Toy Foundation, CSI DMC and ASI Spread Holiday Cheer

December 17, 2019

‘Tis the season for giving, and several event organizations have been doing their part to bring a little holiday cheer to women and children in need this season.

The Toy Foundation Brings Joy to Underprivileged Kids

What child doesn’t want a new toy at Christmas? Earlier this month, The Toy Foundation, the charitable arm of The Toy Association, teamed up with volunteers from Michigan-based toy companies and nonprofits Delivering Good and Variety – The Children’s Charity of Detroit to provide 350 children with toys and fun at a special event held at the Southfield Parks and Recreation Center in Southfield, Michigan.

Children with unique and special needs and those in underserved communities enjoyed appearances by Santa Claus and Paws, the Detroit Tigers mascot, as well as activities like face-painting, bouncy houses and carnival games, and refreshments. The organization also gave away 150 bikes, and each child received new toys and games, from action figures, collectibles and role-play toys to craft kits, remote control vehicles and construction sets. 

toy drive

“The memorable evening encapsulated the true spirit of the holiday season – giving back to those in need and lighting up children’s faces with the gift of toys and play,” said Jean Butler, executive director of The Toy Foundation. “We are so thankful to the toy companies who pitched in by sending toys and volunteers and made this event a huge success – and to all those who help us bring play to millions of children in need throughout the year.” 

More than 1,000 toys were donated for this cause to The Toy Foundation’s Toy Bank by companies including American Plastic Toys, Ann Williams Group, Hasbro, Magformers and New Bright. Volunteers from American Plastic Toys, Ann Williams Group and Magformers helped animate activities and hand out the toys at the event. 

While primarily local Michigan toy companies donated for this cause, The Toy Foundation conducts multiple industry toy drives throughout the year, including at the annual Toy Fair in New York City, to help supply these special giveaway events.

The toy giveaway in Southfield represented the culmination of The Toy Foundation’s 2019 “Holiday Toys Across America” initiative in partnership with Delivering Good. Through this program, the Foundation has impacted thousands of children-in-need throughout the U.S.

“For more than 20 years, this special evening has continued to bring our community together as Variety provides deserving children with the gift of mobility,” said David King, president of Variety. “We are so grateful to our sponsors, partners and supporters for their dedication to making holiday magic with bikes and toys for hundreds of children.”

CSI DMC Donates More Than 100 Professional Outfits for Women in Need

CSI DMC

As part of their annual giveback programs, Falls Church, Va.-based event management company CSI DMC recently collected more than 100 professional outfits for Suited for Change, which supplies professional attire, mentoring and job-readiness education at no cost to women in-need looking to increase their employment potential. Through these services, the Washington, D.C.-based organization, which has served 28,000 local women since its founding in 1992, helps enable women to achieve financial independence.

“As a female entrepreneur, I’m a big advocate for supporting and championing women in the workforce,” said Amberlee Huggins, CSI DMC president and CMO. “I’m so appreciative of my staff and colleagues who came together to give back to Suited for Change.”  

 

ASI Raises Thousands for Homeless Families and Sick Children  

Employees of Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI) raised a record $9,000 during the company’s annual holiday gift drive to purchase toys and other gifts for families living in, or recently departed from, a local homeless shelter. 

ASI

Using donated funds, team leaders bought gifts that were delivered to the Family Services Associated of Bucks County, Penn., where people could then “shop” for their own families. This was the 15th year that ASI has participated in the gift drive.

In addition, employees raised $1,600 during the company’s 14th annual Photo With Santa fundraiser, which helps the Ronald McDonald House in Philadelphia provide housing for families with sick children in area hospitals. 

 

Have any #GivingBack news to share with us? Please reach out to lpsavas@tsnn.com!

  

Don’t miss any event-related news: Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter HERE and engage with us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram!

Add new comment

Partner Voices
One of the most iconic names on the Las Vegas Strip just got an upgrade. Mandalay Bay has everything that your business needs from a refreshed convention space designed to inspire productivity and creativity, to an impressive selection of world-class restaurants and amenities. If you're looking for a venue that's both inviting and innovative, you have to be here. New Wave Experiences Mandalay Bay continues to invest in a new wave of enhancements both in the convention space and within the resort as a whole. New restaurant openings including Orla by Michael Mina, drawing inspiration from the award-winning chef’s childhood in Egypt and with flavors and décor inspired by the spices found in markets common to coastal Mediterranean towns, as well as Caramá by Wolfgang Puck, bringing the essence of Italy and spirit of Wolfgang into one concept, are recent additions. The Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas also experienced a recent remodel of all 424 rooms. Swingers, a high-end, adults-only golf and entertainment concept will debut in Fall 2024. Enhanced Technology Creating a truly effective conference venue requires careful thought into what a business needs: the right technology, capacity, and inspiration to bring ideas to the next level. As part of the resort’s refresh, Mandalay Bay implemented state-of-the-art technology upgrades, installing cutting-edge Cat6A Ethernet cabling throughout the convention center. This advancement doubles the frequency of data transmission, enabling lightning-fast speeds up to 9400% faster. The convention center now boasts 11 dynamic digital walls, spanning up to 24' x 13', strategically positioned for brand placements, sponsorships and targeted event messaging. Additionally, attendees can benefit from 20 double-sided 55" mobile flexible display units, facilitating effortless navigation to meeting rooms and events. RFID locks were installed on all meeting room doors, and over 200 motion detection cameras have been placed throughout the space. Refreshing New Design & Fine Art The newly remodeled convention space provides a bright and vibrant atmosphere that complements Mandalay Bay's tropical-inspired brand. Featuring white-washed walls and ceilings adorned with bold floral patterns in cerulean and coral tones, the space is complemented by warm walnut accent walls. In addition to the redesign of all pre-function spaces, meeting rooms and ballrooms, Mandalay Bay's 1 million square feet of exhibit space has undergone a rejuvenation, including new paint, covered pillars and relocated strobe lights. Sustainable Spectacles Mandalay Bay is committed to Focused on What Matters and creating more responsible meetings. Refillable water stations all available around the resort, cutting unnecessary plastic usage from single-use bottles. The Mandalay Bay campus’ recent upgrades represent a bold step forward in redefining the Las Vegas experience. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and unparalleled service, Mandalay Bay sets a new standard for excellence in business hospitality. Whether you're seeking cutting-edge conference facilities, world-class dining options, or simply a luxurious retreat, an unparalleled meeting experience awaits.