I had the pleasure of attending the Toys for Tots Holiday Dance presented by Lexus of Lexington last Saturday. I’ve attended for the past few years and it has become one of my favorite events of the holiday season. I’m excited to partner with Lexus of Lexington to share my experience and the history of this special event.
The Toys for Tots organization was started in 1947 by Major Bill Hendricks of the U.S. Marine Corps. He was inspired by his wife, who wanted to donate a handmade doll to a child in need but couldn’t find any organization to do so. He got together a group of Marine reservists and together they collected around 5,000 toys. Toys for Tots was launched nationally the next year. The organization now collects new, unwrapped toys in October, November and December each year to distribute as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in local communities. The program is run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and has local campaigns all across the country, including right here in Lexington. In 2018, the Lexington Toys for Tots campaign raised over 14,000 toys that were distributed to over 7,000 children. Toys for Tots collects toys at local businesses and through events like the holiday dance.
The Toys for Tots Holiday Dance originated in Lexington 20 years ago. Lexingtonian Diane Avare attended a similar dance in Louisville and was inspired to start an event in Lexington to be able to collect toys for local children. She gathered a group of friends together who agreed to help put on the first dance. Five years in, Lexus of Lexington got involved as a sponsor the dance. Check out this video interview with Mrs. Avare to learn more.
The dance is hosted at the Keeneland Entertainment Center. It’s black tie, which I love because I love an excuse to get dressed up and get Dave in a tux! We were greeted by members of the Marine Corps in their Dress Blues and welcomed into the Keene Barn decked out for the holidays. There was a buffet with delicious food by Keeneland, although my favorite part was the mini cheeseburgers and tater tots passed around later in the evening 😉 A live band, Endless Summer, played a great mix of oldies and new songs. The dance floor was definitely full all night!
All attendees were asked to bring a toy for a child in need. It was awesome to see a giant pile of toys going to kids in need this holiday season. It’s so easy to get carried away with our to-do lists, buying gifts and decorating for the holidays, but this time also gives us an opportunity to really make a difference in someone’s life. I personally can recognize the great privilege I have in being able to purchase gifts for all my loved ones. Setting aside the money I would normally spend on a dinner out to provide for a child in need is so much more rewarding. I’d love to encourage you to think about how you can make a difference this holiday season! A big thanks to Lexus of Lexington for all you do for our community and allowing me the opportunity to share. Make sure to follow them on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date with what they’re doing in the community and events at the dealership.
Biscuits & blessings,
Leels
This post was sponsored by Lexus of Lexington. As always, all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Lex Eats!
