Toys for Tots 2007

The 22nd (believe it or not) annual Toys For Tots party in Manhattan will have some familiarity and some changes. The biggest changes are a $35 ticket price and a need to buy a ticket in advance of the party. The beauty of the party in the past is that it's cost the price of a toy to get in. That has opened it up for anyone who can pull together $10 in change to buy a toy. Unfortunately, this year it's going to cost $45 (the ticket and a toy, which will be at least $10), and some people who get priced out of every other fun gay party will be priced out of this one, too.

I know it doesn't seem like a lot to most of the affluent gay Manhattanites who go to these things, but $45 is just out of the price range of many people, gay or straight. It's my constant complaint about gay culture: That it is elitist because the "lower class" is kept out of the who's-who parties. This party was always the exception to that rule. Oh well. I'm sure the organizers have good reason for wanting to raise $70,000 in ticket prices, so this isn't a criticism of them. It just sucks that this one great annual party is evolving into every other higher-priced gay gala.

One thing kind of does bug me a bit. Maybe this is how it's always been, but I never realized it. Three of the organizations this event is benefitting are religious institutions: Mt. Vernon Baptist Church, Brick Presbyterian Church, and St. Ann's Episcopal Church. Given I have no desire to support any religious institution, chances are I'll (sadly) be skipping this year, unless Dan tells me I have to go. There are no good NFL games that afternoon, so maybe.

Party specs:
Toys For Tots 2007
Metropolitan Pavilion (125 W. 18th Street)
Sunday, Dec. 2, 5pm-9pm
You must by a ticket in advance

Comments

[Sedona Luke]

Hey, you're back! Didn't know you were blogging again -- Missed you, Cyd!

Much agreement about "Pricing folks out." This past summer, a group of well-intentioned "family" held a community-wide party to bring out local glbt folks and supporters for the first time in years, and it was a great success. Of course, following this success, the organizers planned a second party -- and doubled the price. Guess what. Second party had half the attendance and wasn't nearly as fun. It seemed the organizers were more interested in "fund raising" than in bringing the community together. Back to square one.

[Mike]

Sounds like sour grapes to me.

[Justin]

I am in full agreement with you. I'm sure many ppeople will show up not knowing about this change & will be turned away - that is the awful part.

BTW, saw you in Out magazine - Congratulations - you are in good company