NEWS, EVENTS & STORIES

Giving Joy
to Kids in Need.

December 23, 2018

An event near and dear to Tony’s heart is the annual Joy of Giving Event, hosted by WWE superstar Titus O’Neil. It provides Christmas presents for underprivileged kids and their families. “Christmas can be a difficult time,” Tony says. “Kids are sad if they don’t receive the presents they hoped for, and parents are stressed with trying to afford the holidays. I remember very well how upsetting it could be.”

Now that he has the chance to pay it backward, Tony works diligently all month long to create enthusiasm, dollars and donated toys for the Joy of Giving.

On December 2, he spoke at Metropolitan Ministries’ annual breakfast meeting with community leaders, and a week later, with the Tampa City Council to tell them about the event’s goal of 10,000 toys.

“Politics can divide people, but everyone can agree that all kids deserve a merry Christmas,” Tony says. “This event is something we can all come together to achieve.”

On December 23rd, Tony attended the 8th annual toy giveaway. Local law enforcement agencies and community partners, including the Pay It Backward Foundation, created a day of merriment with free food, drinks and entertainment.

The highlight was an incredible display of dolls, board games, building blocks, remote control cars, sports memorabilia, and so much more. In total, more than 10,000 beaming children skipped through the selection and chose a new toy to take home.

“It really is better to give than receive,” Tony says. “I can’t stop smiling.”