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Toys for Joy celebrates 4th year collecting gifts for area children

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Merida, Yucatan — Yucatan Giving Outreach AC announced today that the last in the series of this year’s Season of Sharing events is almost sold out.

The Toys for Joy 4th annual holiday gift drive will be held on Sunday, Dec. 9, at Ochenta y Dos [an urban bed & breakfast] in the Centro. This annual events attracts both local residents and expats, along with corporate sponsors of YGO throughout the year. This annual party is the unofficial start of the holiday season in Merida.

“We try to change it up every year,” says Dave O. Dodge, creator of Toys for Joy and right hand to Kimmy Davin-DeGraff co-founder of YGO.

“Our goal is 1,000 gifts this year for area children in need,” adds Dodge. TFJ is just one of the many events centered on The Season of Sharing.  Along with private parties and expat-driven gift campaigns — and following the success of the Chicas for Charity Polo Tournament — DeGraff is confident the gift goal will be reached.

This year’s party will feature live entertainment, locally owned eateries,and refreshments from everyone’s favorite watering hole. Hennessy’s Irish Pub, on two levels and poolside. Christmas decorations and classic music throughout the venue and will catapult everyone into the holiday spirit.

Napoli Mia Restaurant, across from Santa Ana Park, will return to the rooftop terrace for a second year, serving up dinner for all the guests. Along with traditional Neapolitan cuisine, Malena Duran and her trio will provide traditional and romantic music.

“I think guests will love her style,” says Dodge, noting that she sings in both English and Spanish.

In the main house, guests will enjoy food from Christine Chu’s latest project, Bing Bang Kitchen.

Bing Bang Kitchen was the featured nosh in the VIP tent at last month’s Chicas for Charity Polo Tournament.  Traditional family recipes from Vietnam is their specialty and will be served them in the dining room.

“We are so happy to have Christina back for another event,” says DeGraff.

Guests will enjoy a red carpet arrival while enjoying the music of Erick Torres, another local favorite oftenheard performing in Santa Lucia park. Torres’ music is traditional and will be wonderful to hear in the Garden Café while enjoying an Ochenta y Dos signature cocktail.

This event would not be possible with the generosity of the Flossie-May & Gert Family Fund. This is their second year as presenting sponsors for this holiday party.

Local expats Brian Moran and Gwen Straka are committed to the community and often show their support in many ways, most recently organizing and donating 300 gift bags for elderly people living in local nursing homes.

Corporate sponsorship plays a vital role in the mission of YGO and all its programs. EcoCentro Solar, Merida Living Real Estate, Yucatan Custom Home Builders, Ochenta y Dos, Hyatt Regency Merida and Yucatan Expat Life are key contributors to the success of YGO and SOS throughout the entire year.

Tickets are still available on line at www.ygo.mx or at the YGO resale Store and Food Pantry located on the square in Itzimna (map).  The party starts promptly at 7 at Ochenta y Dos [an urban bed & breakfast].

The cost 400 pesos per person along with an unwrapped gift for a child in need.

There are all ages of children in need up to 18. YGO traditionally has a team of local expats wrapping and delivering all the gifts the week before Christmas. For more information about YGO and the TFJ party call 999-518-0801 or visit their office at Calle 21 #96 18 y 20 Colonia Itzimna 97100 (map). 

Source: Season of Sharing

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