The Suits, Stilettos and Lipstick (SSL) Foundation is partnering with the Fort Lauderdale Black Police Officers Association (FLBPOA) for its 21st Annual John & Elizabeth’s Toy Drive and Fundraiser. The annual Toy Drive program began 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 collected and distributed over 70,000 toys to deserving children in the community. Although John lost his battle with cancer in 2018, Dr. King has continued her commitment to keeping her husband’s legacy alive through the Toy Drive.
“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,” Dr. King says.
The Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort will be the title sponsor and will host the Toy Drive and Fundraiser cocktail reception on Dec. 12. 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 and 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 on Nov. 25 and will run through the end of the drive on Dec. 12. Tickets for the Toy Drive cocktail reception are available here. FLBPOA, in partnership with SSL, will distribute donated toys to selected Broward County Public Schools in the days following the cocktail reception.
