The 9th Annual Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic kicks off in the most remarkable and rewarding way yet on May 18 at the groundbreaking of the OK Kids Korral in Oklahoma City. The home-away-from-home for children and families being treated at Children’s Hospital at OU Medical Center and other nearby facilities has been the ultimate goal of the Toby Keith Foundation and its annual event.

The 10am groundbreaking ceremony begins turning the dream into reality, and that evening’s dinner and auction will continue the tradition of strong fundraising. Last year’s classic raised $650,000, and the 2012 lineup of auction items is even deeper.

Highlights include a trip to Africa with Pros for Africa, a Brush Creek getaway, a Dallas Cowboys VIP package, having a menu item named for you at Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill, concerts and golf packages and exclusive memorabilia from Coldplay, Carrie Underwood, the Rolling Stones, the Three Stooges and, of course, Toby Keith himself.

Participants at the next day’s main event hit the links with a wide range of celebrities. Another highlight will be the Built Ford Tough Shootout, offering a new truck to the winner. Local Seth Wadley Ford is also offering a truck should anyone hit a hole-in-one.

Other auction items: A Day in The Life of Toby on Tour, LA Talk Show Package, ESPYs Package with Adrian Peterson, Houston Astros Suite Package and memorabilia from Bob Griese, Derek Jeter, Drew Brees, Cal Ripken Jr., Tim McGraw, Aaron Rogers, Elvis, Taylor Swift, Jason Aldean and Wayne Gretzky.

It’s all aimed at giving sick children and their families a helping hand. For information about the golf tournament or OK Kids Korral, visit www.tobykeithfoundation.org.

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