Blake Shelton

Blake will host a three-day event to aid the victims of the drought and subsequent wildfires in the hardest hit areas of Oklahoma. The event aptly called "Raindance" will be held in Ada, Oklahoma, Blake's hometown, on May 14th-16th. The special benefit will include an archery tournament beginning on Sunday May 14th from 8am-6pm at the Pontotoc Technology Center. The top 10 winners from each of three divisions will return on Monday, May 15th for the Celebrity Shoot-Out beginning at 5:30 pm. Team roping happens on Tuesday May 16th at Pontotoc County Agri-Plex from 10:00am-6:00pm, plus a silent auction and an all-star concert featuring Blake and special guests (who remain secret for now.) The concert and silent auction will be held at the Kerr Center on the ECU campus and begins at 8:00pm. In addition, the Governor of Oklahoma will declare May 16th "Raindance Day," with proceeds from this special event going directly to the families who lost everything to these devastating fires.

"It saddens me to know that people in my home state are suffering such devastating loss. It's hard to believe that the place where I grew up has been declared a federal disaster area. Purchasing insurance for livestock and farmland is not always an option, and if it is, it's usually an expensive one. I have the ability to reach a lot of people with my music. By putting this event together and inviting some of my artist friends to help out, I hope to raise money and awareness to help the citizens of Oklahoma get back on their feet again," comments Blake.

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 50's and 60's. Since November 12, 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, and many of those families had no insurance coverage to help them get back on their feet. 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.

Tickets go on sale April 12th for the two-day benefit, and can be purchased at oklahomaraindance.com.