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One day The Daily Oklahoman carries the following article telling how Barry Switzer and his wife, Becky, are helping the Ronald McDonald House. September 20, 2007.
Two days later another news story breaks exposing how
Barry Switzer is helping promote tax credit scams
that steal from state programs to help needy children, education, health service, etc. September 22, 2007.
It is admirable when someone lends a hand to a good cause, but that in no ways atones for acts of fraud and scams that take from the needy children of Oklahoma.
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'House that's been built on love'
The Oklahoman, September 20, 2007
Jeff Raymond
Ronald McDonald House - Barry Switzer and Brian Briscoe at the Ronald McDonald House
for Red Shoe Gala media day.
By staying at Oklahoma City's Ronald McDonald House, Elena Briscoe was able to focus
on treating her son's neuroblastoma, a cancer of nerve tissue that often begins in early childhood.
The Briscoes spend every third week in Oklahoma City. This has been the case for much of son Brian's life. He currently is undergoing daily outpatient chemotherapy treatment.
If Elena Briscoe had paid for a hotel and meals every time she brought Brian from Altus to The Children's Hospital at OU Medical Center for chemotherapy, her costs conservatively would have exceeded $9,000 a year.
"I don't know what I would have done without this place," she said.
On Wednesday, though, Brian just wanted to eat fried corn at the Oklahoma State Fair Centennial Expo just like any other 9 year old.
Ronald McDonald House, 1301 NE 14, receives only 10 percent of its funds from the McDonald's chain. The rest of its needs are met locally by volunteers and donors.
Maintaining the love
In an appearance at the 15-bedroom house Wednesday afternoon, co-Chairmen Barry and Becky Switzer spoke of Oklahoma City's reputation as "the big friendly" and how the house reflects the attitude.
"The minute you walk in the door, the staff is there to greet you and you can just feel the compassion and warmth," Becky Switzer said. "It's a house that's been built on love, and it takes love to maintain it."
The Switzers long have been involved with Oklahoma Special Olympics and other causes, but this year is their first with the Ronald McDonald House.
"This makes you feel good about doing something that really is special," the former University of Oklahoma and Dallas Cowboys coach said.
A good thing
The Oklahoma City house has a 30-day limit for families. After staying elsewhere for two days, they may be placed on a waiting list. If their children are staying with them, as opposed to staying in the hospital, they move to the top of the list. Doctors, nurses and social workers refer families to the house.
As she showed off a comfortable, hotel-style room with two single beds, Development Director Tamara Gilkey said the organization was in the unusual position of being happy when its guests leave. When children return home, they often are better than when they arrived.
"When families leave, it's a good thing," she said.
There are 269 Ronald McDonald House programs in 30 countries.
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