Photos by Marco Mariano

By William Tauro

This past Saturday night dozens of guests filled the ballroom of the Somerville Holiday Inn for the 11th Annual Toys for Local Children Dinner Dance.

The ballroom was filled with holiday cheer of festive holiday music, dining, dancing including a live auction of sports memorabilia and including a catered harbor cruise aboard The Somerville News Weekly Newsboat “The Miss Somerville News Weekly donated by the Somerville News Weekly and the Somerville Lion’s Club!”

Somerville Dentist Dr. Mouhab Z. Rizkallah made a check presentation of a generous $10,000 donation to the local charity.

Local Somerville Attorney Michael Dwyer, Former Somerville Mayor Eugene Brune and Former Somerville Alderman-at-Large Jack Connolly worked very hard all year to assist Somerville COA Director Cindy Hickey and Dave Smith, president of TLC for the cause that helped raise sizable contributions and make this year’s event another success as well.

President of the Somerville Board of Aldermen Katjana Ballantyne, Alderman Mary Jo Rossetti and Former Alderman Bob McWatters we’re also in attendance at the annual event showing their support.

President of Massachusetts Motorcycle Association David Condon and his members were in attendance at the event and was presented a lifetime achievement award for David’s longtime continuous support of the organization.

Toys for Local Children (TLC) is a charity aimed at supporting families in our local community, making holiday wishes come true.

For more information and for a list of toy drop-off locations please visit: http://www.toysforlocalchildren.org/locations.html