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.
“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
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.
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.
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Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
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OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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