The tradition of Toys for Tots 2020, held every year by Gerry and the Dreambenders, the Riverside Hotel and the United States Marine Corps, is even more important in this crazy year when so many more are doing without. Because of the uncertainty of putting on a live show this season, an alternative Toys for Tots 2020 Drive will be held. The Drive will begin on Tuesday, December 2 and run through Wednesday, December 16. During that time, everyone is encouraged to donate a new, unwrapped and unopened toy for a deserving child. Alternatively, a check or money order donation made out to USMC Toys for Tots will be used by the Marines to purchase toys also. No cash will be accepted for donations.
This year, there are several ways to make your donation for Toys for Tots 2020. All donations can be dropped off at the front desk of the Riverside Hotel, 2900 W. Chinden Blvd. In Boise/Garden City. If you have donations that you need to have picked up, you can send an email to dreambenders@gmail.com or text (208) 602-3350 to arrange a pickup date and time. They’ll schedule a Dreambender to come to anywhere within 100 miles of Boise.
Gerry and the Dreambenders is well known in the Treasure Valley and beyond as the Northwest’s only Genuine British Invasion-Era Rock and Roll Tribute Show. The band specializes in the music of the early to mid 60’s British Invasion-Erabands, such as the Hollies, the Rolling Stones, Gerry and the Pacemakers, the Beatles and the Kinks. Into this mix, they include American music from the same era from groups such as the Byrds, (Idaho’s own) Paul Revere and the Raiders, the Turtles and the Lovin’ Spoonful.
Vocalist/Founder/Guitarist Mike Wallace has spearheaded the Gerry and the Dreambenders Toys for Tots Concert since its inception. Mike said, “Starting today, December 2nd, and running through to midnight of Wednesday, December 16th, we’re once again teaming up with the U.S. Marine Corps’ “Toys For Tots” program and The Sapphire Room at the Riverside Hotel for our 9th annual celebration of the Christmas spirit of giving to the less fortunate children among us, and we invite any of you who can participate to join in with us…Sadly, due to the current COVID-19 pandemic; and our own concerns about the safety of our audiences, this year’s event will not be a public music performance. But we will go out of our way to help you donate/contribute, if you can. Next year, it’ll be back to music again…”
The Riverside Hotel Has been a landmark in Boise for years. Located right on the Boise River and Greenbelt, it is not only a signature hotel in the area but also houses the Sapphire Room, one of the top music venues in the area and the Sandbar, an excellent outdoor music venue right on the Greenbelt itself. The Riverside Hotel’s Lynda Johnson has played a key role in these Toy for Tots charity benefits and has been very supportive in many ways of the community throughout the current pandemic. Lynda said, “We’re so happy to partner with Mike Wallace and the United States Marine Corps again this year. In Idaho, we have a community of kind, good people who welcome the chance to help these kids and bring them joy, which is especially important this Christmas.”
The Marine Corps’ “Toys For Tots” program is renowned for making Christmas a lot brighter for less fortunate children since the 1940’s. Local Boise Marines will be collecting the toy and cash donations and seeing that it is distributed it to many needy children in the local area. This is one of many local and national events that the United States Marine Corps participates in.
Instead of the Annual Gerry and the Dreambenders Toys For Tots Concerts that is annually held at the Sapphire Room, the Riverside Hotel and Gerry and the Dreambenders have come up with a thank you that will make a few of the generous people who donate this year very happy. Each person who donates a toy will get a raffle ticket.You do not have to be present to win.
On December 17, a raffle will be held for all the tickets of those who have donated gifts for the children in need through Toys for Tots 2020. The Grand Prize will be a Warm Up to Winter” Staycation Package contributed by the Riverside Hotel (details to be announced).
Gerry and the Dreambenders has dipped into their musical bag of tricks and donated a Guitar and Amplifier Package. This Player Pack, from Epiphone, is the iconic Les Paul model guitar, including a rosewood fingerboard and Humbucking pickups with a 3 way pickup selector switch. Of course, Epiphone is owned by Gibson Brands, who worked with Les Paul to design the guitar that bears his name and has been the favorite of many a rocker since the 50’s. The guitar comes with a soft gig bag, 10 foot guitar cable and a guitar stand. A 10 watt Electar Guitar Amp rounds out the package so you’re ready to rock. Also included are online lessons from eMedia.
Fred Meyer Jewelers, located at Franklin and Orchard in Boise, has donated to the raffle two wonderful items. One is a Koala Bear with a 36 inch string of freshwater pearls and the other is a three-ring bracelet with freshwater pearls. Fred Meyer Jewelers has been a staunch supporter of Gerry and the Dreambenders Toys for Tots Concerts and has real stepped in this year with some beautiful jewelry—and a cute koala too!
The bottom line of all of this is to help those children in the greater Treasure Valley area who otherwise might have to do without this holiday season. Whether it is a toy, a game, a bicycle or a check, any donation you make will make a child’s holiday a much happier time than they might have had without your generous donation. Toys for Tots 2020, Gerry and the Dreambenders, The Riverside Hotel, Fred Meyer Jewelers, the United States Marine Corps and the less fortunate (except with your help) kids of the Treasure Valley thank you.
Toys for Tots 2020
https://www.thedreambenders.com/
Gerry and the Dreambenders Facebook Page
