raising money and making sure that this foundation is able to continue to support the Korral. So, we've already started stepping into those roles in making sure that we are helping to build those relationships." Referencing her sister Shelley and brother Stelen, she noted, "This is the thing that my siblings and I have discussed being kind of our purpose from this point forward."