It’s one of the brightest spots of the holiday season in Boston.
Toys4Joys provides thousands of toys to underprivileged teens and children in need of some holiday cheer. T4J annually delights attendees as well, and on December 14 it’s making a return to its roots at the Artists for Humanity Epicenter, 100 W. Second Street, South Boston.
For tickets and more event information, go to toys4joys.org.
Event founder James Rifino is especially excited about this return. “Our first four years were at Artists for Humanity, but it has transformed into a bigger venue. This is perfect as we had outgrown the [prior event] space. We are very excited to return back to this fantastic space as we partner with an organization who helps to serve similar populations as we do.”
T4J is now in its 11th year. It is a major accomplishment for any event to surpass the decade marker. However, if you ask Rifino, Toys4Joys has been around for a little bit longer.
“The event really started with a holiday gathering in 2002. Everyone brought toys to donate to the Boston Housing Authority. This became an annual tradition, and then in 2009 we produced the first big event and it has evolved into what it is today.” says Rifino.
Toy4Joys is now a thriving 501(c)3, charitable nonprofit organization; a far cry from a casual housewarming party/fundraiser. The number of beneficiaries has grown as well. Gifts collected at the event are distributed by partner charities throughout the season. These charities include Eastern Service Workers Association, IBA—Three Kings, Joseph M. Tierney Learning Center, Multicultural AIDS Coalition, Teddy Bear Foundation for Foster Children and United South End Settlements.
The centerpiece of every T4J event is the Christmas Tree surrounded by the thousands of presents offered by guests. Revelers can enjoy some cocktails and lite bites and the opportunity to visit with friends, family and coworkers. There is also a DJ, so once the cocktails kick in, the dancing can begin!
Rifino now serves as president of Toys4Joys, Inc., the nonprofit entity that plans all year for the event. However, all the hours that it takes to produce the soiree are 100 percent donated by volunteers—from the organizing board to all the management and operating teams. This means that every dollar raised through ticket sales and sponsorships helps elevate and grow the gala to achieve its purpose of bringing the community together to help support children in need.
Ticket prices can vary from $50 to $500, with the upper level tickets including a toy donation in the purchase price. There are also several sponsorship opportunities for organizations who want to share their brand and give back. Those range from $500 to $7,500. One of this year’s diamond sponsors is especially critical to the success of the event: Tito’s Vodka.
Rifino sees a future beyond toys and holiday parties for T4J. As the event and the organization grows, so do the opportunities to give back. In the future they hope to expand the scope of T4J to a new endeavor named Teens4Jobs. This would help match young people with employment opportunities, mentorship and job-skills development.
“It made sense that T4J could also stand for something else that can benefit the young people in the community in a different way. We hope that this will be the next step in the growth of the organization’s mission.” says Rifino.
In the meantime, T4J, will remain focused on toys and gifts for underprivileged kids in and around the Boston area. Volunteer opportunities are always available. And everyone is invited to join in the fun.
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