Radio Station Paying It Forward

By Chris Wright, News On 6

TULSA, OK -- The Bookers' Osage County home was destroyed by a tornado last week. Now a local radio station is determined to raise enough money to buy them a new one.

KVOO is trying to come up with $20,000 for a new house. The station is asking its listeners to open their hearts and their wallets.

Host Gary Greenwood just moved to Tulsa a few weeks ago. He hasn't bought a TV yet, and when he mentioned that on his show, a viewer showed up with one. Touched by the gesture, he and co-host Sunny Leigh decided to 'pay it forward.'

"Such an overwhelming feeling that I felt, and we felt. We can't let this generous thought end with us," said Greenwood.

The two each put up a hundred dollars, and listeners soon followed suit. But what to do with the money?

Callers suggested giving it to an Osage County family. The Bookers' home was leveled by an E-F 0 tornado on Thursday.

"We'll get through. It's just going to hurt for a little while you know," said Randy Booker.

Turns out Randy recently lost his job, and he had his family now have no place to live. After hearing their story, Gary and Sunny say the decision to 'pay it forward' to the Bookers was an easy one.

"It was so emotional. Both of us looked at each other and teared up during the show. It was just one of those unbelievable moments in radio," said Sunny Leigh.

A local construction company has offered to build the Bookers a new mobile home at cost. KVOO just needs to come up with the money.

So far, $1,000 has been contributed so far, and the goal is to raise the necessary $20,000 this week.

While its personalities admit it won't be easy, they are confident their listeners will come through.

"It's very emotional what we have seen, and what we're about to accomplish I think is going to be great," said Greenwood.

Randy Booker and his wife will be appearing on KVOO's morning show on Monday. Donations can be made in person at the radio station. They can also be dropped off at any Bank of Oklahoma branch.