LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

Without fear or favor
Since 2004

Tag: Split the pot

  • Homestand Highlights – May 21-29 – Reds vs. Padres, Dodgers, Cardinals

    Homestand Highlights – May 21-29 – Reds vs. Padres, Dodgers, Cardinals

    by Chris Ball

    Tuesday, May 21 – Reds vs. San Diego Padres, 6:40 p.m. (gates open at 5:10 p.m.)

    • TV: Bally Sports Ohio (John Sadak, Barry Larkin & Annie Sabo)
    • Radio: 700WLW and stations on the Reds Radio Network (Tommy Thrall & Jeff Brantley)
    • 3-2-1 Tuesdays: For all Tuesday home games this season, fans can purchase $3 beers (Bud or Bud Light 12 oz. cans), $2 hot dogs and $1 ice cream cups, presented by Budweiser and Bud Light. Limit two of each item per person per transaction. Available at select concession stands. For more information, visit reds.com/Tuesday.
    • Reds Country Cares: As part of our Reds Country Cares program, throughout May we are recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month. Pregame ceremonies will help raise awareness on this important topic. New for 2024, United Way of Greater Cincinnati is making a donation to each of our Reds Country Cares community partners. For more information, visit reds.com/Unity.

    Wednesday, May 22 – Reds vs. San Diego Padres, 6:40 p.m. (gates open at 5:10 p.m.)

    • TV: Bally Sports Ohio (John Sadak, Barry Larkin & Annie Sabo)
    • Radio: 700WLW and stations on the Reds Radio Network (Tommy Thrall & Jeff Brantley)
    • Bark in the Park: Tonight is the second Bark in the Park of the season, presented by Kroger, Good ‘n’ Fun and DreamBone. Over 500 dogs and their owners will participate in a pregame parade around the field and enjoy pet activities, samples and more in the First Star Fan Zone. Dog packages must be purchased in advance at reds.com/Bark.
    • First Pitch: Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown will throw out a ceremonial pitch.
    • Reds Community Fund Check Presentation: A check for over $56,000 will presented to the Reds Community Fund during pregame ceremonies. The proceeds are from the 12th annual Modern Office Methods Opening Day Eve party, which took place on March 27 at the Moerlein Lager House. The event is hosted annually by Randy and Sue Freking.

    Thursday, May 23 – Reds vs. San Diego Padres, 1:10 p.m. (gates open at 11:40 a.m.)

    • TV: Bally Sports Ohio (John Sadak, Barry Larkin & Annie Sabo)
    • Radio: 700WLW and stations on the Reds Radio Network (Tommy Thrall & Chris Welsh)
    • Hall of Fame Vintage Game: Exhibition game featuring the Reds Hall of Fame’s 1869 Red Stockings is scheduled to start at noon, using baseball rules from the 1860s.

    Friday, May 24 – Reds vs. Los Angeles Dodgers, 7:10 p.m. (gates open at 5:40 p.m.)

    • TV: Bally Sports Ohio (John Sadak, Barry Larkin & Jim Day)
    • Radio: 700WLW and stations on the Reds Radio Network (Tommy Thrall & Jeff Brantley)
    • Fireworks Friday: Rozzi’s fireworks show presented by Toyota.
    • City Connect Friday: Reds players and coaches will wear the Nike City Connect uniform as part of City Connect Fridays.

    Saturday, May 25 – Reds vs. Los Angeles Dodgers, 7:15 p.m. (gates open at 5:45 p.m.)

    • TV: FOX National Broadcast (WXIX Fox19 in Cincinnati)
    • Radio: 700WLW and stations on the Reds Radio Network (Tommy Thrall & Jeff Brantley)
    • Phone Wallet: Fans in attendance will receive a Reds phone wallet, presented by PNC, while supplies last.
    • Bald Eagle Flight: “Sam” the Bald Eagle from the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden will perform his first flight of the season from the TriHealth Riverboat Deck to the pitcher’s mound during the singing of the National Anthem.
    • Murals With A Mission, powered by PNC: Pregame ceremonies will recognize students and advisors from Colerain and Sycamore high schools who recently participated in Murals with a Mission, powered by PNC. The Reds and PNC launched the Murals with a Mission campaign in 2022 to create lasting works of art at Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky high schools designed to elevate positive social messages for the student community. For more information, visit reds.com/Unity.
    • MLB Prostate Cancer Awareness: Representatives from the Prostate Cancer Foundation will be visiting GABP to bring awareness to the Home Run Challenge leading up to Father’s Day.

    Sunday, May 26– Reds vs. Los Angeles Dodgers, 1:40 p.m. (gates open at 12:10 p.m.)

    • TV: Bally Sports Ohio (John Sadak, Barry Larkin & Jim Day)
    • Radio: 700WLW and stations on the Reds Radio Network (Tommy Thrall & Jeff Brantley)
    • Baseball Card Set: Fans in attendance will receive a Reds Team Baseball Card Set, presented by Kahn’s, while supplies last.
    • Reds Rookies Day #1: Newborn Reds fans and their parents will be at the game for the first Reds Rookies Day of the season. Baby fan club members will be able to participate in a pregame on-field parade and more fun activities in the First Star Fan Zone. To learn more about Reds Rookies, visit reds.com/Rookies.

    Monday, May 27 – Reds vs. St. Louis Cardinals, 4:10 p.m. (gates open at 2:40 p.m.)

    • TV: Bally Sports Ohio (John Sadak, Barry Larkin & Jim Day)
    • Radio: 700WLW and stations on the Reds Radio Network (Tommy Thrall & Jeff Brantley)
    • Memorial Day: The Reds and MLB will join the country in remembering and honoring those who have died in service to our country. In connection with this special national holiday, all on-field personnel will wear the traditional red poppy on the left side of their uniforms with “Lest We Forget” language adorning the visage. The Memorial Day logo will also appear on the bases.
    • Military Appreciation Day: Special ticket deals will be available for military and first responders. Pregame on-field ceremonies will honor various branches of the armed forces.
    • First Pitch: Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt will throw out a ceremonial pitch.

    Tuesday, May 28 – Reds vs. St. Louis Cardinals, 6:40 p.m. (gates open at 5:10 p.m.)

    • TV: Bally Sports Ohio (John Sadak, Barry Larkin & Jim Day)
    • Radio: 700WLW and stations on the Reds Radio Network (Tommy Thrall & Jeff Brantley)
    • 3-2-1 Tuesdays: For all Tuesday home games this season, fans can purchase $3 Buds and Bud Lights (12 oz. cans), $2 hot dogs and $1 ice cream cups, presented by Budweiser and Bud Light. Limit two of each item per person per transaction. Available at select concession stands. For more information, visit reds.com/Tuesday.
    • RCF Signing Day: During pregame ceremonies, 10 high school student-athletes from the P&G MLB Cincinnati Reds Youth Academy RBI program will be recognized for signing letters of intent to play collegiately.
    • First Pitch: Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Trent Brown will throw out a ceremonial pitch. Brown will be joined on the field by Reds Hall of Famer Dave Parker.

    Wednesday, May 29 – Reds vs. St. Louis Cardinals, 1:10 p.m. (gates open at 11:40 a.m.)

    • TV: Bally Sports Ohio (John Sadak, Barry Larkin & Jim Day)
    • Radio: 700WLW and stations on the Reds Radio Network (Tommy Thrall & Jeff Brantley)
    • First Pitch: Former Reds second baseman Scooter Gennett will throw out a ceremonial first pitch. Scooter will be at the Reds Hall of Fame today signing autographs.

    Special offers for the Homestand

    • Family Discount Day – May 21 & 29: Families can save by purchasing up to three half-price tickets with the purchase of a full-price ticket in select areas of the ballpark, provided by Klosterman Bakery. Available only at reds.com/Family.
    • 3-2-1 Tuesdays – May 21 and 28: For all Tuesday home games this season, fans can purchase $3 Buds and Bud Lights (12 oz. cans), $2 hot dogs and $1 ice cream cups, presented by Budweiser and Bud Light. Limit two of each item per person per transaction. Available at select concession stands. For more information, visit reds.com/Tuesday.
    • Business Day Special – May 23 and 29: For $20, fans can purchase a View Level ticket and receive $10 in concession credits, presented by UnitedHealthcare. Drop your business card in the container at a Fan Accommodation Station and you could win tickets to the next Business Day Game. Available at reds.com/SkipWork.
    • Senior Days – May 23 and 29: Fans 50 and older may purchase select non-premium tickets at half-price in advance of game day only. Excludes Premium Seats, Fioptics District, Upper View Level, Value View and Kroger Bleachers. Some restrictions apply. Available at reds.com/Seniors.
    • Thirsty Thursdays – May 23: For all Thursday Reds home games, fans can purchase a $30 package that includes a Field Box or Terrace Line ticket and a $10 concession credit valid for food and beverages. Available only at reds.com/Thursday.

    Reds Fancam

    • At select Reds games this season Fancam will be capturing a giant interactive photo of everyone at Great American Ball Park. Fans will be able to zoom in and find their photo in the crowd. Photos will be available at reds.Fancam.com.

    Reds Community Fund

    • CollegeAdvantage Redlegs Run: The 23rd annual CollegeAdvantage Redlegs Run is on Saturday, June 1. Options are available for walkers and runners of all ages. All participants will receive a custom race medal, race shirt, professional chip-timing with live results, free downloadable race photography, a post-race party in the First Star Fan Zone, and one View Level ticket to the Reds vs. Cubs game on Thursday, June 6. All proceeds benefit the Reds Community Fund. Register today at reds.com/run.
    • Split the Pot: Fans in the ballpark and at home can play Split the Pot this season at reds5050.com. One lucky winner will be picked to win the rolling jackpots following the games on May 23, May 26 and again on May 29. Fans can purchase their tickets early for a chance to win “Early Bird” prizes that will be given away at various times throughout the season. Fans must be 18 years or older and in the state of Ohio at the time of purchase to enter. Buy tickets now and find the official rules at reds5050.com.

    Reds Hall of Fame & Museum presented by Dinsmore

    • George Foster Bobblehead: Reds Hall of Famer George Foster is featured as the first bobblehead in the Hall of Fame’s 2024 “Long Ball” Collectible Gift Series presented by Dinsmore. The Foster bobbleheads are free with full-price museum or ballpark tour admission on Saturdays and Sundays throughout May, while supplies last.
    • George Foster Experience – May 25: Reds fans have the chance to experience a 90-minute tour through Riverfront Stadium landmarks with the Big Red Machine’s own George Foster. Hear Foster’s insights on his Reds Hall of Fame career and other topics during the tour, accompanied by a brief Q&A session and photo opportunity. Tickets include a guided tour of the Reds Hall of Fame by a docent. Each tour guest will receive an autographed George Foster bobblehead. The George Foster Experience departs from the Hall of Fame lobby at 2 p.m. For tickets and more information, For tickets and more information, visit redsmuseum.org.
    • George Foster Autograph Signings – May 25 & 26: As a part of the Reds Hall of Fame’s Signature Series, Reds Hall of Fame outfielder George Foster will visit the Reds Hall of Fame for two autograph sessions on Saturday, May 25 and two on Sunday, May 26. For tickets and autograph schedules, visit redsmuseum.org.
    • “Charlie Hustle” Author Book Signing – May 25: Keith O’Brien, author of the recently-published biography of Pete Rose, “Charlie Hustle: The Rise and Fall of Pete Rose, and the Last Glory Days of Baseball,” will sign copies of the bestselling book on Saturday, May 25, from 5 to 6 p.m. in the Reds Hall of Fame and from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Hall of Fame Shop in the First Star Fan Zone. Copies of the book will be available for purchase. For tickets and more information, visit redsmuseum.org.
    • Scooter Gennett Autograph Signing – May 29: As a part of the Reds Hall of Fame’s Signature Series, former Reds second baseman Scooter Gennett will visit the Hall of Fame on Wednesday, May 29, for two autograph signing sessions. For tickets and autograph schedules, visit redsmuseum.org.
    • “The Long Ball” Exhibit Now Open: The Reds Hall of Fame and Museum’s newest exhibit “The Long Ball: A Home Run History of the Reds” presented by Dinsmore features the greatest home run hitters and most unforgettable home runs throughout Reds history. From the legendary to the unexpected, “The Long Ball” touches all the bases in this celebration of one of the game’s signature moments and salutes the Reds players who have forever etched their names in the annals of home run lore. Plan your visit at redsmuseum.org.
    • Kids and Military FREE at the Reds Hall of Fame: Kids 12 and under can always explore the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum presented by Dinsmore for free, courtesy of the H.C.S. Foundation. Admission for active military and veterans is free, courtesy of the Sargent Family Foundation.

     

    Hey readers… have an opinion about sports? How about a topic you’d like to see written about in Loveland Magazine or a thought about one of our articles?

    Just need to vent and get out your frustration about the Reds, Bengals, or any other sports issues?

    Feel free to share with an email to LovelandSportsGuy@gmail.com!

    We would love to hear from our readers, and we thank you for your support and engagement.

    Christopher Ball is a longtime Loveland resident and an attorney. He graduated from Loveland High School in 2003 and was a member of the football team before going on to become a coach’s assistant at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana. He has been following and rooting for the Reds and Bengals since the early 1990s and has been through the many ups and downs that fandom has wrought over the years.

  • “Rolling Mondays” Part 2 was a Success too!

    “Rolling Mondays” Part 2 was a Success too!

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – Eating Out to Help Out has brought the community of Loveland together once again for Coach Darnell Parker, only this time The Works Pizza helped us all Roll on into Monday!

    On Monday, April 19th, The Works Pizza located at 20 Grear Millitzer Place in Historic Downtown Loveland, hosted the 2nd round of “Rolling Mondays,” a fundraiser dedicated to Loveland High School’s (LHS) Women’s Basketball Coach Darnell Parker as he battles his way through Colin and Liver Cancer. The Works Pizza’s Owner Scott Gordon not only donated 10 percent of The Work’s sales for the day to Coach Parker’s Cancer bill fund he also helped organize a “Bartender’s Competition,” in which those involved in organizing Rolling Mondays competed for the most tips, which ultimately were donated to Coach Parker as well!

    “Coach Parker’s smile lights up any room he is in,” Scott Gordon said, “He brings so much positive energy to the kids on his team. I am happy to do a small part in helping him know he is appreciated, and we are returning as much joy as he gives.”

    The Works Bartender’s Competition held from 6 PM-10 PM ended up being quite a hit as each competitor collected more than anyone could have hoped for! I competed first ending with $113, Jill Dressell, the parent of an LHS basketball player, competed next collecting $154, Brad Early, Assistant Varsity Coach for the LHS Women’s Basketball team, and a parent of a player, was the next competitor earning $212, and Jodi Stanton, the parent of a former LHS Women’s Basketball player, competed last adding $177 to the Coach Parker fund. The winner of the Bartender’s Competition was Brad Early earning a total of $212. Early won a $25 gift card to Tahona which was donated by former player Kate Garry’s dad, Brain Garry.

    “I was blown away by the support for Darnell from the Loveland Community,” Brad Early said, “I had so much fun guest bartending and winning the competition! Huge shout out to Ashley, the true bartender, and The Works for hosting this event.”

    The Split the Pot also continued on Monday night from 6 PM-8 PM. LHS’s Women’s Basketball players did their absolute best to collect funds from those that attended in honor of Coach Parker. It was announced by Jessica Early, one of Rolling Mondays organizers, that after the 2nd Rolling Monday the Split the Pot is now officially at $800!

    After hearing about all of the generous donations from the community as well as seeing all the support surrounding him at both Rolliing Mondays, Coach Darnell Parker voiced that he couldn’t say thank you enough to everyone involved!

    “The last two Mondays have been an absolute blast! Although I knew people came out to support me, it didn’t feel like a pity party and I appreciated that. These last two Mondays at Bishop’s Quarter and The Works have felt more like a family reunion than a benefit,” Parker said, “And that is what makes Loveland so special! We take care of and support our own, and I’m proud to be a part of this wonderful community!”

    Coach Parker’s finance, Samantha McElfresh, also expressed her gratitude for those supporting Darnell.

    “The Rolling Mondays have been better than I could have expected. The amount of love and support the Loveland community has shown is amazing,” McElfresh said, “It has made this journey a little easier knowing we have so much support. I never knew I could like Monday’s as much as I do after Rolling Mondays! I cannot wait to see the turnout  at the next one.” 

    The next and final Rolling Monday will be held at Narrow Path Brewing Company located on the Loveland Bike Trail at 106 Karl Brown Way in Historic Downtown Loveland on Monday, April 26th. 30 percent of the sales throughout the day at Narrow Path Brewing will go towards Coach Parker’s Cancer bills. From 6 PM-8 PM, LHS athletes will be once again running the Split the Pot so be sure to come out to get your entry in as the pot is now over $800!

    “I’m am very excited about getting together at Narrow Path,” Coach Parker said, “Narrow Path is another great Loveland establishment and it is going to be a great day on Monday. I would like to invite the entire community to come out and have a great time! I think it’s important that we continue to support our great treasures in Downtown Loveland, and Narrow Path is one of the best!”

    If you haven’t had the chance to come out to Downtown Loveland for Rolling Mondays to support Coach Parker now is your chance! Head on down to Narrow Path Brewing Company this Monday, April 26th, and join us as we rally around Coach Parker for the 3rd and final round of Rolling Mondays!

    Were you not able to make it to round 2 of Rolling Mondays at The Works Pizza in Historic Downtown Loveland, Ohio? No worries! We captured all the special moments from the night! Check out the photos below!

  • Community Rally’s Around LHS’s Coach Parker at Opening Night of “Rolling Mondays!”

    Community Rally’s Around LHS’s Coach Parker at Opening Night of “Rolling Mondays!”

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – It’s official! Loveland High School’s (LHS) Women’s Basketball Coach, Darnell Parker, has quite a loyal fanbase of Tigers! 

    On Monday, April 12th, Bishop’s Quarter, located in Downtown Historic Loveland, hosted “Rolling Mondays,” a fundraiser in support of Coach Darnell Parker as he battles Colin and Liver Cancer. The first Rolling Monday proved to be a success as fundraiser organizers, Jessica Early, Jodi Stanton, Loveland Magazine, and several LHS parents and local business owners, brought the community together to generate funds to help pay Coach Parker’s Cancer bills. 

    Beginning at 6 PM the community began to “Roll” into Bishop’s Quarter so that they could “Eat Out to Help Out” Coach Parker. The fun-filled night kicked off with the serving of the “Coach’s Cocktail,” which included Tito’s, muddled strawberries, lime, basil, and simple syrup. I for one can say that the cocktail was not only unbelievable but very popular with those that attended the fundraiser! 

    While Coach Parker’s fans enjoyed their cocktails they were able to enjoy spectacular live music provided by Brad Martin, and yes he did dedicate “Paparazzi” by Lady Gaga to yours truly! As if the fantastic live music and refreshing cocktails weren’t enough, LHS Women’s and Men’s Basketball players competed against one another to see who could get the most entries into the Split the Pot drawing (Women’s Team) or the Gift Basket Raffle (Men’s Team)! The winning team ended up being the LHS Women’s Basketball Team but that doesn’t go without saying that the Gift Baskets were beautifully done and included a lot of superb prizes. The Split the Pot rounded out to be a whopping $500 for the very first Rolling Monday!

    Towards the end of the fundraiser, it was easy to see that Coach Darnell Parker has touched a lot of people’s lives with his vibrant personality, competitive drive, unbelievable coaching skill set, and ability to help so many athletes succeed.

    Bishop’s Quarter was filled with many pillars of the community on Monday night and they wanted to share with YOU what their experience was like at the first Rolling Monday EVER! Here are a few of those individuals’ thoughts about their “Eat Out to Help Out” night at Bishop’s Quarter!

    “Bishop’s Quarter was honored to support Darnell and his fight against cancer. It was my first time meeting Darnell and it did not take long to understand why so many people care about him and support him in his fight vs. cancer,” Co-Owner of Bishop’s Quarter, Mark Wiehe said, “He is an amazing and inspiring guy and I left our first meeting feeling like we have known each other for years. I was extremely proud as a Loveland resident and business owner to see the support shown by the school, basketball program, and community. Thank you, Cassie and Loveland Magazine for your support of Coach Darnell!!”

    “The first of the three Rolling Monday events to support Coach Parker was incredible! Bishop Quarter management, Mark and Kevin, hosted a fantastic evening,” LHS parent and one of the Rolling Monday organizers, Jessica Early said, “Loveland Magazine’s sponsorship and support were fantastic. Our Loveland community showed up with love, energy and amazing generosity. It truly was a special night in Loveland and we look forward to the next Rolling Monday event, Monday, April 19th at The Works!  I’m sure it will be wonderful.” 

    “Because I respect coach Parker and his team so much I jumped at the chance for Loveland Magazine to be the media sponsor,” Loveland Magazine Editor in Chief David Miller said, “I was so impressed with what Jodi and Jessica did! I was especially impressed with their organizing skills! I truly appreciated the wonderful hospitality Bishop’s Quarter and staff showed to all, it was a memorable night.”

    Thank you so much to everyone who contributed to making the night such a big success! We appreciate YOU!

    Here at Loveland Magazine, we of course had to capture the magic of the very first Rolling Monday so please enjoy the video footage and photos captured by both David Miller and myself!

    The next Rolling Monday is set to kick off at The Works Pizza located at 20 Grear Millitzer in Downtown Loveland on April 19th with activities from 6 PM-10 PM. The Works Pizza will be holding a Bartender Competition from 6 PM-10 PM in which guest appearances will be made by several Loveland community leaders! I will be guest bartending from 6 PM-6:45 PM, Jill Dressell (parent of a LHS basketball player) will be taking the 7 PM-7:45 PM time slot, Brad Early (Assistant Varsity Coach for the LHS Women’s Basketball team and a LHS parent) will be competing from 8 PM-8:45 PM, and Jodi Stanton (Parent of a former LHS Women’s Basketball player and current LHS Men’s basketball player) will be running the bar from 9 PM-9:45 PM.

    The guest bartender with the most tips (tips will be donated to Coach Parker) will win the competition! Split the Pot tickets will also be sold from 6 PM-8 PM.

    We hope to see the Loveland community and beyond at next week’s Rolling Monday at The Works Pizza! Believe me you won’t want to miss out on all the fun and the opportunity to give back to Coach Darnell Parker!

  • Vibe Nutrition and Vibe Fitness Join Forces for their Third Annual Toys for Tots Event!

    Vibe Nutrition and Vibe Fitness Join Forces for their Third Annual Toys for Tots Event!

    Vibe Fitness and Vibe Nutrition are inviting you to…

    The Third Annual Toys for Tots Event!

    by Cassie Mattia
    Loveland, Ohio – The holidays can be so stressful for many families. So many gift expectations, so much food to buy and of course we can’t forget about all of the holiday decorations that need to be put up! With so many “wants” and “needs” during this time of the year there is always room for “giving,” and well that’s what both Vibe Nutrition and Vibe Fitness aim to do on December 13th at 6 PM.

    The local fitness businesses will be collaborating on Friday for their Third Annual Toys for Tots Event and have guaranteed a night full of giving and holiday cheer! The event will include free food, a live band, split the pot, many Loveland “special guests” and a surprise birthday party. Oh and of course don’t forget to bring unwrapped toys for the “tots!

     

    So just what is Toys for Tots? Below is the 411 on the Marine Toys for Tots Program!

     

    “MISSION: The basic mission of the Marine Toys for Tots Program is to collect new unwrapped toys and distribute those toys to less fortunate children at Christmas.

    GOAL: The primary goal of Marine Toys for Tots is, through the gift of a new toy, help bring the joy of Christmas and send a message of hope to America’s less fortunate children.

    OVERVIEW: In order to better execute the Program, in 1991 the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation was created at the behest of the Marine Corps.

    FOUNDATION OVERVIEW: The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, is an IRS recognized 501(c)(3) not-for-profit public charity which was created at the behest of the U. S. Marine Corps in 1991.

    FOUNDATION GOVERNANCE: The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is governed by a board of directors, all of whom are veteran Marines and successful business leaders from throughout the nation. The Foundation’s professional staff is headquartered in the Cooper Center, which is located just outside the Main Gate of Marine Corps Base, Quantico, about 35 miles south of Washington, DC.

    FOUNDATION MISSION: The mission of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is to assist the U. S. Marine Corps in providing a tangible sign of hope to economically disadvantaged children at Christmas. This assistance includes providing day-to-day leadership and oversight of the Program, raising funds to provide toys to supplement the collections of local Toys for Tots Campaigns, to provide promotional and support material and defray the costs of conducting annual Toys for Tots Campaigns. Other Foundation support includes providing administrative, advisory, financial, logistic and promotional support to local Toys for Tots Coordinators; managing funds raised and monies donated based on the use of Toys for Tots name or logo; providing other support the Marine Corps, as a federal agency, cannot provide; and conducting public education and information programs about Toys for Tots that call the general public to action in support of this patriotic community action program.

    FOUNDATION OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the Foundation are to help less fortunate children throughout the United States experience the joy of Christmas; to play an active role in the development of one of our nation’s most valuable resources – our children; to unite all members of local communities in a common cause for three months each year during the annual toy collection and distribution campaign; and to contribute to improving communities in the future.

    FOUNDATION ACTIVITIES: The Foundation engages in two categories of activities: Program Services and Support Services.

    Program Services

    Collection and Toy Distribution: This is the process of obtaining and delivering toys to local Toys for Tots Coordinators and providing the support and assistance those Coordinators need to conduct effective toy collection and distribution campaigns in their communities. Toy collection includes a combination of locally donated toys, those purchased by the Foundation, and those donated by corporations.

    Support of Local Coordinators: This involves arranging the creation, publication, manufacture, and delivery of an array of promotion and support materials to local Coordinators. It includes managing all financial matters for local Coordinators as well as updating and publishing a manual for the conduct of local programs. Concisely stated, this activity encompasses providing a wide range of support to nearly 800 local Toys for Tots Coordinators and their support groups. Today, there are nearly 40,000 Marines, Marine Corps League members, veteran Marines and volunteers involved in annual campaigns.

    Education: The Foundation conducts an annual public information and education campaign. This activity is designed to give the general public a clear understanding of the benefits that accrue to individuals, communities and the nation from Toys for Tots. It increases visibility and name recognition and calls the general public support in Toys for Tots. The campaign includes distributing a series of news releases, distributing TV and radio public service announcements, publishing newsletters arranging media events and appearances, arranging for national corporations to incorporate information about Toys for Tots into their paid advertisements, conducting special events, maintaining a website and distributing educational material about Toys for Tots to the general public.

    Support Services

    Management and General Activities: This involves accomplishing the spectrum of business management activities necessary to make an organization efficient and effective and to ensure the program and the Foundation operate in compliance with IRS regulations, federal and state laws and charitable standards.

    Fundraising: The Foundation pursues a range of fundraising projects each year. Projects include national corporate sponsors, a direct mail campaign, the Combined Federal Campaign, special events such as golf tournaments; and special projects such as “in memory of/in honor of” donations and internet donations.

    PERFORMANCE and ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

    • Since 2001 ranked as one of the top-rated charities by “Philanthropy 400”
    • Unmodified opinions on Audited Financial Statements (1994-2017)
    • Average Program to Support Service expense ratio: (2000-2017) 97:3
    • Continues to meet all 20 standards established by the Better Business Bureau WiseGiving Alliance
    • Earned Charity Navigators (www.charitynavigator.org) Four Star Rating”- Toys for Tots official website

    If you would like more information on how you or your business can participate in the Toys for Tots program visit the website, https://www.toysfortots.org/Default.aspx.

    Below check out Vibe Nutrition and Vibe Fitness’s official invite to you the Loveland community to their Third Annual Toys for Tots event!

    Follow this event on Facebook