By Brooke Geery
Killington Resort donated 25 toy wagons stuffed with goodies for Teddy Arbo’s annual Holiday Toy Party earlier this month.
By Brooke Geery
Teddy Arbo’s annual Holiday Toy Party is an ever-growing tradition in the Killington community. What started as a dinner party in 1986 where guests were asked to bring toys instead of a side dish has grown into something much bigger.
The 37th annual party was held this year at The Foundry on Dec. 2.
“The purpose of my event is to raise awareness and help people in need for the holidays,” said Arbo. “It benefits veterans and people without the means for food and toys, and we want to support anyone who needs it.”
In the past 10 years, the event has gone from raising around $10,000 a year to much, much more, all thanks to individual donors who bring toys, local businesses donating items to be auctioned off, and generous cash donations. In the past two years, over $100,000 has been raised and 2,000 toys have been donated.
Killington Resort is one of the largest single donors to the event and each year. This year, members of the leadership and management team at Killington assembled 25 toy wagons which were stuffed with goodies and generously donated, all ready to be played with. This annual exercise is not only a great way to give back, but also a team-building experience and opportunity for Killington’s senior staff to be involved in the community, the resort stated.
Along with the toys collected at the party, the wagons were hand-delivered to local organizations this week including The Upper Valley Haven, Rutland Country Parent Child Center, The Dodge House, The Open Door Mission, Rutland County Women’s Network and Shelter, Sherburne United Church, United Way of Rutland County and Play for Your Freedom. The money donated will also be given out to these causes. Those who may need a hand this holiday season are encouraged to reach out to any of the above organizations for help.
Arbo would like to thank everyone in the community for making this event a huge and continued success and encourages all to save the date. Next year’s Holiday Toy Party is set for Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024.
