Rather Than Keep Masks Given To Him, Willie Nelson Decided To Sign Them So Texas Resident Could Auction To Make More Coverings
HOUSTON, Texas (CBSDFW.COM) - While making face masks to give out during the coronavirus pandemic, a Texas resident said she also wanted to send some to country music legend Willie Nelson and his wife.
However, as KTRK reports, Nelson decided to pay it forward by, instead, signing those face masks so that the resident could auction them off and use the money for materials to make more masks.
Houston resident Tanya Boike started making masks with the help of a local nurse, Monica Cabazos, as restrictions were being put into place by government officials to stop the spread of COVID-19. So far, they've made and given out over 500 masks.
"I remembered about us as a community during Harvey and the flooding we had. I said, everybody was helping each other," Cabazos said.
Boike told KTRK she met Nelson's granddaughter, Noelle Ward, several years ago and wanted to send some face masks to the 86-year-old singer and his wife. After sending them, Boike got quite the surprise.
"[Noelle] texted me a few minutes later and said 'pops would rather sign these and have them auction them off. That way you can get more materials and keep making these masks for free.' I just lost it. That's not what I had made them for," Boike said.
Ward said that's just how her grandfather is.
"Well, that's him. That's who he is. That's him every day. He's just relaxed. He's just giving. He's just got a great smile, and he's just the best," Ward told KTRK.
Those signed masks are now set to go to auction on Saturday, April 25 to make money for more masks. Bids are expected to be made here.
Nelson recently held a livestreaming event with other celebrities and singers on Monday, April 20.