HOLMES BEACH – The holiday season is a time for giving, and that’s exactly what was going on at A Paradise Reality last Friday as the staff held their Toys for Tots drive and holiday party. The event coincided with the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce’s tree lighting ceremony, which brought hundreds of people to the area.
“We raffled off a Yeti and made $2,100 for Toys for Tots,” Director of Marketing Sharon Hoatland said. “They’ve already dropped off three loads of toys for Toys for Tots. It’s great.”
Bob Slicker of Slicker’s Eatery in Cortez provided food for the event and Tonya McCormick provided live music, making the party even more festive. Although they were seeking as many toys as possible at the party, A Paradise Realty will accept donations of new, unwrapped toys through Friday, Dec. 15 at their office at 5201 Gulf Drive. Cash donations are also welcome and 100% of donations go to purchase toys for the campaign.
“This is our sixth annual party and we have always been involved one way or the other, but this seems to be the most successful,” Hoatland said.
Toys for Tots has a close relationship with the U.S. Marine Corps and Marine Corps League 588 was on hand at A Paradise Reality assisting with the event. The Marine Corps also assists with the distribution of the toys.
For more information on Toys for Tots and their mission and relationship with the Marine Corps, visit www.toysfortots.org.
