On Wednesday, December 5th, 2012, I was honored to host a Toys for Tots fundraiser at Scottsdale’s Eli’s American Grille.

Marines (in full Honor Color Guard) collected toys from the crowd exceeding 250 people.  After singing America The Beautiful, Phoenix Rock ‘n’ Roll band, Demolition, jammed to 60s and 70s-inspired holiday songs.

Since beginning the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program in 1947, Marines have distributed more than 452 million toys to more than 209 million needy children.  This charitable endeavor has made U.S. Marines the unchallenged leader in looking after less fortunate children at Christmas.  Over its life span, the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation has supplemented local toy collections with more than 98 million toys valued at more than $694 million.

Here are pics from the fab event!  Was HONORED to be surrounded by such amazing people…