Hips — and toys — don’t lie; industry excitement is growing for the 24th annual Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards, hosted by The Toy Foundation (TTF).
Taking place on Friday, Sept. 29 at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City to kick off Toy Fair, the TOTY Awards will roll out the best of the best in the toy industry. The celebration will name the top toys, people, and campaigns in the industry, pay tribute to industry icons, and feature a one-of-a-kind auction. At this year’s event, there will be an exclusive performance by three-time Grammy Award winner and “Hips Don’t Lie” songwriter Wyclef Jean.
“Playing — in my case music — was incredibly important for me to build respect as a child,” says Jean. “So, I’m delighted to help The Toy Foundation deliver that same power of play to tens of thousands of children who need our help to find their voice.”
The event, produced by BCL Entertainment, will begin with a networking and cocktail reception followed by the awards show with moments woven throughout that spotlight the nonprofits, children’s hospitals, and young leaders supported by the industry’s collective philanthropy. This year’s program will honor outstanding products, properties, individuals, and campaigns across 23 categories.
“Our central message for this year’s TOTY Awards is that we are YOUR Foundation,” says Pamela Mastrota, Executive Director of The Toy Foundation. “Whether you’re an individual donor, or a small, medium, or large toy company, retail partner, or supplier, The Toy Foundation provides you the opportunity and platform to make a difference — through play — in the lives of children in need.”
For tickets and sponsorship information visit totyawards.org.