On Giving Tuesday, December 3rd, the vibrant community of Yelp Queens came together for an unforgettable evening of philanthropy, fun, and festive cheer at SkyBar in Long Island City. The event, titled “Toys for Tinis,” was a heartwarming celebration that brought people together to support the Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth by offering a diverse range of programs to inspire and guide them toward a brighter future.
Hosted by Yelp Queens Director, Samantha Chillemi-Berenz, the event’s mission was clear: combine the joy of holiday giving with the social atmosphere of a cocktail party to raise funds and collect gifts for local children in need. The night was a perfect blend of generosity and celebration, featuring signature cocktails (including a specialty “Tini” in honor of the theme) and plenty of opportunities for guests to contribute to the cause.
“I’m so grateful to the Yelp Queens community for coming together on Giving Tuesday to support such an important cause,” said Samantha Chillemi-Berenz, beaming with pride as the event came to a close. “The turnout exceeded all expectations, and it’s truly inspiring to see how people can come together to make a difference in the lives of kids who need it most. We’re not just raising toys; we’re raising hope for these kids, and that’s what makes this event so special.”
The event successfully raised $690 and brought in approximately 55 gifts, all of which will be delivered to the Variety Boys & Girls Club to help brighten the holidays for local children. The toys, ranging from games and books to sports equipment and art supplies, were carefully selected to ensure they could inspire creativity and learning for kids of all ages.
John Sanchez and John Renda, co-chairs of the Variety Young Professionals Committee, also attended the event and shared their gratitude for the support from Yelp Queens. “We are incredibly thankful to Samantha and her team for their dedication and hard work in making Toys for Tinis a success,” said John Sanchez. “These gifts will go a long way in supporting the mission of Variety Boys & Girls Club. It’s heartwarming to see how the community rallies around our programs, and we’re excited to see the positive impact these contributions will have on the kids we serve.”
John Renda added, “The kids we work with at Variety often face challenging circumstances, but thanks to events like this, they are given the opportunity to dream big and develop the skills they need for the future. The generosity we’ve seen tonight will make a huge difference in their lives.”
As the evening drew to a close, the mood was filled with a sense of accomplishment and camaraderie. Attendees exchanged stories, enjoyed the festive atmosphere, and reflected on the power of community support. For those who attended, Toys for Tinis wasn’t just a fun holiday event—it was a reminder of the difference one collective effort can make.
With $690 raised and 55 gifts collected, the event was an overwhelming success. It was an evening that not only celebrated the season of giving but also highlighted the ongoing work of organizations like Variety Boys & Girls Club, whose impact extends far beyond the holiday season.
