Reba gives life to projects in Texoma

By Gary Carter

As the rain poured down, giving life to the earth, Reba McEntire spoke about her past, present and future in Texoma, giving life to projects that bear her name in the Texoma Health Care System.

Her mission this Memorial Day? To check the progress of the facilities named for her and to tell everyone about this year's benefit concert, which will lend hundreds of thousands of dollars toward and endowment for Reba's Ranch House, keeping that project alive.

Mackey Watkins, CEO of Texoma Medical Center, said the hospital family is "thrilled Reba's come back, we are so grateful to her for all that she's done." He said her concerts and golf tournaments have brought more than $4 million to the many projects she's lent her name to, such as Reba's Ranch House, the Reba Rehabilitation Center, Reba's Nurseries, and a mobile mammography unit.

The Ranch House, which Watkins said took five years worth of Reba concerts to build and furnish, was a dream of Reba's to "bring comfort to families of those in the hospital struggling with illnesses. And this year's concert will help the Ranch House serve the community for generations to come." Reba is quick to say it's the community that built and provides for those in need, "for me, it's just a joy to come in here one or two days, be treated like a queen, and see this great community come together." Memorial Day afternoon, Reba visited with the patients at the Reba Rehabilitation Center. "The folks there, they're getting great care. And it's still as beautiful as the day we cut the ribbon." Cutting the ribbon for the rehab center and breaking ground on the Ranch House are two of her most favorite highlights from the past 18 years of her benefits. "And it's so nice to have my friends come in and enjoy this with me," she said, referencing Dolly Parton, Vince Gill, Brooks and Dunn, and Joe Nichols as those friends who've helped lend voices in the fund-raising process.

She said it means a lot to her to come back and see the people using the facilities and getting the help they need. "Everyone is so grateful, so thankful and appreciative. But more than anything, they're healing." Reba alluded to her busy schedule, her sitcom Reba getting picked up for two more seasons and her recent launch of a clothing line with Dillard's. She's going to be at Carnegie Hall for a version of "South Pacific," and would play the lead role in "Annie Get Your Gun" if it ever made it to the big screen.

But in the midst of her busy schedule, she continues to find the time to raise money for TMC. "I thank God every day for the gifts he's given me, and I have to give back ... the community motivates me to go on, and I'm grateful for everyone involved." She said that she always has a standing invitation to come back to Texoma on Memorial Day to perform and raise money for her cause. "The Texoma area is very near and dear to my heart, and anytime we can come back, we will." Jerdy Gary, director for TMC, surprised Reba Monday afternoon with a proclamation in hand. "Reba, I think you'll know how significant this is." He read aloud an official document from Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry stating that Memorial Day, May 30, is from now on Reba McEntire Day in the entire state of Oklahoma. With a hug and a wink, she accepted, humble as always

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