FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SSL Kicks Off Its 21st Annual Holiday Toy Drive to Spread Joy and Hope to Local Children
SSL partnering with Fort Lauderdale Black Police Officers Association
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla;. Nov. 18, 2022 – The Suits, Stilettos and Lipstick (SSL) Foundation announced today that it is joining forces with the Fort Lauderdale Black Police Officers Association (FLBPOA) in launching its 21st Annual John & Elizabeth’s Toy Drive & Fundraiser to benefit underserved children attending Broward County Public Schools. SSL is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower women and children from all walks of life to be resilient, self-confident and purposeful leaders, through education, mentorship and community outreach. FLBPOA focuses on improving positive police and community interaction..
The Toy Drive program began 21 years ago in the home of Dr. Elizabeth King, LCSW, founder and chief inspiration officer of SSL; and her late husband, John Weaver, who was a well-respected businessman and former president of the Central Beach Alliance in Fort Lauderdale. The program has grown exponentially over the years, collecting and distributing over 70,000 toys to deserving children in the community. Although John lost his battle to cancer in 2018, Dr. King has continued her commitment to keeping her husband’s legacy, wishes and giving heart alive through the Toy Drive.
The title sponsor for this year’s event is the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, who will host the Toy Drive and Fundraiser cocktail reception on Dec. 12th. Other major sponsors and community partners include Elev8, North Beach Village Resort (NBV), FedEx, The Foreman-Cook Group at Morgan Stanley, Central Beach Alliance, Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, and Lifestyle Media Group.
To support the Toy Drive & Fundraiser, the public and area businesses are encouraged to consider sponsorships, private donations, toy donations, bid on silent auction items, volunteer, and register to attend the event. Those interested should contact Elena Hershey, SSL director of business development, at ElenaH@SSLwomen.org. The online silent auction begins Nov. 25th and will run through the end of the drive on Dec. 12th. Tickets for the Toy Drive cocktail reception are available at SSLWomen.org.
FLBPOA, in partnership with SSL, will distribute donated toys to selected Broward County Public Schools in the days following the cocktail reception. “We are excited to be collaborating this year with the Fort Lauderdale Black Police Officers Association to extend our reach to as many children as possible,” said Dr. King.
About Suits, Stilettos and Lipstick Foundation
Established in 2012, the SSL Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower women and children from all walks of life to be resilient, self-confident and purposeful leaders through education, mentorship and community outreach. For more information on how to get involved or to donate, please visit www.sslwomen.org.
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Alina Ali
SSL Communications & Vice Chair
917/603-0416
helloalina@me.com
