Change is afoot for Mz. Rhonda’s annual “Crowns for Kids” event. This year’s toy drive, kicks off December 4th at The Texas Lounge and runs until December 18th. It features exciting new fundraisers and a new location, but at its heart remains the same humble program championed by one of Calgary’s top drag performers.
“It gets bigger and bigger every year. Last year we did food hampers for two families within our community. The total raised last year was over $800,” Mz. Rhonda told GayCalgary.com. “Last year I was on Global news, Gil Tucker did a piece on me, so the awareness is getting out in the community. I was giving consideration to canceling the event this year for private reasons, and the amount of phone calls and e-mails I got were amazing. People did not want the drive cancelled, which meant a great deal to me.”
This year features a new aspect to the drive, called “Stars for Christmas.” People can buy stars for $1 and enter to win a two-night stay in San Francisco.
“All of the money from the stars program will be going to help the youth of Calgary. I always get enough toys for kids but the youth age 13 – 16 get less. This year the star program is all going to that age group,” she explained, but insisted credit for the idea go where it is due. “The star concept is entirely Scott Ellsworth’s idea. It was another way to raise funds because a lot of times I only have the one kickoff show and some shooter funds or cash donations. This is another way to ensure that there would be money to go towards the youth. It was something special to add on in our ninth year and will be a permanent fixture in the toy drive.”
Ellsworth will also be managing the silent auction at The Texas Lounge.
”The auction will run from 7:30 to around 10:30. There will be items such as a $250 marks work warehouse jacket, floral arrangements, a Christmas cake, stuffed animals, and much more. We are selling stars that night in addition to the silent auction, and on Saturday nights The Texas Lounge has karaoke. There is going to be karaoke and performers in between. The Texas Lounge invited us to be there when our original location for the kickoff fell through, as they really wanted the event to take place. It means a lot as it can be hard to get space for a Saturday night.”
If you can’t make it to the kickoff event, you can drop off your unwrapped toys at The Texas Lounge, Priape, and The Calgary Eagle until December 18th. Mz. Rhonda wishes to thank the community that has supported the campaign for the last nine years and encourages people to contact her with questions. She is also on the lookout for someone to donate a truck and their time on December 19th to deliver toys, or to suggest a family that is looking to adopt.
“Everything stays within the Calgary community. We make donations to The Children’s Hospital, The Salvation Army Children’s Village, The Women’s Shelter, CUPS, Avenue 15 and The Back Door programs – they all benefit from the drive. Last year we put goodie bags together for The Back Door to hand out on Christmas Eve, as they deal with the street kids who won’t come inside off the streets even on Christmas. …It’s a great organization and I have always donated to them. I am hoping the Stars for Christmas program will help them even more.”
Mz. Rhonda’s 9th Annual “Crowns for Kids”
December 4th – 18th, 2005
roneberly@shaw.ca
(403) 283-8815
