PARAMUS, N.J., April 18 -- The Toys 'R' Us Children's Fund, Inc. marked another record night in fundraising when it raised more than $7.2 million in just one night at the company's 17th annual "An Evening for Special Children" benefit gala. Held last night, Wednesday, April 17 at New York's Marriott Marquis Hotel, the charity event featured Rosie O'Donnell as host for the fundraising auction, and a special performance by Lionel Richie.
"Raising more than $7.2 million in a single evening is an amazing accomplishment," said John Eyler, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Toys 'R' Us, Inc. "It's a true testimony to our company's commitment to making the lives of children happier and healthier. Last evening's success was due to the efforts of a lot of people, including the phenomenal support of our suppliers, who respond with amazing generosity when it comes to caring about children's causes."
The Toys 'R' Us Children's Fund, Inc. was established by Toys 'R' Us in 1992 to raise money for charities and organizations that benefit children's health and welfare. "It's one of the many ways our organization gives back to the communities where we do business," noted Mr. Eyler. "Thanks to our suppliers who donate generously to the Toys 'R' Us Children's Fund every year, we've been able to contribute over $47 million in support of research for childhood diseases, providing better medical care and equipment for children and countless other programs that support the needs of children. That's in addition to the company's other charitable efforts such as the emergency relief assistance of in-kind donations we also make throughout the year."
This year, money raised through The Toys 'R' Us Children's Fund will benefit more than 200 organizations, hospitals nationwide including the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Starlight Children's Foundation International, K.I.D.S. (Kids in Distressed Situations), Boys and Girls Clubs of America, Children's National Medical Center in Washington, D.C., among many others. In addition, The Toys 'R' Us Children's Fund announced that it will also be expanding its Kids Playroom program in hospitals around the country and placing a special focus on early childhood literacy.
All expenses related to last evening's event were underwritten by Toys 'R' Us, Inc., so that every penny raised through The Toys 'R' Us Children's Fund goes directly to children's charities.
Toys 'R' Us -- The world's leading resource for kids, families and fun currently operates 1,603 stores; 698 toy stores in the United States, 509 international toy stores, including franchise stores, 183 Kids 'R' Us children's clothing stores, 170 Babies 'R' Us stores and 43 Imaginarium stores. Toysrus.com sells merchandise on its Internet sites at http://www.toysrus.com, http://www.babiesrus.com and http://www.imaginarium.com.
