With the aromas of Chinese dumplings and Return of the Phoenix Chicken filling the air at Gigi's Asian Bistro & Dumpling House, it was just a little hard to get your arms around Gene Autry's version of "Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and Bruce Springsteen's "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town."

But that incongruous mix was the background for Sunday night's Joyful Toyful fundraiser, hosted by Gigi Huang, that raised funds and collected holiday toys for needy children.

What began as a come-and-go cocktail buffet 22 years ago, when founded by Andy Delery and the late Carmen and David Bridges, was transformed into a spirited seated dinner where waiters carried in course after course for the 200 guests. The open bar and what seemed like an open kitchen were completely underwritten by Gigi so that all proceeds could benefit the five selected charities supported by Joyful Toyful.

While this year was a ticketed fundraiser, partygoers continued the tradition of bringing in armloads of spanking new toys for the underprivileged.

Celebrating the evening's success — $140,000 was raised and loads of shiny toys were collected — were dinner chairs Brenda and Tom Koch, KTRK Ch. 13 morning news anchor.

Among the Santa's elves kicking in to help were Joyful Toyful board president Fred Wahrlich, Janet Wahrlich, Elizabeth and Grant Harvey, Carol and Dr. Tom Sawyer, Kim Padgett, Chris Kase and Edie and Rob Saville.

Soaking up the holiday cheer were Doe and Henry Florsheim, Isla and Tommy Reckling, Laura and Dave Ward, Celina Hellmund, Julie and Dr. David Brown, Beverle Gardner and Marc Ostrofsky and Sandy and Dr. Barney Barrett.