Steve
Holy
3/21/2007 - Blake announces Steve Holy to perform.
Neal McCoy
3/14/2007 - Blake announces Neal McCoy to perform.
Craig Morgan
3/7/2007 --Blake Announces Craig Morgan to perform
at Raindance Concert!
2006 Benefit Information
The first annual “Raindance!” was a raging success!
The benefit held May 14-16th, 2006 raised over $133,600 for
the victims of the state’s debilitating drought and
subsequent wildfires. The three-day charity event featured a
team roping competition, an archery competition, a silent
auction, and a sold-out, star-studded concert by Shelton and
pals Andy Griggs, Tracy Byrd, and fellow Oklahoma-native
Keith Anderson, that was attended by over 3,200 people.
Shelton decided to host the Raindance! event after
witnessing firsthand the devastation caused across Oklahoma
by these horrible wildfires. Many family farms were
completely destroyed, with livestock and equipment lost and
no way or means to build back up. Unfortunately, the
resources and financial assistance typically available from
social service agencies and churches for needy families in
this type of disaster situation are virtually nonexistent at
this time, since the disasters of Katrina and Rita depleted
the majority of available funding.
To help support his fellow Oklahomans, whose homes were
wiped out by the fires and who have no insurance, Shelton
created Raindance!, which he hopes to make an annual event.
Raindance! has partnered with the Oklahoma Lumbermen’s
Association and their relief program, Project Rebuild, to
aid those throughout the 28 counties of Oklahoma whose homes
were damaged or completely destroyed since the devastating
wildfires first ravaged the state last year. Project Rebuild
was originally created by the Lumbermen’s Association
following the tornados in 1999 that left over 3400 people
homeless and without means to rebuild. They are partnering
with the Mennonite Disaster Service and other faith-based
groups as well as Raindance! to help these victims get back
on their feet.
"Oklahomans are well-known for their generosity, compassion
and sense of community, and nowhere is that more evident
than in what Blake Shelton and others have done for families
impacted by the Oklahoma wildfires," said Oklahoma Gov. Brad
Henry. "Our people do not sit idly by when neighbors are in
need of a helping hand. We all have a responsibility to help
our fellow citizens. What Blake and others have done for
Project Rebuild is a reflection of that great Oklahoma
spirit.”
The first home to be repaired through these efforts in
Yeager, Oklahoma is already receiving assistance from
Raindance! funds for a new water heater and heating and air
system, and dozens of other homes across the state will
receive aid in the coming months thanks to Shelton’s
generosity as well. New construction is also going up. “I am
so proud to see the people of my state and especially my
hometown of Ada, step up and help their neighbors in need. I
had a lot of fun with Raindance!, it was the first time I
had ever tried to do something like this and I’m so happy
that the people of Oklahoma helped make it so successful.
We’ve already started planning next year. I’m really looking
forward to it,” commented Shelton. 14 of the 77 counties in
the state of Oklahoma have been declared federal disaster
areas. Blake Shelton is humbled by the generosity of his
fellow Oklahomans. Raindance! 2007 is in the works!
FACTS:
The state of Oklahoma
has been in a state of emergency drought for months now,
having had only one rain since last August, and estimations
are that the state is currently drier than it was back in
the Dustbowl days of the '50s and '60s.
THE DAMAGE:
An estimated 2700 fires have
consumed more than 555,000 acres of farmland and forest,
taking with it many farm animals crucial to the
livelihood of many people in the area.
As many as 5000 cattle are
estimated to have been lost in blazes between Texas and
Oklahoma, and 14 of Oklahoma's 77 counties have been
declared federal disaster areas.
Over 300 homes in the area have
been completely destroyed, with 569 damaged.
Many families had no insurance
coverage to help them get back on their feet.
A LITTLE HELP:
Recognizing the plight of his fellow
Oklahomans and this national concern, Shelton was quick to
jump in and help those in need at such a crucial time by
organizing the concert, which he hopes to make an annual
event.
"I hope to raise money and awareness to
help the citizens of Oklahoma get back on their feet again."
-Blake Shelton
WOULD YOU LIKE TO HELP?
Interested in sponsoring the event?
Contact us at Email Us
2006 Performances & Guests
Barry Switzer to MC Concert Event!!!
Tracy Byrd to perform at concert and archery tournament
Keith Anderson to perform at concert and archery tournament
Blake announces Craig Morgan
to perform in concert & archery tournament
Andy Griggs to perform at concert & archery tournament.
Blake Shelton to perform on May 16th, 2006
RESULTS
OF THE 2006 TEAM ROPING
Fastest Time on the
1st Go: Paid $500 & Blake Shelton Signature Felt & Straw
Hats Wes Benson, Header & Mika Lynch, Heeler
Fastest Time on the
Short Go: Paid $500 & Blake Shelton Signature Felt & Straw
Hats Cole Morgan, Header & Russ Gentry, Heeler
Top 10 on the
Average Time: Place / Header / Heeler /
1st: Wes Young & Travis Klingeman
2nd: Steve Steele & Kenny Thomas
3rd: Cole Morgan & Russ Gentry
4th: David James & Jake Hughes
5th: JR Carter & EJ Kimbrow
6th: David James & Steve Malden
7th: Lee Don Turpin & Brock Jones
8th: Dana Kimbrow & Jed Kline
9th: Richard Stowers & Russ Gentry
10th: Blake Hughes & Jake Hughes
The first home to be repaired through these efforts in
Yeager, Oklahoma is already receiving assistance from
Raindance! funds for a new water heater and heating and air
system, and dozens of other homes across the state will
receive aid in the coming months thanks to Shelton’s
generosity as well. New construction is also going up. “I am
so proud to see the people of my state and especially my
hometown of Ada, step up and help their neighbors in need. I
had a lot of fun with Raindance!, it was the first time I
had ever tried to do something like this and I’m so happy
that the people of Oklahoma helped make it so successful.
We’ve already started planning next year. I’m really looking
forward to it,” commented Shelton. 14 of the 77 counties in
the state of Oklahoma have been declared federal disaster
areas. Blake Shelton is humbled by the generosity of his
fellow Oklahomans. Raindance! 2007 is in the works!
