The annual Toys for Tots charity event means so much more than another night to go out on the weekend. Every year I need to step back and look at what we have created from that first party 9 years ago. We were all a bunch of poor college kids but people still found a little extra to donate to an amazing cause. To see it grow every year, monetarily as well as attendance wise, gives you that extra Christmas spirit. In fact, to me, the Christmas season doesn’t really begin until the event.

Growing up, most of us were middle-upper class suburban kids. Most Christmases, we had more toys and gifts than we knew what to do with. Often times, there were presents that didn’t even get played with or used. I’m glad that we can all now, be able to give a truly magical Christmas to some needy children, especially in these tough economic times. On a much lesser note, the toys for tots benefit is also a time to get together with your extended family, this great group of people, that you see every year. I have many friends, whom I consider myself quite close to, that I might see only once a year. I can always count on them being at the event.

I can tell you, with all certainty, that the event is probably my favorite night of the year.

-Ryan Crum

It’s hard to believe this is the Tenth Annual DFTK!  I am so proud of the generosity of you all and am happy to say that due to popular demand we just keep coming back for more!  I personally invite those of you who haven’t experienced an event of this magnitude to come see what you’ve been missing!  For those friends and family who haven’t been here in a while, we missed you and hope you’ll come out this year and help us reach our lofty goal of $10,000 commemorating our 10th year!

-Gary Stockert