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Gonzo Charity - Jun 12, 2004 - Printable Version
- Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic Supports Ally's House
by Mark Faulk
June was a huge month for Toby Keith. He won four Academy Of Country Music Awards, including Album of the Year and Performer of the Year (after, according to Toby, "batting 1-for-37 in industry-voted awards"), and from there left almost immediately on a trip to the Mideast with Ted Nugent to, in the words of Nugent, "rally the troops". Toby told me that he convinced Nugent to leave his considerable arsenal behind. Good idea. However, it was clear that the benefit supporting a cause that is obviously close to his heart was the highpoint of the month for Toby Keith. It was a star-studded event, at least by Oklahoma's standards. On Sunday, May 23rd, dozens of Oklahoma and national celebrities gathered to raise money for Ally's House, a non-profit organization set up in honor of Allison Webb, a remarkable young girl who passed away from cancer last year shortly before her third birthday. Although the guests at Norman's Belmar Golf and Country Club included Toby Keith (who helped to organize the event), country stars Blake Shelton and Johnny Lee, Interscope Records Co-chairman James Stroud, Oklahoma Governer and First Lady Brad and Kim Henry, New Mexico Governer Richardson, and a who's who of University of Oklahoma coaches (Barry Switzer, Bob Stoops, Kelvin Sampson, and Chuck Long, to name a few), the true star of the evening was an amazing woman named Linda Webb. After only five minutes of listening to Linda speak, it was obvious who the real celebrity was here. Just being in the same room with her was an honor, hearing her speak about the difficulties that families face when dealing with the illness of a child, and the help that they hoped to provide through Ally's House, was pure inspiration. Even more remarkable was the knowledge that she had just been temporarily released from the hospital the day before, and was in the midst of getting treatment in her own battle against a totally unrelated form of cancer that she has recently been diagnosed with. She shared that news with the audience without faltering, it was only in talking about her love for Ally that she momentarily lost her composure.
The reception, and the celebrity golf tournament the following day, was a huge success, raising over $250,000 for the cause. Although it was Toby's name that brought the attention to the event, it was the tireless efforts of dozens of volunteers who made it a success. The reception started with a silent auction, and Oklahoma's own Aranda provided the musical entertainment for the evening, with a closing set by Toby and his band, Blake Shelton, and Johnny Lee. The live auction included items donated by Vince Gill, Shania Twain, Jewell, Lonestar, Wynonna, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, Justin Timberlake, Charles Barkley, Mookie Blaylock, Ashley Judd, Reba McEntire, and dozens of other celebrities contributed as well.
 - Former OU and Dallas Cowboys' coach Barry Switzer poses with Gabe Aranda and Chad Roper of the band Aranda at the Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic Reception |
The auction started with two participants bidding to play a round of golf with Toby Keith at the celebrity golf tournament the following day, and ended up with one bidding $27,000 to play with Toby, and the other (a close friend of Toby's) matching that by paying $27,000 not to play golf with Toby. A guitar signed by the Eagles brought over $20,000, and an autographed Willie Nelson guitar brought over $15,000. Other auction items included a guitar autographed by Sammy Hagar, an autographed football from Troy Aikman, an autographed basketball from Larry Bird, a trip to Hollywood to attend a taping of the "Reba" show, a Charlie Daniels autographed fiddle, a blue leather bra signed by Christina Aguilera, and tickets, hotel accomodations, and town car transportation to the upcoming Jimmy Buffett, Alan Jackson and George Strait concert in Dallas. Immediately afterwards, Toby Keith was already making plans for an even bigger event next year. "I'm bringing in a huge tent, so the bands can turn it up and make some real noise, and we'll do the celebrity auction in the pavilion."
I had the chance to speak with Linda and Scott Webb later in the evening, and I said that Ally's House was a wonderful way to create a lasting legacy for Ally, who had only a short time to make her mark upon the world. They were quick to point out that Ally had affected everyone's life who came into contact with her, and that she had created her own legacy in her short time here. Amen to that.
Ally's House is about turning tragedy into hope. It's about creating a lasting legacy out of the energy, determination, and innocence of a two year old. It's a parent's way of making sense out something that makes absolutely no sense. It's a famous country singer using his celebrity to give back something to those closest to him. And above all, it's about helping those in need during what is undoubtedly the hardest time any family could possibly face.
The truth is, after Ally passed away, it would have been a lot easier for Scott and Linda Webb to fold up their tents and just give up. No one would have blamed them for withdrawing into their own lives and maybe even wallowing in their own sorrow for awhile. Instead, with the help and encouragement of their best friends, Tricia and Toby Keith Covel, they founded Ally's House, a non-profit organization created to help other families facing the same difficult situations that the Webb's endured. It's a testament to their spirit and determination, and to the huge number of friends and volunteers who rallied about them to make Ally's House a reality.
The emotional drain can be discouraging enough, but the financial costs can be just as devastating. Ally's House hopes to help ease the burden of both, and provide financial support with medical and travel expenses, personal expenses such as clothing, bills, prescriptions, and groceries, and when necessary, assist with hospice care and funeral arrangements. On the emotional side, Ally's House, as their mission statement says, "will host events to bring happiness to these children, and to brighten their day. Anticipated coming events include ice cream sundae parties, toy drives and giveaways, arts & crafts parties, concerts and music events, amusement park trips, and picnics."
This is a without a doubt a worthy cause, and you don't have to be a celebrity to contribute. Toby Keith has millions of fans who have supported him throughout his career, here is your opportunity to show your appreciation for him, and to be a part of something remarkable while you're at it. Here is my challenge to you: make a donation to Ally's House, whether it is ten dollars or a thousand, pass this article and this challenge on to every Toby Keith fan you know, and spread the word to every fan website. I felt blessed for having had the opportunity to help in some small way, and it's a sure bet that you will too.
Send your tax deductible donations to: Ally’s House, P.O. Box 722767, Norman, Oklahoma 73070
For more information about Ally's House, visit their website at www.allyshouse.net
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