The ninth-annual TOY holiday party promotes giving all around, said Samantha Giusti, executive director of the Delaware Valley Legacy Fund, the party’s host and a fundraiser for local LGBT causes.
The party takes place from 7-10 p.m. Dec. 5 at Fire & Ice, 312 Market St. Tickets cost $75 and about 90 percent of that goes toward DVLF’s mission of supporting local LGBT causes, Giusti said.
Members of the Greater Philadelphia Flag Football League will serve as bartenders and the money they make will benefit their organization.
“It’s really become the LGBT holiday party,” Giusti said. “I can come out one time to see all my favorite people in the community in one place.”
“It’s a win-win,” she added. “The money goes to a good cause and it brings the community together.”
Guests are also asked to bring new, unwrapped toys, which will be donated to patients at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Giusti reminded people not to forget about the older kids. Gifts for young children often are the most popular donations. But, Giusti said, iTunes gift cards or headphones are good gift ideas for teens.
Several-hundred people usually attend TOY each year. Giusti described the event as a cocktail party that turns into a dance party.
Fire & Ice is the premiere sponsor of the event. PNC, Joshua’s Catering and West Laurel Hill Cemetery also serve as sponsors.