Over the past 14 years, Portland, Oregon area strippers have donated $183,000 worth of toys to Doernbecher Children’s Hospital during their annual holiday fundraiser: Tatas for Toys.
This makes them the top donor to the hospital.
And the 15th annual event, held Tuesday night at the Alberta Rose Theatre, broke previous records — making it rain with $60,000 in donations.
A tradition started by comedian Aaron Ross, the very first Tatas for Toys raised $500, enough to fill a small wagon with toys. But now, the “North Pole Dancers” have even more to show off.
“Portland showed the f—k up for kids at Tatas for Toys,” one attendee, Ryan Castro, posted in an Instagram Story. “They raised more tonight than the whole first 10 years combined!”
The money raised at each annual event is used to buy toys from local Portland businesses, stocking the hospital’s Child Life Therapy Program.
And this year’s event kicked off with a chant led by Ross and co-host and dancer ToX!c. “We’re number one!” the audience and performers cheered, as the group celebrated their donation milestone with the hospital.
“Nobody donates more toys to Doernbecher Children’s Hospital than us,” Ross said to a cheering crowd.
A dancer from the show, Carlee Murrell, also shared a video from the evening’s festivities, which included sexy variety acts, live music, auctions, drinks, and all-around merriment.
“Honestly speechless,” Murell, who works as a personal trainer by day, shared in an Instagram Story. “I feel so lucky and so grateful to be a part of such an amazing event and watch it grow over the years.”
For Ross and ToX!c, this year’s achievement reflects 15 years of dedication to the cause — and a future of good waiting to be done.
"Everybody put so much hard work into this show, volunteering their time, going shopping, sharing their stories and their vulnerability with us,” co-host ToX!c told The Oregonian.
“Honestly, it’s all in a day’s work. It’s what we do. And everything we’ve done over the years has led to this awesome achievement,” Ross added to Good Good Good.
“Many more milestones to come … because we believe in ourselves, each other, and the good people of Portland.”
For those who couldn’t get tickets to the sold-out show, the evening was streamed live on Twitch and is available to watch back now. And those who want to further the cause can donate directly to Doernbecher Children’s Hospital's Child Life Program.
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Header image courtesy of Thomas Chamberlain/Tatas for Toys
