Hundreds have a ball at Toys for Tots Charity Kick-off

Members of the “Chorus Line” dance troupe were, from left, Mike Volk, Donna Trusso, Amy Drozdziel, Kim Scoma, Alyce Peterson, Rebecca Hamlet-Kepple, and Samantha Muntz.

Though Christmas is still weeks away, the season kicked off in style October 2 when The Resource Center held its fourth annual Toys for Tots Charity Ball.

The Robert H. Jackson Center in Jamestown was the venue for the sold-out event, which showcased the dancing talents of some two dozen TRC employees.  The Charity Ball has become a fall tradition and is a way for TRC to kick start the Toys for Tots drive.

For the past 10 years, TRC has coordinated the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots drive in Chautauqua County, ensuring that more than 2,000 underprivileged children will experience a happier holiday.  Fulfilling that level of need requires a tremendous amount of assistance and generosity from the local community.  And while October to December is the prime period for acquiring donations, the drive’s organizers are busy virtually all year long.

“It almost seems like Christmas year round, with all the events,” said Heather Brown, TRC’s Director of Individualized Services and one of the three Coordinators of the Toys for Tots campaign.

More than 200 people turned out for the 2010 Charity Ball. The evening began with a wonderful hors d’oeuvres reception in the mansion portion of the Jackson Center.  Shortly before 8:00 p.m., guests filtered into the holiday-decorated auditorium for an entertaining variety show.  Master of ceremonies Jason Williams opened the show to welcome the crowd.  Following Jason, Chief Operating Officer Denise Jones spoke of TRC’s involvement over the years with Toys for Tots.

Following Denise, Michael Volk, Director of Rehabilitation and Employment Services, proudly announced that TRC had received national recognition, as the agency had been cited as the top local Toys for Tots site for 2009.  The Marine Corps Reserve recognized TRC’s efforts in providing toys to thousands of children and coordinating a campaign covering 1,100 square miles. In September, a Marine Corps General presented Mike with a bronzed Toys for Tots train at an event in Washington, D.C.  At the Charity Ball, Mike, who also is one of the three local Toys for Tots coordinators, presented TRC Executive Director Paul Cesana with the award.
Following Mike’s announcement, Heather and Terri Johnson, Employment Services Administrator (and the third Toys for Tots coordinator), discussed the campaign and the community involvement that makes it such a success.

The Village Women pose before their electrifying dance number.  Pictured are, from left, front row, Sherry McMeans, Vicky Bardo, Kathy Field, Michelle Wood, and Nickey Riczker; and, back row, Jane Young, Cindy Phillips, Suzette Smith, Nancy Ingram, Tess Kerzner, and Cathy Ensminger.

There were several sponsors that made the event possible.  The Marquee sponsors for the 2010 Toys for Tots Charity Ball were Moore and Myott, LLP and Support Enterprises.  The Bronze sponsors included Jamestown Area Medical Associates and Greater Woodlawn Credit Union.

“Each year when we plan the kickoff celebration, we’re not certain what the community support is going to be like,” said Heather.  “It’s kind of our first thermometer of what the season is going to be, so the fact that it sold out makes us very excited about what the season will bring.”

The show then kicked off with the illusions of Roger Nicot, whose fire-eating magic show ignited the crowd.  Appearing after Roger, several TRC employees donned top hat and cane, kicked up their heels and performed a dazzling dance routine to the song “One” from the musical A Chorus Line.  Then musician Adam McKillip took to the stage with and performed a few numbers on his guitar, including “I’ll be Home for Christmas” and an original song he wrote.

After Adam, TRC’s Village People made their return with a hilarious dance performance to the tune “Hot Cop”.  Not to be outdone by the men, TRC’s “Village Women” were also on the prowl as Tess Kerzner, Children’s Services Coordinator, led the group on a heart-pounding, high-energy “Tribal Dance” that was a definite crowd sensation.  The first half of the show wrapped up with singer/dancer Laura Cimino performing an original song, “So Many Ways.”  In addition Laura, who is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Guys and Dolls Studio in Kiantone, choreographed the Village People and the Chorus Line routines.

During intermission, guests were treated to a decadent dessert buffet, loaded with a number of cakes, cookies and other mouth-watering pastries.  At the same time, people were still able to bid on items as part of the silent auction.  All of the baskets, gift certificates and other fantastic items were donated from local supporters and businesses within the community.  Fifty-fifty raffle tickets and Toys for Tots merchandise were also on sale.

Posing during dress rehearsal are TRC’s Village People: from left, kneeling, Steve Waterson and Brice Main; and, standing, Mike Volk, Bill VanDyke, Paul Cesana, and Mark Morton. View a video of their performance.

The second half of the show kicked off with Jason and fellow Lights of Broadway cast member Jeff Kresge performing their version of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, a comedy sketch that included more than 20 “costume changes.”  After that, “Pretty Paper” by Randy Travis set the stage for a beautifully danced waltz by Michelle Hoover and Dave Smith.  From ballroom to bedlam, the Village People electrified the crowd once again and made another appearance to a hand-clapping medley of the disco group’s greatest hits.

Following that, Mike took to the microphone again and talked of his son leaving for another tour of duty in Iraq, and then led a flag-waving tribute to the U.S troops, giving special recognition to those in the room who have served their country.  The tribute ended with Bill Eckstrom of Germaine and Pappalardo Music Shoppe playing “The Star-Spangled Banner” on guitar.

After all the thank-yous of the evening were complete, winners of the silent auction and the 50/50 were announced.  All the money raised from the event stays local.

“Last year, we provided toys to just over 2,200 children.  That’s 865 families right here in Chautauqua County,” said Heather, “so I would anticipate that number to grow again this year.  The economy is not where is should be, families are still struggling, so I would expect to be that if not more.”

In the coming days, announcements will be made regarding applications, company toy barrel site locations, distribution days and times, as well as the call for volunteers, all in an effort to once again bring a little joy into the lives of those who need it most.

“It’s a lot of work, but when we’re helping those families, being able to provide their kids with a toy or two, something they can open on Christmas morning, just makes the whole operation a huge joy,” said Heather, “and it’s a little bit we can give back to help make their lives a little happier.”

Click here for information about this year’s Toys for Tots drive.  If you’d like to make a donation to the effort or to volunteer to help distribute in December, contact Heather Brown at 661-1042.