Every child deserves to experience the wonder and joy of the holiday season.
For 25 years, the John & Elizabeth’s Toy Drive has brought hope and joy to children throughout Broward County through direct toy distribution. This milestone year, in partnership with the Fort Lauderdale Black Police Officers Association (FLBPOA) for the fourth consecutive year, we are on a mission to provide toys to 10,000 Broward County Public Schools Title I elementary students, bringing our total impact to an extraordinary 100,000 children served. We invite you to be part of this remarkable milestone. Together, we can ensure that every child we serve feels seen, valued, loved, and experiences the joy of the holiday season.
25 Years
of Giving Back
90,000
Children Impacted
2026 Goal
100,000 Children Served
A Lifetime of
Hope & Joy
Event Details
Join us for an elegant evening of celebration, inspiration, fine dining, dancing, and giving as we commemorate the 25th Anniversary John & Elizabeth’s Toy Drive. Together, we’ll celebrate the power of community and the lives that will be changed through your generosity.
Monday, November 16, 2026
5-6pm: Founders’ Reception 6-9:30pm: Gala
Beach House Fort Lauderdale, A Hilton Resort
505 N. Ft. Lauderdale Beach Blvd Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 33304
Gala Details
Black Tie Optional, Dinner, Live Music, Dancing & Silent Auction
Reserve Your Tickets or Host a Table
FAQs
Is valet parking available?
Yes! Discounted valet parking is available for Gala guests for $15 per vehicle. Gratuities for the valet attendants are greatly appreciated.
Can I sit with my friends?
Yes! Guests who purchase individual Classic or Silver Anniversary Experience tickets will enjoy open seating on a first-come, first-served basis, so we encourage you to arrive together if you would like to sit with your friends. Guests who purchase a Classic Hosted Table or a Silver Anniversary Experience Table will have reserved seating at their assigned table.
Can individual guests with different ticket types sit together?
Yes! Individual guests with Classic or Silver Anniversary Experience tickets enjoy open seating on a first-come, first-served basis. Although Silver Anniversary Experience guests are invited to attend the exclusive Founders’ Reception before the Gala, all individual guests may sit together when the ballroom opens for dinner. Guests who purchase a Classic Hosted Table or Silver Anniversary Experience Table will have reserved seating at their assigned table.
Is there a discounted hotel rate available?
Yes! Gala guests may take advantage of a special discounted room rate at the beautiful Beach House Fort Lauderdale, a Hilton Resort. A booking link and reservation details will be added to this page shortly.
Should I bring a toy to the Gala?
While toy donations are always appreciated, we encourage guests to make a monetary donation or participate in our Silent Auction. This allows us to maximize our impact by purchasing toys in bulk and tax-free as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, ensuring that more local children experience the joy of the holiday season.
My organization collected toys for the Toy Drive. Should we bring them to the Gala?
We are incredibly grateful for your generosity! While we gladly accept toy donations, we ask that you do not bring them to the Gala. Instead, we prefer to pick up your toy donation or have it delivered to our designated collection location. This helps us safely manage and organize all donations before distribution. Please contact us at DrKing@SSLwomen.org to schedule a pickup or for our toy donation delivery address.
How else can I support the Toy Drive?
You can make an even greater impact by becoming a sponsor, purchasing a table, making a donation, donating a Silent Auction item, hosting a toy collection drive, or volunteering. Every act of generosity helps us bring hope and joy to local children and families throughout Broward County.
Can my children attend the Gala?
The Winter Wonderland Gala is an adults-only event. Guests must be 18 years of age or older to attend.
Other Ways to Get Involved
It truly takes a village to make a difference.
To reach as many children and families as possible, we work in partnership with local schools and community programs,
distributing toys through these trusted organizations that are already serving families in need.
Smiles that Say It All
See our toy drive in action and experience the difference this makes.
A Legacy of Love That Began with One Simple Idea
More than two decades ago, at their annual Christmas party, our Founder, Dr. Elizabeth King, and her late husband, John Weaver, asked their friends to do something different. Instead of bringing host gifts, they asked for toys for children who might otherwise go without. That simple idea sparked what would become the “John & Elizabeth’s Toy Drive”.
What started as a heartfelt tradition in their home soon grew into something far greater than they ever imagined. Because of the generosity of their community, hundreds of toys became thousands. Over the years, it has grown into one of South Florida’s largest toy drives, bringing hope, joy, and holiday magic to more than 90,000 children.
And the story continues every year through the kindness of people who care.
You can be part of that story.
