Many years ago I fell in love with Toys for Tots and their mission to provide hope to children. I spent several years as the Volunteer Marketing and Fundraising Director and continue to support the foundation by hosting the annual Toys for Tots Gala. I'm proud to say the event continues to be the kickoff event to the DuPage County Toys for Tots season and is recognized as a significant contributor to their overall goals.

Do you remember your favorite gift from Santa? 

My favorite present EVER was a fancy calculator..you know the kind that printed receipts?!? I know it’s totally dorky, but ​I loved that thing…I would play bank and office for hours! Go figure I spent so many years in the mortgage business!!!
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How about your favorite Christmas memory? 

Mine was the year my sister got the American Tale soundtrack. We rehearsed all afternoon and that night, using the huge windowsill in our living room as our stage, my sister and I performed, “Somewhere Out There” for our family. She’s 3 years younger…so of course, I made her sing the boy’s part!

I can’t imagine what my life would have been like without those happy memories. Or what it would be like if all my friends at school were talking about the gifts they got from Santa when I got nothing!
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I have so many happy memories of Christmas and it breaks my heart to know that there are children out there that will not have the kind of memories I was blessed with. This is why I host the Annual Toys for Tots Gala every year, and it’s my mission to help DuPage County Toys for Tots fulfill their motto: EVERY CHILD DESERVES A LITTLE CHRISTMAS!!!

The mission of the 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. Last year, in DuPage County alone, Toys for Tots provided toys to over 27,000 children! 

​For more information on DuPage County Toys for Tots or how to get involved, please visit their website.

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“Please join me in helping DuPage County Toys for Tots fulfill their motto: 
​EVERY CHILD DESERVES A LITTLE CHRISTMAS!!!”

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