Since its founding in 1995, the Pirate Toy Fund has distributed over 500,000 toys to children in Greater Rochester.
Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, the nonprofit organization continues to supply new toys year-round to agencies that aid sick children or those in need locally.
The Pirate Toy Fund was founded after Christie Simonetti, a young leukemia patient, encouraged her parents Dave and Lorrie Simonetti and friend Gary Smith (a.k.a. Gary the Happy Pirate) to ensure toys were always available for children.
Smith died in July 2024. The Democrat and Chronicle reported at the time that “In the beginning, the program only had enough toys for children at Strong (hospital). Within a few years, though, every hospital in the Rochester region was being stocked, and these days, any child younger than 12 who is admitted to a local hospital gets a toy.”
The Pirate Toy Fund is celebrating the start of its fourth decade with a Sept. 13 concert for children at Blue Cross Arena and an Oct. 4 gala event at the Italian American Community Center.
Pre-Gala Celebration for Pirate Toy Fund a concert for children
On Saturday, Sept. 13, the Pirate Toy Fund will be hosting Kidz ROC the Boat, a free concert.
The concert will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Blue Cross Arena.
At the event, attendees can expect live performances by The Happy Pirates, Elvio’s ROC Star Academy, the Rochester City Ballet and Gracelyn Hardie. There will also be exhibits hosted by other programming partners, food and refreshments.
Kidz ROC the Boat Concert details
Pirate Toy Fund leader: ‘Christie’s spirit still inspires us’
Attendees at the planned Oct. 4 gala can expect to hear live music by WNY Dueling Pianos and DJ Iggy Torres. The winner for the organization’s raffle fundraiser will be announced as well — the prize is a Z06 Chevy Corvette.
“Over thirty years, this community has recognized that giving toys can make a huge difference in a child’s life,” Pirate Toy Fund Executive Director Otto Harnischfeger said. “Christie’s spirit still inspires us and has helped us reach more than half a million children with donated toys. This gala is our chance to say thank you and keep that mission alive.”
Pirates, Play & Purpose Gala details
For information on the Pirate Toy Fund, visit https://piratetoyfund.org
— As a Rochester native, Justice Marbury entered the world of journalism to create work where voices like hers were heard—the voices of minority communities. Marbury covers small businesses, neighborhood concerns, and the interesting people who live in Rochester neighborhoods. As the 19th Ward reporter, she has helped implement community outreach ideas by asking what people in various communities want to read about themselves in addition to regular news. Contact her on Instagram @justice_marbury and by email at jmarbury@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Pirate Toy Fund celebrates 30 years with concert and gala events: See details
Reporting by Justice Marbury, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
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