Happy Slapowitz toy drive sets record

The 2013 Happy Slapowitz Toy Bash, held Thursday in venues in downtown Cape Girardeau, was its most successful edition since its founding in

2001.

According to Ryan Eftink, an event organizer and co-founder, gifts of toys and charitable contributions collected for the Marine Corps League's Toys for Tots program reached $20,800, a record.

"We're saying 'thank you' to everyone who pitched in to help this year's toy bash," Eftink said. "We were able to set a record, and every little bit helped."

The event featured nine bands at eight venues in an effort to provide new Christmas toys for children. Cost of admission to each venue was a new toy, a $10 entry fee or by wearing a 2013 Happy Slapowitz Toy Bash T-shirt purchased online.

Eftink said plans are being made for a Happy Slapowitz Toy Bash in 2014.

"We're having our first meeting next week," he said.

For more information, visit the Happy Slapowitz Toy Bash page at facebook.com.