Tilly's Christmas for Kids slated for Aug.

TIFFIN – Tilly's Christmas for Kids Charity has been dedicated to providing less fortunate children and families in the community with a special Christmas celebration for the last six years. The charitable organization works directly with Seneca County Family and Children First Council (SCFC), identifying those who are not able to receive assistance from other community agencies. The committee was officially founded in 2018, according to Tim Peiffer, president. The charity's name of "Tilly's" is because Tom Gibson, owner and operator of Tilly's Banquet Hall, had small fundraisers for kids prior to the official committee being formed. "The fundraising event (was hosted) at Tilly's Banquet Hall for the first few years until the organization outgrew the venue," said Peiffer. "Which is now (hosted) at the Chandelier Community Event Center (151 S. Washington St.)." Since launch, their mission has remained the same: to provide less fortunate children and families in the community a Tilly's Christmas for Kids. "These families are grateful for making their Christmas complete, and without our fundraiser, many of these children would not have gifts to call their own," said Peiffer. "The families and children are always very grateful that our organization is able to provide a much brighter Christmas for them," said Peiffer. "We have heard the comment numerous times that without our help, the children would have very few or no gifts during the Christmas season." Recent Impact In 2023, fundraising efforts enabled them to bring Christmas joy to 117 children and 53 families. The proceeds from the annual fundraiser are used to purchase gifts from the children's wish list of each child and family and are presented to them just before Christmas when Santa comes to visit for a night of fun and fellowship. Below is a snapshot of their giving over the last five years: 2018--$3,200 2019--$6,588 2020--$2,175* Less due to COVID 2021--$10,183 2022--$10,950 2023--$16,943 This year's Tilly's Christmas for Kids Fundraiser is to take place Aug. 9 at the Chandelier Community Event Center, 151 S. Washington St. in downtown Tiffin. Tickets can be purchased by calling 419-937-7593 and are $30 each, or a table of eight is $200. This includes dinner and dessert, and a cash bar is available. The event is open to the public, and you must be 18 to attend. Tickets are limited. Entertainment for the evening will be "Tunes by Tim", and there will be many raffles, drawings, and a live auction. Tilly's Christmas for Kids Charity is a 501(c)(3) organization, and we are accepting monetary and in-kind donations to further assist our goals of reaching the needy children and families of Seneca County. For more information, contact Darren D. Frank at 419-937-7409