The Annual Toy Party shined and sparked! And for another consecutive year, thousands of underprivileged children will feel a little more loved come holiday time thanks to your generosity and the hard work of For the Kid In All of Us.

The Americas Mart packed, and I mean packed, the house with attendees who brought one or two toys each. They brought dolls, board games, plushy-stuffed animals of all sizes and more than a dozen shiny new bicycles. For the Kid in All of Us Director, Jorge Esteban, was extremely pleased with the outcome, saying it exceeded last years'- we're talking 4,000+! So doing a little math, I would guesstimate about 6,000 toys were collected, which equal the number of wonderful smiles from children whom without this event may not receive anything for Christmas. Now that's the holiday spirit!

[caption id="attachment_5920" align="aligncenter" width="478" caption="Celebrity DJ Vicki Powell poses with a friend as she prepares to get her groove on. And yours!"] [/caption]

A very enthusiastic and generous Vicki Powell shared her excitement about deejaying the Toy Party. Vicki loves this event and its purpose. She was thrilled to be spinning holiday music all night and hopes that For the Kid In All of Us asks her back every year. (I have a feeling they will!)

[caption id="attachment_5921" align="aligncenter" width="478" caption="This is just one view of the massive Toy Party crowd from the VIP area. Multiply this view by three!"] [/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5922" align="aligncenter" width="478" caption="The Smirnoff Boys bringing cheer to the Toy party!"] [/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5923" align="aligncenter" width="478" caption="Hello Soldier!"] [/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5924" align="aligncenter" width="478" caption="For the Kid In All of Us Director, Jorge Esteban and his partner Rick pose for a picture with me and a background of toys!"] [/caption]

The 2010 Toy Party exceeded all expectations. Jorge Esteban's smile lit up the Americas Mart with well deserved pride and a strong sense of accomplishment.

Tomorrow, toys get sorted which will not be a simple task. By the end of the week, the 20 agencies involved will start distributing toys. Jorge, For the Kid In All of Us and the Toy Party team will be there to help and more importantly, to witness the smiles and emotion from the children.

[caption id="attachment_5925" align="aligncenter" width="478" caption="toys, toys, toys..."] [/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5926" align="aligncenter" width="478" caption="and more toys! The 2010 Toy Party at the Americas Mart by For the Kid In All of Us was a huge success!"] [/caption]

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