By Mikkel Hyldebrandt
The Toy Party & Silent Auction by For The Kid In All Of Us (FTK) is a staple of holiday celebrations in Atlanta, where guests not only enjoy a spectacular party but also make a difference in the lives of children. It’s a win-win—especially for the kids in metro Atlanta. This year, the goal of collecting and raising funds for 8.000 toys for metro Atlanta kids may be the highest-ever, but for FTK, it only raises the ambition to put on an even better party. We spoke to board President Brian Isbell-Garcia about what the organization is doing to meet this goal and what guests can expect at this year’s Toy Party.
Last year, you celebrated the Toy Party’s 20th anniversary with a smashing celebration. How is the planning of Atlanta’s most popular holiday party going?
The Board of Directors is busy putting the finishing touches on what promises to be another great Toy Party & Silent Auction. The last two weeks is where all the planning and months of prep work come together to create Atlanta’s favorite holiday fundraiser.
FTK’s mission is to collect toys and raise funds for toys for children in need throughout metro Atlanta. This year, your partner organizations have asked for the most toys ever. Can you talk a little bit about that?
The needs in our community are greater than ever before. We’re doing all we can to fill the requests, but we can’t do it alone. It takes generous donations from local businesses and all those who attend our Toy Party with an unwrapped toy in hand to make what we do possible.
Why do you think there is a bigger ask for toys this year?
We work with nearly 20 beneficiaries with strong and deep connections in the metro Atalanta community, and as their needs grow, ours do too.
With that ambitious goal in mind, what strategies do you plan to implement at this year’s party to raise funds?
One of the highlights is our new Giving Tree, where guests can purchase ornaments to directly support the kids.We also have some exciting items in this year’s silent auction and are planning for another sold-out Toy Party. We are also raising funds at smaller events in November and December with partners like Piedmont Bark, Trina Turk, the Atlanta Eagle.
What else can attendees expect at this year’s party?
We will be joined by both the women’s and gay men’s chorus, as well as Santa and Mrs. Claus, DJ Brian Rojas, a variety show of drag talents provided by Phoenix Entertainment, and other performers. There will be photo experiences, food from Zest Catering, and drinks from Svedka Vodka and United Distributors, and our silent auction, which is always a good way to make a donation and pick up a special gift you can’t get anywhere else.
Tickets are divided into general admission and VIP – can you elaborate on the two ticket types?
Tickets for the event are available in two tiers: General Admission and VIP. The VIP experience includes an exclusive hour from 5–6 pm, featuring delectable hors d’oeuvres and special entertainment. VIP guests will also enjoy access to premium liquor at all bars, a designated VIP section in the main ballroom, and a curated swag bag. General Admission ticket holders will have access to unlimited drinks (excluding premium liquor) and all the event’s entertainment. For those who have already purchased General Admission tickets, there is an option to upgrade to VIP, provided it hasn’t sold out.
You also have an opportunity to win a VIP upgrade to the party this year – how do you get in on that?
We’ll be announcing two winners on our Facebook page on November 30. All you need to do to enter is purchase a general admission ticket, follow our new Facebook page, and like and share the contest Facebook post.
So, what if you can’t attend the Toy Party but still want to help reach the goal of collecting 8.000 toys?
There are many ways you can help us reach our goal this year. Of course, cash donations are always welcome, but you can also buy and send a toy from our Amazon Wish List or donate to our silent auction. Just visit forthekid.org/support for more details.
You also have an immediate need for volunteers at the Toy Party throughout the day and evening of the event. How do you get to be a volunteer?
It takes a lot of people to transform the Biltmore Ballrooms into a winter wonderland, and we couldn’t do it without a lot of volunteers. Anyone interested in helping us behind the scenes can email us at volunteers@forthekid.org.
The Toy Party is FTK’s biggest fundraiser of the year, but it’s not the last – what else do you have planned for the holidays?
We’re teaming up with the Atlanta Eagle for Birdcage Bingo every Wednesday night in December. Additionally, MAAP is hosting a toy drive during their monthly gathering on Saturday, December 7, at the Wylie Hotel. On Saturday, December 14, More to Love will present their annual Gag the Grinch event at the Eagle, with all proceeds benefiting For the Kid.
Looking ahead to 2025 – any exciting plans for the new year?
We’re gearing up for an exciting start to the new year! Our annual board interviews will take place at the end of January and into early February. We’re always on the lookout for passionate new board members to join us in creating magic for these incredible kids. If you’re interested in making a difference, visit forthekid.org/board to learn more!
Anything else you’d like to add?
I’d like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the community for 21 years of incredible support. Thanks to your generosity, we’ve been able to provide over 80,000 toys and 59,000 backpacks to children and families across the greater Atlanta Metro area. I’d also like to express my deepest appreciation to all the volunteers who have given their time and energy over the years—none of this would be possible without you. Thank you for helping us make a difference!
