Red Cross offering donors to Okla. relief a chance to win storage building

Northwest Tennessee Red Cross Executive Director Lynn Fritchey (left) poses with Goody's Goods owner Rick Goodall (right) in front of the storage building he donated to the Red Cross. The Red Cross and Goodall will be accepting donations at chances to win the building. The money will be donated to the Red Cross to benefit Oklahoma tornado victims.

A local businessman is helping raise money to help the people affected by the recent tornado that wreaked havoc on Oklahoma last week.

Rick Goodall, who goes by "Big Rick", owns Goody's Goods in Dyersburg and is working with the American Red Cross to help raise funds for the organization to go toward disaster relief in Oklahoma. Goodall and the Red Cross will be offering chances to win an 8 ft. x 12 ft. painted storage building. Each donation of $10 gives people a chance in the drawing. The winner will be announced on Monday, June 10.

Goodall watched the news in disbelief at the damage the tornado caused to the Oklahoma City, Okla. suburb of Moore. Estimates of the damage are around $2 billion and 24 dead. He said the devastation caused him to want to help out any way he could. He wanted the money to go to the Red Cross after knowing they are assisting in helping the victims of the tragedy rebuild their lives.

He contacted Red Cross of NWTN Director Lynn Fritchey and said he wanted to help with the cause.

"I know what it's like to need help and I've always paid it forward, so I hope this is a way to raise some money to help out," said Goodall.

Fritchey said she was excited to here from Goodall and his plan to help the Red Cross by donating a building.

"This is a Godsend that people like Rick can think about helping others as they are dealing with such a tragic event," said Fritchey. "I hope this will inspire others to donate and make a difference in people's lives."

Goodall said with the help of others he will continue to make a difference in people's lives.

"I wouldn't have been able to do this without the help of my wife," said Goodall. "I just like giving back."

Donations for chances to win the building can be made at Goody's Goods, 1196 Highway 51 Bypass, Dyersburg, Tenn.; the NWTN Red Cross office, 326 S. Mill Ave., Dyersburg, Tenn.; and at the Red Cross booth located at the upcoming Gospel Fest at Dyersburg State Community College on June 1 at 1:30 p.m. For more information contact the NWTN Red Cross office at 731-286-4740 or Goodall at 731-676-6184. The winner will receive the building and includes delivery and setup.