Last Thursday, nearly 1,300 leaders from the toy and baby products industries came together at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City to celebrate the 2015 Toys “R” Us Children’s Fund Gala. During the evening, $4.6 million was raised for the Toys “R” Us Children’s Fund, a public charity affiliated with Toys “R” Us Inc., to aid in its mission to keep children safe and help them in times of need. The event was hosted by comedian Martin Short and featured a performance by Lenny Kravitz.
During the past year, highlights of Toys “R” Us’ key philanthropic initiatives included:
• Toys “R” Us partnered for the fourth consecutive year with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF), an organization dedicated to finding a cure for childhood cancer. The company’s in-store and online fundraising campaign raised more than $2.2 million for the organization.
• Toys “R” Us stores began to offer a reusable bag showcasing Save the Children artwork, created by a young child, with one dollar from the purchase of each bag benefiting the organization’s Domestic Emergency Fund. Save the Children helps protect children, ensures their safety in shelters, and supports their emotional recovery during times of disaster.
• Toys “R” Us teamed up with the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation to raise a record-breaking $6.4 million through in-store and online fundraising. Toys “R” Us was joined in these efforts by NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal and his later ego, Shaq-A-Claus.
Other charitable partners this past year included Make-A-Wish America, Operation Shower, and Special Olympics International.
