Rock For Tots New York

What is Rock For Tots ?

     Rock For Tots is merely a Toy Drive to benefit The USMC Reserve Toys For Tots Campaign Albany NY. Rock For Tots began in 1999 when I was Commander of the Saratoga County Sons of The American Legion, and still supported by the Waterford NY American Legion, Charles J. Brady Post #235 and also the Waterford NY ,VFW Memorial Post #5800. It has been said by several U.S. Marines that this is the largest event that benefits their Toys For Tots program in Upstate New York.

     Rock For Tots is made up of several volunteers, making donations to support our program, or by giving their time one way or another. Rock For Tots  takes place in Waterford, NY, at ”Costanzo’s Riverside Restaurant.” located on route’s 4 and 32 at the north end of Waterford. The dates may change but it is always the Saturday before Thanksgiving. We help kick off  “Toys for Tots”  with a Bang.

What makes Rock for Tots such a big event ?

     Rock For Tots actually provides two Christmas  parties.

Rock For Tots Children’s Christmas Party :

     Is intended for children ages 12 and under starting at 12 noon until 2pm. We have entertainment provided by; local clowns or magicians , Frosty the Snowman, and Santa . Our local Pizza shops, Mr. Subb and local restaurants provide a lunch for the children. The Admission for the Children is only (A New UN-Wrapped toy).

Rock For Tots :

This party is for the adults. Persons under 21 are welcome, but must be with a RESPONSIBLE ADULT.

            Rock For Tots, has many local bands and entertainers, entertaining our audience from 2pm until midnight. Some of our performers that have performed in the past are: Johnny Rabb and the Jail House Rockers, Electric Lipstick, Ohms Law, Chantal Dominique, The Back 40 Band, Blue Creek, Aged in the Hills, just to name a few.

             Costanzo’s Riverside Restaurant provides an all you can eat buffet from 4pm - 8pm, while draft beverages are included during the event.

            We also have a 50/50 and several raffles. Some of the raffle items from the past events are, certificates from local businesses, a pair of Concert tickets for Kenny Rodgers, a Fender, Squire Strat Guitar was donated by Parkway Music, and autographed by several musicians. In 2005 the guitar was signed by; Deana Carter, Chris Cagle, and The Pirates of The Mississippi. Jeff Bates donated a signed t-shirt.

     In 2006, another guitar was signed by, The Legendary ” Ric Ocasek “ ( The Cars), WGNA 107.7 Country Fest Stars, Keith Anderson, Josh Gracin, Jamie O’Neal, Neal McCoy, Blake Shelton, Gary Alan. The 2006 guitar was also signed by: Lee Roy Parnell, JoAnne Redding, Chantal Dominique, Steve Azar, and Darryl Worley. Also Billy Ray Cyrus Sent in a autographed t-shirt

     Later in 2006 , DJ Tommy The Malt man from New Jersey’s Malt Shoppe of Memories, and also Confederate Starz Artist Management in Mesa Arizona have joined in to help bring in Items from entertainers from around the USA.

     Items were sent in from Bug Music in Nashville, a New Country Music Star in Australia, Cat Southern, and Sawyer Brown sent in a signed CD and Photo. The Wrenditions, The Clusters, and The Murmaids have sent in CD’s and photos as well as many others.

Admission for Rock For Tots is only $8.00 and a New Un-wrapped toy.

Where does the money go ?

The $8.00 goes to Costanzo’s to cover some of their expenses.

     The money from the raffles and 50/50 will be used to purchase toys for our families in need of Christmas assistance. Waterford Christmas Assistance request’s  some toys back from the U.S. Marines Toys For Tots, but they can’t always fill the ages requested so we will purchase toys. We don’t want to see any children go with out a Christmas.

     After Christmas has past we will make donations to local children charities if there are sufficient funds.

     Now that you know what Rock For Tots is all about. Come and join the Party. Stop and say hello to our U.S. Marines and enjoy the Bands, Dancing, Food, Drinks, Prizes, and a 50/50.

     Tell your friends about Rock For Tots NY We Hope to see You there.

If you would like to contact me, or would like more information please visit the links below.

E-mail: andywalters@rockfortotsny.com

WEBSITE: www.rockfortotsny.com