The 13th annual Happy Slapowitz's Toy Bash fundraiser will be held Thursday Dec. 11 at multiple downtown Cape Girardeau locations. The toy bash is an event aimed at raising cash and new toys for deserving kids for Christmas.
Eight downtown venues have agreed to participate in the event including Rude Dog Pub, The Library, Lodo’s, Mixing 10, Hot Shots, Bel Air Grill, Pour House and That One Bar. Admission to participate in the Toy Bash is one, new unwrapped toy, a $10 donation or by wearing a 2014 Toy Bash t-shirt.
Participants will be given wristbands which will allow them access to all eight venues. There will be live bands and a free barbecue buffet catered by Smokin Brothers, Inc. Buffets at all venues will run from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m, and Lodo’s will host an all night barbecue buffet from 8:00 p.m. to close.
The Toy Bash raised a record amount last year at $25,000, and Ryan Eftink, co-founder of the Happy Slapowitz's Toy Bash, is hoping to raise more this year.
“It’s a fun event and it’s for a good cause,” Eftink said. “It goes toward the kids. Every dollar raised for this event goes to make a kid’s Christmas.”
Eftink encourages locals to come support and help give back to the community.
“You’re helping out the local community,” Eftink said. “All of our toys stay in the Southeast Missouri region. We cover four counties with our toys.”