Benefitting Native American Children in Need
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2022
5:30 PM - 9:00 PM @ Arizona Science Center
Sponsored by
An Annual Phoenix Holiday Tradition!
Live Music, Toy Drive, and more!
Celebrating its 23rd year, the Annual Holiday Toy Drive & Concert benefitting Native American Children. The event, started by Native American musician/actor Darryl Tonemah (Kiowa, Comanche and Tuscarora Nations), is a community effort led by Phoenix Valley Native American community leaders, non-profits and volunteers.
"The purpose of the event is for the community to embrace, support, and care for its children, as well as take care of each other," said Tonemah. "What's amazing about the event is that the artists donate their time because they embrace giving back to the community, and we have had some of the best Native artists from around the country. It is truly a sense of community."
Over the past several years, Native American musician and artist Randy Kemp (Choctaw/Euchee/Muscogee-Creek) has taken the helm to carry on this mission. “It’s an honor to continue this spirited tradition for our Native American community. Through this annual event of music, volunteerism and donations give a vital voice to our community about wellness, relationships, and challenge we all face together."
The Phoenix Native American community has experienced more families and children in various needs because of economic status and hardships within our surrounding communities and nation. The event organizers, musicians, artists, and volunteers believe with the gift of giving through this event, they can lift the community’s spirits and celebrate the Native community together!
The donated toys and clothing received go directly to Native American children in need, living in the Metro-Phoenix area, and identified and distributed by Native non-profits: Native Health, Phoenix Indian Center, and Native American Connections. The benefit concert is more than an evening of music...It's also about community building and empowerment, all the musicians and event organizers all donate their talent and time in-kind to make this event possible. This is truly a community event.
A special thank you to our torch carriers for making this event possible each year, especially, Randy Kemp, Jason Coochwytewa, Susan Levy, Bree Marshall, and Davina Haskins.
