The Carmen and David Bridges Joyful Toyful has had a great run since its founding 25 years ago, having gifted more than $1 million in cash grants and nearly that much in toys to six children's charities. With the final holiday bash, which took place at Ibiza, the non-profit gifted each group with $22,000 plus towering stacks of toys.
It was a poignant end to the always feel-good evening. "It has been such a privilege and honor to lead this charity and see the gratitude on the children's faces when we deliver the holiday gifts," said Fred Wahrlich, president of the board of Joyful Toyful. "The generosity of our Board and the community has been overwhelming. We will always be grateful to founders Andy Delery and the late Carmen and David Bridges for their vision."
That generosity has enriched the coffers of Boys and Girls Harbor, Casa de Esperanza de Los Ninos, Our Lady of Guadalupe School, The Forge for Families and Volunteer Houston and made Christmas a bit happier for the children the charities serve.
The cocktail reception in the private room of Ibiza, where the stacks of toys grew and grew and where middle school carolers provided sounds of the season, and the seated dinner with wine pairings were underwritten by chef Charles Clark and his business partner Grant Cooper of Clark Cooper Concepts.
Joining in the final celebration were Janet Wahrlich, Andy Delery, Gigi Huang, Carol and Tom Sawyer, Melinda and Keith Landsness, Celina Hellmund, Melinda Stubbs, Grace and Robert Givens, Sheryl and Joel Androphy, Cher and Bryan Harris and Elizabeth and Sienna Harvey.
Brenda Koch, left, and Gigi Huang.
