Published On: Thu, Dec 11th, 2014

8th Annual Boca Raton Toy Drive was the Most Successful in Event’s History

1471170_10153300642246487_946129508199825481_n

The 8th Annual Boca Raton Toy Drive, Sponsored by The Rotary Club, took place this past Sunday at Sugar Sand Park and according to organizer, Douglas Heizer, the event was one of the most successful in eight years.

A record-setting day for all involved saw over 600 toys being collected on-site and the event as a whole has raised over $18,000 between money and toys. The toys will be distributed between The Wayne Barton Study Center, and Boca Helping Hands this holiday season for the needy kids in the city.

Thanks to Boca Raton Firefighter & Paramedic Benevolent, the event was a tremendous success as Santa Claus arrived at the Carrousel on a fire truck. Every kid’s eye lit up as they saw the jolly old man descend from the truck and began hugging, and taking pictures with all the kids. The event as also a safe one, thanks to the Boca Raton Police Department. “The Boca Raton Police Department did a fantastic job with security,” added Heizer. “We are very thankful for their help and support of the event.”

Among the people in attendance was, Mayor Susan Haynie, Deputy Mayor Constance Scott, and Councilmembers Scott Singer, and Robert Weinroth. Aside from local dignitaries, Rotary District 6930 Governor, Juan Ortega, whom honored Santa Claus, Francisco Rodrigues, as an “Honorary Rotary Member”, attended the event. At 80 years of age, Rodrigues is known throughout South Florida as Santa Claus during the winter months.

The Boca Raton Toy Drive is the biggest combined fundraising event that brings together all five Rotary Clubs in Boca Raton. “Having all the Boca Raton Rotary Clubs working together like this is just fantastic,” said Phil Lusting, Past District Governor and one of the event Coordinators of the Toy Drive. “This is, without a doubt, the biggest Rotary event in Boca,” says Neil Haynie, member of The Rotary Club Boca Raton Central. “Sure, each club has their own important events and fundraisers, but this event has unified all the Rotary Clubs in Boca Raton for the past eight years and it continues to grow.” The Boca Raton Toy Drive is sill accepting toy donations to give Boca Helping Hands and Wayne Barton Study Center, if interested, please visit them on facebook: www.facebook.com/bocatoydrive.

For photos from the event, click here

If you were at the event and took a picture with Santa Claus, click here

About the Author

Discover more from The Boca Raton Tribune

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading