Darius Rucker, Eventful and Toys for Tots Respond To Music Fans “Demands” With $10,000 Worth Of Donated Toys From Toys“R”Us
San Diego, Calif.- Dec. 12, 2012 – Darius Rucker is in the holiday spirit. He partnered with Eventful, the leading digital media company connecting consumers to entertainment and special events, to give music fans the chance to “Demand” his sleigh full of $10,000 worth of toys stops in their city. On Monday, Dec. 10, Eventful announced Rucker’s sleigh will land in Lindenhurst, N.Y., a community devastated by Hurricane Sandy. All toys benefit the local U.S. Marine Toys for Tots program and will be distributed to children in the local area.
When he decided to do the Demand It contest, Darius said, “It’s another one of those little things you can do to give back. I’m hoping everybody votes for some small town up in the Northeast that really needs it.” And they did!
Over 30,000 music fans in 3,028 different U.S. cities “Demanded” Rucker bring his sleigh of $10,000 worth of donated toys to their city using Eventful’s unique social media platform, “Demand it!” Participants spread the word virally across Facebook and Twitter and invited friends to help their city win. Fans showed their holiday spirit as they donated their city’s votes and encouraged others to vote for communities affected by Hurricane Sandy.
“To see all these fans come together and “Demand” their votes be counted in an area devastated by Hurricane Sandy is just incredible,” said Darius Rucker. “It never ceases to amaze me how caring country music fans are in helping others, and together we’ll be making the holidays happier for families who really need the help.”
“For 65 years, Marines have delivered hope to children through the gift of a new toy during the Christmas holidays,” said retired Marine Corps Lt. Gen Pete Osman, President and CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. “The widespread destruction from Hurricane Sandy has left entire communities in need. We want to help the children of Lindenhurst, N.Y. begin to heal and see a pathway to a brighter future. We want them to know that they will not be forgotten this season.”
Beginning at 9 a.m. ET, Monday, Dec. 17, Rucker will visit Toys“R”Us store in the Lindenhurst, N.Y. area to purchase $10,000 worth of toys for local children in need. Once the toys are purchased, Rucker will help the U.S. Marines load the Toys for Tots truck stationed in the parking lot. Toys for Tots will give the toys to local agencies who will distribute them to children throughout the city.
“We are proud to be a part of the partnership between Darius Rucker and Eventful, Inc., benefitting Toys for Tots this holiday season,” said Dawn Gates, Vice President, Digital Marketing for Universal Music Group Nashville. “Their ‘Demand It!’ technology empowered his fans to show what the true spirit of holiday giving should be about, ultimately bringing joy to children in a community trying to repair and rebuild in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.”
“We are thrilled our ‘Demand it!’ service united people and gave them the opportunity to give back to those communities affected by Hurricane Sandy,” said Jordan Glazier, CEO of Eventful. “We’re proud to be working with Darius and Universal Music Group Nashville on this special holiday giving campaign to benefit children.”
About Darius Rucker
Darius Rucker first came to prominence as the lead vocalist and songwriter for the pop group Hootie & The Blowfish, whose 1994 debut, Cracked Rear View, sold more than 16 million copies to become one of the best-selling albums in history. In early 2007, Rucker signed with Capitol Records Nashville and has since been embraced by the country music community. Rucker’s success in the country music format was first recognized in 2009 at the 43rd Annual CMA Awards when he received the Best New Artist title and most recently when he was inducted as the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry.
Rucker will release his third country studio album, True Believers, next year. The title track debut single from the project is currently Top 20 and climbing on the country radio charts. Rucker’s first two country albums, Learn To Live and Charleston, SC 1966 topped the Billboard Country album chart and produced five No. 1 singles including “Come Back Song,” “This,” “Alright,” “It Won’t Be Like This For Long” and “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It.” For more information, please visit www.dariusrucker.com.
About Eventful, Inc.
Eventful, Inc. is the leading digital media company connecting consumers with live entertainment, movies and local events. Over 20 million people use Eventful to find out what’s happening and decide what to do. Eventful provides the most comprehensive selection of local event information with over four million events across 27 categories.
Leading brands and entertainment properties rely on Eventful to reach consumers and drive commerce through a unique and targeted blend of digital, social media and direct marketing. Eventful’s unique social media service “Demand it!®” empowers consumers to influence the location and content of entertainment and live events. Learn more, visit Eventful.
About Toys for Tots
Toys for Tots, a 65-year, national charitable program run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, provides happiness and hope to disadvantaged children during each Christmas holiday season. The toys, books and other gifts collected and distributed by the Marines offer these children recognition, confidence and a positive memory for a lifetime. It is such experiences that help children become responsible citizens and caring members of their community. Last year the Marine Corps fulfilled the holiday hopes and dreams of 7.2 million less fortunate children. Since 1947 over 209 million children have been assisted. For more information, visit www.toysfortots.org
