About Ron “Spinozi” Benton

Ron “Spinozi” Benton is a longtime Oklahoma sports radio personality and community advocate based in Oklahoma City. Best known as a morning host on WWLS-AM’s “The Sports Animal,” Spinozi moved to Oklahoma City from his hometown of Baltimore in 1994 thinking he’d be here for about 5 minutes but just fell in love with the place! And all these years later, he’s still here! 

“Except for the tornados, earthquakes and droughts, it’s seriously a great place to live,” says Spinozi. “The people are absolutely amazing!” 

Spinozi has become a familiar voice across the state — not only for his sports insight and humor, but for his deep commitment to helping Oklahoma families in need.

His charitable journey began unexpectedly after losing a friendly Oklahoma State football bet. When OSU Head Coach Mike Gundy mailed him a $250 goodwill check, Ron decided to donate it instead — and challenge others to do the same. What started as one small act of kindness quickly went viral, inspiring listeners, businesses, and fans across Oklahoma to join in. By the end of that first campaign, Gundy’s $250 gesture had grown into more than $72,000 in community donations.

That moment sparked what would become a beloved Oklahoma tradition — the “12 Days of Spinozi” holiday drive. Each December, Spinozi partners with local businesses, volunteers, and radio listeners to collect toys, clothing, and funds for OKCityCenter, a nonprofit organization serving families and youth in crisis. Through his leadership and on-air advocacy, the drive, foundation and miles on his car, has expanded year after year, helping OKCityCenter grow from serving 700 families in its first Christmas outreach to more than 2,500 families today.

Beyond the holidays, Spinozi continues to champion causes that uplift local families, promote volunteerism, and support community resources. His partnership with OKCityCenter has helped sustain programs that provide food, clothing, youth mentoring, after-school activities, and emergency aid for families rebuilding stability.

Known for his humor, heart, and hands-on approach, Spinozi doesn’t just fundraise — he personally joins volunteers to wrap gifts, assemble care packages, and deliver donations to families each Christmas. His belief that “one act of kindness can spark a movement” continues to inspire thousands of Oklahomans to give back each year.

Today, Ron “Spinozi” Benton stands as a voice for both sports and service — a reminder that leadership off the field can make an even greater impact.

Why His Work Matters

The value of Ron’s charitable efforts lies not only in fundraising, but in raising visibility for community-based needs, mobilizing volunteers, and creating meaningful connection between supporters and families in need. His approach exemplifies how media personalities can channel their reach into real-world impact.

What’s Next

Spinozi continues to host his morning show, amplify local nonprofit efforts, and coordinate donation drives each holiday season. The model of “one small gesture turned big” remains at the heart of his community strategy — showing how individual contributions can scale into collective change.