Reba McEntire, Blake Shelton to put on Oklahoma benefit show for tornado relief
Blake Shelton and Reba co-host the April 3 Academy of Country Music Awards. The Oklahoma natives are planning a May 26 benefit show in Durant to raise funds for tornado relief in Atoka County. (AP file photo)
For Oklahoma country superstars like Reba and Blake Shelton, home is definitely where the heart is. The news of Atoka County’s recent tornado disaster prompted the stars to reach out to the affected area.
Reba and Shelton have decided to host the “Tornado Relief Concert” on May 26 at the Choctaw Event Center in Durant. The show is being organized in partnership with the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and Choctaw Casino Resort as a way to help their hometown friends, according to a news release.
Reba was born just outside of Kiowa, which is approximately 30 miles away from the greatest devastation from the twister.
“A lot of people lost a great deal in this disaster and it’s particularly close to us because we both consider Oklahoma home,” said Reba. “We wanted to do something and let the people in Oklahoma know that we love them and we’re praying for them during this difficult tragedy.”
Shelton was born in Ada and currently resides in Tishomingo, less than 50 miles from the Atoka County border.
“Oklahoma defines who I am and seeing the effects this disaster has had on my neighbors, I knew I had to do something,” said Shelton. “Reba and I have a lot of love for this state and we wanted to do what we can to help. This place is my home and these people are family to us.”
The April 14 tornado hit Tushka in late evening. There were two confirmed deaths, and more than 40 people were injured, reports my excellent colleague Bryan Painter.
State officials said the tornado destroyed 150 homes and businesses and public buildings in and around the town. All proceeds from the concert will go toward Atoka County’s ongoing relief efforts through the Tushka Disaster Relief Fund.
Tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. May 6 and may be purchased by phone at (800) 585-3737 or online at www.choctawcasinos.com.
In addition to the proceeds raised from the concert, a special mobile fundraising campaign has been set up with The mGive Foundation to raise funds for relief efforts. Fans can text “OKGIVE” to 27722 to make a one-time $10 donation which will be added to their monthly cell phone bill. Funds will be donated to The mGive Foundation for the benefit of the Tushka Disaster Relief Fund. Checks can also be made out to the Tushka Disaster Relief Fund and mailed to: 101 SE First Street, Tushka, OK 74525.
For more on the Tushka tornado and the benefit show, click here to go to Bryan’s story.
-BAM
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Thank you Reba and Blake, my niece and husband and his family’s all lost their homes at Tushka, plus friends and I think it is super nice of ya to put on this concert not only for the benefit, just to show ya care, We will all be there, ya are great…… Blake we are hooked on the Voice and Reba, your awesome & REBA’s a great show….YA represent OKLAHOMA Proudly…..