Vince Gill Honored With Will Rogers Spirit Award

Humorist Will Rogers was a famous Oklahoman who once said, "I never yet met a man I didn't like." Another famous son of Oklahoma, Vince Gill, is one of those men everyone seems to like. Now the two have more in common than just their home state.

The Tulsa World Scene reports that Vince is set to receive the Will Rogers Spirit Award from Tulsa, Oklahoma's Rotary Club of Will Rogers. The organization honors people whose lives "meet the standards of the late American folk hero."

A native of Norman, Okla., the Country Music Hall of Famer is being recognized in part for his many charitable efforts, including the annual Vince Gill Pro-Celebrity Invitational Golf Tournament -- also known as "The Vinny" -- now in its 16th year.

Vince will receive his award at the upcoming 2009 Gala "Oklahoma Swing," scheduled to take place in Tulsa's legendary Cain's Ballroom on Nov. 8. In addition to the award presentation, the fundraising ceremony will include entertainment and a live auction. Money raised will benefit the Rotary Club of Will Rogers and the Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc.'s Oklahoma Chapter One, which sends care packages to troops stationed in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other "hostile" areas around the world.

Toby Keith and Garth Brooks have previously been honored with the award.