Rocker Alice Cooper helps Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation raise funds

His presence helped raise $675,500 for the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation on Sunday night, with a concert and wine festival at foundation headquarters.

A charity golf tournament Monday at Edmond's Oak Tree Country Club will complete fundraising efforts for “241” — two events for one great cause.

The mission behind the “241” initiative is to raise money for clinical trials of a drug that could potentially shrink brain tumors caused by an aggressive cancer, Glioblastoma.

According to a foundation news release, the compound used in the drug has resulted in significant shrinkage in brain tumors of laboratory animals. However, to begin clinical trials on humans, more than $1 million must be raised.

Cooper, an avid golfer and the man behind hits such as “School's Out” and “Eighteen,” met Stephen Prescott, foundation president, while playing golf years ago.

So when Prescott asked Cooper to be the surprise guest at a fundraiser concert and golf tournament, Cooper jumped at the opportunity.

It was in between concert tour dates for Cooper, and he said he never misses out on an opportunity to play golf, especially for a worthy cause.

Cooper sat down with a reporter from The Oklahoman on Sunday before his surprise concert to talk about, golf, Oklahoma and cancer treatment.

He was drinking a Diet Coke and wearing a silver chain and light leather jacket but not his signature makeup for which he is known for wearing when he performs.