Rick Rizzs Toys for Kids is a 501(c) (3) registered charity, EIN 91-2099219.  Our purpose is to provide holiday toys and cash contributions for needy families in the greater Seattle area.

Mariner broadcaster Rick Rizzs and former Mariner center fielder Dave Henderson started Toys for Kids during the off-season 15 years ago to give support to homeless and abused children and their families during the holiday season. Rick and Dave simply passed the hat among local ballplayers to raise funds. What started as a bunch guys tossing money in the hat has grown into a significant annual event. Last year’s dinner and auction held November 6th, 2010 raised over $145,000.

With these proceeds, we were able to buy toys for kids at several organizations, including Children’s Hospital, First Place School, Harborview Medical Center, and the Atlantic Street Center.  Additional contributions enabled us to provide cash and gift support to families and programs at First Avenue Service Center, Union Gospel Mission, Hopelink, Vision House, Broadview Women’s Shelter, YMCA Women’s Shelter, and others. Toys for Kids now supports 17 worthy agencies in the greater Puget Sound region, all of whom serve the needs of homeless and underprivileged families. 

The Atlantic Street Center in Seattle holds a "Holiday Toy Store" event where identified parents can come and select toys for their children. In past years, this event was sponsored by a single company. The 2005 event was set for the second Wednesday of December and on the preceding Friday their sponsor withdrew. The press picked up the story and Rick Rizzs saw the news report. The next morning, he had assembled several volunteers and took Teresa Everett and her staff to Toys R Us in Bellevue. Teresa loaded up five carts and proceeded to the checkout counter. Rick told her to go back and keep shopping until there were enough toys for every family. In all, about 350 families and over 1,500 children were able to participate in the Atlantic Street Center's event because of the contributions to the Toys for Kids Charity. Toys for Kids has become a major sponsor for this wonderful event.

The core auction items are autographed baseball memorabilia that Rick Rizzs, a broadcaster for the Seattle Mariners, has collected this year as he traveled with the team.  We will have an extensive collection of autographed baseballs, bats, jerseys, and hats, generously provided by players from all around Major League Baseball.  The Seattle Mariners have donated several “experience” items, including an inning in the broadcast booth with Mariner Announcer Rick Rizzs.  Other contributors include area hotels, restaurants, museums, and businesses. We have made it a priority to expand the various items beyond just baseball.

If you would like to contribute an item for the auction, please contact Johnnie Mcallister at 253-217-9605.

Sincerely,

Rick Rizzs
Auction Chair

Toys for Kids Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When I donate to Toys for Kids, is my donation tax deductible?

A: Toys for Kids is a registered 501 (c) (3) charitable organization, our federal tax ID number is 91-2099219. Generally, contributions are deductible under section 170 of the Internal Revenue Code. Because taxes can be complicated and unique to each individual, please consult your tax advisor for specific deductibility.

Q: Does Toys for Kids charge administrative fees?

A: Our goal is to have every dollar that comes in go straight to the charities that we serve. There are some administrative fees that are impossible to avoid, but we have never been below a 90% rate of dollars in to dollars out. We are an entirely volunteer organization; there are no salaries or offices to maintain enabling us to keep our administrative costs as low as possible.

Q: I want to volunteer, how can I help?

A: The primary fund raising activity is the annual dinner and auction held each year in November. Volunteers assist not only on auction day, but through the course of the year with procurement and various administrative activities. Please contact us by e-mail at info@rickstoysforkids.org

Q: Can I donate used toys or clothing items to Toys for Kids?

A: We are not set up to take used toys or clothing items. The charities we support, however, may be very happy to have such items. Please see the list of Charities that Benefit for their contact information.

Q: Are there other ways I can support Toys for Kids through the year?

A: Toys for Kids is a registered eBay Giving Works charity. This means that you can sell items on eBay and have a portion of your proceeds go directly to Toys for Kids. When you list an item for sale on eBay there is an option when you are setting your price to select a non-profit as the beneficiary of your item. Search for “Toys for Kids” on the list of charities. Please read through eBay’s Giving Works website for more information at http://givingworks.ebay.com so you that understand how you will be billed when the item is sold. You can sell almost anything this way to help area children in need!

Q: I represent a corporation, how can we help?

A: We are always in need of “in-kind” donations, particularly in the area of administrative items such as printing, postage, and office supplies. Please see our Wish List for our current needs. Your company may also want to underwrite specific functions within our organization. Please contact Bill King at (206) 409-5017 or send an email to info@rickstoysforkids.org.

Q: I cannot attend the auction, are there other ways I can support Toys for Kids?

A: Yes, you can always donate directly to Toys for Kids by contacting info@rickstoysforkids.org.

Q: I am affiliated with a local charity. How might we become included in the Charities that Benefit?

A: We want to help as many organizations as possible, but our resources are limited. Please contact us at info@rickstoysforkids.org and tell us about your organization and provide contact information.