Glamour and generosity: Winter Gala triumphs for Toys for Tots

By Amanda Fields, RCAW. 

The U.S. Marine Corps recognized RCAW’s commitment to Toys for Tots by presenting the Commanders Award, a high honor for their bountiful contributions. 

This year’s Annual Winter Gala and Auction was a huge success for the Roofing Contractors Association of Washington (RCAW)! Once again partnering with the Toys for Tots U.S. Marine Corps Reserve program, their abundant support was recognized by the U.S. Marine Corps Commanders Award to honor the significant contributions this community has made to Toys for Tots over the years. This award is only given to supporters who have gone above and beyond in achieving the Toys for Tots mission. Executive Director of Toys for Tots Pierce County, Michelle Jenkins, and U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant, Michael Edwards, presented the award to RCAW members during the event on December 2, 2023, at the Seattle Marriot in Bellevue, Washington. 

The Roofing Contractors Association of Washington hosts its Annual Winter Gala and Auction for the purpose of donating a portion of all proceeds made throughout the evening to the Toys for Tots Program, along with all the toys collected by their members. Toys for Tots distributes toys to children, up to the age of 12, whose guardians cannot afford to buy them gifts for the holiday season. Toys for Tots was founded in 1947 by reservist Major Bill Hendricks. This year, Toys for Tots Foundation celebrated their 75-year anniversary! With your help and our giving community we were able to donate a 10-foot U-Haul truck full of toys to this phenomenal charity.  

This year, we did things a little differently for the RCAW Winter Gala and Auction. We added extra fun by including a 1920’s Speakeasy/Prohibition theme to our event, which lent an air of elegance through the glitter and glamour from the guests who dressed the part. We also included games and events that spurred further donations to Toys for Tots with our exciting casino, and vodka/wine ring toss, dessert dash, table games and prizes, plus over 45 priceless auction items. Like every year, the casino tables were a box office success, and the winning participant for the 50/50 raffle was Tim Lambro with Axiom Division 7.  

This year we did all the auction bidding in-person, which created a fun and competitive evening for those who did the bidding. Delicious desserts were fought over with our blind Dessert Dash as each table tried to raise the most money to have the first cake choice. DJ Tiger, with Cat Daddy Entertainment, our entertainment for the night was the cherry on top. We are so thankful for the wonderful companies who attended our event, donated toys, sponsored and provided auction items, contributing time and dedication in making sure this event was a success. 

As we forge into the new year in 2024, we must take a moment to look back and reflect on all the joys 2023 has brought us. The companionships we have created, the memories made, the ups, the downs and everything in between. Thank you for all your support, guidance and donations this past year. The success of our organization has experienced would not be possible with your contributions.  

• A special thank you to our photography sponsor: Polyglass  
• A special thank you to our dessert dash sponsor: Madsen Roofing  
• A special thank you to our casino table sponsors: Integrity PNW 

Be the hardest working person you know. If you’re not, someone else will be. ~ Ian Brennan, Screenwriter 

Original article source: RCAW 

Photo credit: Stephen Leonard Photography