Reba Donates $60,000 to Oklahoma School

Reba wanted her latest act of generosity kept a secret, but word that she came to the rescue of the Spavinaw Oklahoma School Board has leaked out.

Strapped for $60,000 after urgent repairs sapped the school's cash reserve and facing state and federal budget cuts, board member Guy Alloway compiled a list of individuals and organizations that he hoped would pitch in to help.

"I just kept going down the list. I called numbers for Oprah and Bill Gates," Alloway told The Pryor Daily Times. "I was on number 28 or 32, you know, you just lose count. I had no reasonable expectations of success, but you just keep on."

After contacting a representative of Reba's and discussing the situation on a few occasions, Alloway was told to expect something in the mail within about five days. Sure enough, a $60,000 check arrived. In addition, a second check for $1,000 was included.

The boost allowed the school system to catch up on its finances and now Alloway reports "we are going to be okay and even have more of a reserve going into next year.

"I called [Reba's representative] and told him what an amazing act of kindness had just occurred," Alloway said. "I told him I wanted to tell everyone and give her the credit she deserves. I wanted people to know that her Oklahoma spirit still lives."

Wanting to downplay her role, Reba's only request was that the focus would remain on the school and not her.

"He told me that for her, it's about sharing God's blessings," Alloway said. "She wants us to pass the kindness on."

Reba is on tour; her next concert is October 21 in Minneapolis, Minn. For a complete list of dates, check here.