Hips – and toys – don’t lie, the excitement is growing for the Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards, hosted by The Toy Foundation (TTF). Taking place Friday, September 29 at Cipriani’s 42nd Street to kickoff Toy Fair, the TOTY Awards will roll out the best of the best as it’s a night to celebrate the very best in the toy industry. Featuring an exclusive performance by three-time Grammy Award winner and “Hips Don’t Lie” songwriter, Wyclef Jean, the TOTY celebration will also name the top toys, people, and campaigns in the toy industry, pay tribute to industry icons, and feature a one-of-a-kind auction. The best part, the night is the ultimate fundraiser that supports TTF’s work to deliver the extraordinary benefits of play to children in need.
“Playing – in my case music – was incredibly important for me to build respect as a child,” Wyclef said. “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.”
At this year’s TOTY Awards, produced by cutting-edge event company BCL Entertainment, guests will experience the excitement from the moment they step onto the purple carpet. Taking place at one of NYC’s most iconic event locations, Cipriani’s 42nd Street, the event will begin with a high-powered networking and cocktail reception full of Instagram-worthy activities. The reception will flow into the awards show with mission moments woven throughout that spotlight the nonprofits, children’s hospitals, and young leaders supported by the industry’s collective philanthropy.
Act quickly as only a limited number of tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available. Tickets are available for purchase online. Sponsorship information is available at TOTYAwards.org and commitments may be made directly to TTF’s Director of Development John Fistolera.
“Our central message for this year’s TOTY Awards is that we are YOUR Foundation!” said 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.”
Below is additional detail on how the TOTY Awards supports TTF and more information on Wyclef Jean’s superstar career. The TTF team looks forward to seeing the entire industry at the biggest night of the year!
To learn more about the TOTY Awards, visit TOTYAwards.org. Follow The Toy Foundation on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook, and #TOTY for event news. Add the hashtag to your updates sharing how you’re participating in the TOTY Awards