When Toby Keith Passed Away, There Was No Question That His Efforts To Raise Money For The Toby Keith Foundation And OK Kids Korral Would Continue.

Those organizations are part of his legacy and his incredible impact on the country music genre.

Keith sadly passed away in February 2024 after a years-long battle with stomach cancer. He never let the public know how sick he was, seeing as he performed live for the last time in December 2023 and seemed to be plotting a comeback.

But, On February 6, 2024, The Family Announced He Had Passed Away The Night Before.

“Toby Keith passed peacefully last night on February 5th, surrounded by his family. He fought his fight with grace and courage. Please respect the privacy of his family at this time,” a graphic on his social media read.

In his last-ever interview with KWTV News 9’s Robin Marsh, Keith opened up about the foundations he runs. He told her, “[The OK Kids Korral is] my best gift I’ve ever given to the world. One of the first things I thought of when I got cancer was, who’s gonna take care of the Korral? Who will carry that torch?”

Keith didn’t have to look far for the answer to his question. The executive director of The Toby Keith Foundation, Juliet Nees-Bright, stepped up to the plate. And his children plan to, as well.

2024 Marked The 20th Annual Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic And Was The First One Without Keith Himself As The Emcee.

Before the event, Nees-Bright said, “The first Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic was held under a tent, and people recall the ‘mud pit’ being one of the best parts. Toby and his friends came together that year to raise money for children with cancer, and they did it while having fun. Now, 20 years later, we are getting ready to host our first event without Toby acting as the emcee, ribbing us to donate and entertaining us throughout the night. This year will be a balancing act as we remember him but also honor his wishes to continue throwing one hell of a party. Let’s make Toby proud!”

Bob Stoops, former football coach at the University of Oklahoma, and Jim West, a business executive, served as the emcees, while Gene McKown was the auctioneer.

The shotgun start golf tournament took place on Saturday, June 1st, while a denim and diamonds-themed dinner and auction took place the night before. The foundation auctioned off signed memorabilia from Luke Combs, Carrie Underwood, Jimmy Buffett, Lainey Wilson, Blake Shelton, Willie Nelson, Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, Scottie Scheffler, Travis Kelce, and Cal Ripken Jr., and a personalized cowboy hat from Garth Brooks.

A few experiences were up for auction, including a Grand Ole Opry experience, tickets to see Zach Bryan and Jelly Roll, and more.

Before the 20th anniversary event, the Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic had raised nearly $18 million over the years, with $1.8 million being raised at the 2023 event, which was Keith’s last.

How Much Did The Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic Raise This Year?

At the 2023 event, Keith was already promoting the 2024 Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic, saying it would be the 10th year of OK Kids Korral and the 20th year for The Toby Keith Foundation, so he planned to go all out. His promise came true even though he wasn’t here to see it.

The Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic raised a record $3.1 million! 

After the event, Keith’s daughter, Krystal, said that she and her siblings, Shelley and Stelen, will give OK Kids Korral their unwavering support.

She said, “Somebody has to carry the torch, somebody has to lead the charge in raising money and making sure that this foundation can continue to support the Korral…This is the thing that my siblings and I have discussed being kind of our purpose from this point forward.”

What Is The OK Kids Korral?

OK Kids Korral is a special place dedicated to providing comfort and support to families of children undergoing cancer treatment. The facility offers a home-like environment where families can stay free of charge while their children receive medical care in Oklahoma City. Since opening in 2013, OK Kids Korral has become a vital resource for families facing one of life’s most challenging experiences.

The primary mission of OK Kids Korral is to alleviate the emotional and financial burdens on families dealing with childhood cancer. By offering a safe, comfortable place to stay, the facility allows families to focus on their child’s health and recovery rather than worrying about lodging and logistics. This support is crucial, especially for families who must travel long distances for their child’s treatment.