Tulsa World (July 7th 2006)

Singer gives $108,000 to wildfire relief fund

Country singer Blake Shelton gave $108,000 on Thursday to a group that helps wildfire victims rebuild their homes.

The money from a charity concert held in Ada, Shelton's hometown, was given to Project Rebuild, which was formed initially to help people who lost homes in the 1999 tornadoes.

Shelton, known for such hits as "Austin," "Ol' Red," and "Some Beach," said that while he was home during Christmas, he stepped outside and saw smoke in every direction.

Wildfires that began in November burned more than 550,000 acres across the state and destroyed more than 300 structures, officials said.

"No matter how far you move, your heart never leaves Oklahoma," said Shelton, who lives in Tennessee but plans to return to Oklahoma to build a home.

Although overwhelmed with the success of his "Rain Dance" concert, Shelton said he hopes that future benefits will double or triple the amount.

Sharilyn Young, executive vice president of the Oklahoma Lumbermen's Association, said the funds will help rebuild 10 homes.

Young and the Oklahoma Lumbermen's Association played a key role in organizing Project Rebuild, a public and private effort to help victims who were uninsured or underinsured.

Gov. Brad Henry; first lady Kim Henry; Insurance Commissioner Kim Holland; and Albert Ashwood, director of the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management, were on hand to receive the check.