By Antoinette Machiaverna, TODAY producer of the toy drive and founder and president of TODAY Show Charitable Foundation
Since 1992, TODAY has sent more than $55 million worth of gifts and toys to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. The Today Show Charitable Foundation was honored recently when it won the organization’s 2010 Foundation Philanthropy Award.
We were truly humbled by receiving the award, and we met some passionate and inspiring members of the Boys & Girls Clubs Board of Governors.
We were seated at a table with Rick Goings, the CEO of Tupperware, and his wife, Susan. Tony Conza was next to me. He opened his first Blimpie’s sub shop when he was still a teenager! We shared stories of going to the Jersey shore as kids. And we talked politics with Ron Guidwitz, who once ran for Governor of Illinois.
The highlight of the night was getting a hug from another honoree, Henry "Hank" Aaron. The baseball giant and his “Chase the Dream” Foundation were also honored.
It was a great evening spent with these leaders of the business world who are so very dedicated to helping boys and girls all over America.
Come back to allDAY early next week for behind-the-scenes images showing where all of the donated toys are sent!
Donate now to TODAY's Holiday Toy and Gift Drive.
Learn more about the companies that are donating this year.
