Free food, entertainment, activities and crafts, party decorations and a signature Geppetto’s drawstring backpack filled with over $30 worth of toys.
September marks the 25th anniversary since Brian Miller acquired Geppetto’s, his parent’s small toy store, and began the expansion into what has become the largest independent toy retailer in the United States, including nine locations throughout San Diego County.
To celebrate, Geppetto’s, with a store location at 7850 Girard Ave. in La Jolla, is turning the tables on a traditional birthday party by giving out gifts and goodies instead of receiving them.
On Saturday, Sept. 16, Geppetto’s will host a thank you party at all of its nine San Diego locations from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The bash will feature free food, entertainment, activities and crafts, party decorations and a free signature Geppetto’s drawstring backpack filled with over $30 worth of toys from some of the store’s most popular brands including Lego, Mattel, Crazy Aaron’s and Melissa & Doug (while supplies last).
An active part of the community, Geppetto’s believes in helping those that help children in need. Geppetto’s will be selling commemorative chocolate bars for $2 with 100 percent of profits benefitting Rady Children’s Hospital – San Diego.
Hidden in one of these chocolate bars somewhere in San Diego County will be the winning Golden Ticket, entitling the winner to an amazing adventure at the 2018 Toy Fair in New York Feb. 16 to 18, including: • Two round trip air tickets from San Diego to New York (one adult, one child);
• Hotel for two nights in New York City (Friday and Saturday);
• $500 spending cash;
• A priceless VIP morning at Toy Fair at Javits Center. The winning child will cut the ribbon to open the 2018 fair, walk in the show parade and get a VIP tour of special toy manufacturer displays led by Geppetto’s owner Brian Miller and the entire Miller family. “What a unique and fun way to raise money for the hospital,” said Lori Mathios, director of annual giving for Rady Children’s Hospital Foundation. “We appreciate Geppetto’s longtime support of the hospital and wish the community good luck in finding the Golden Ticket.”
Miller personally hand picks each and every toy in Geppetto’s stores, and is always on the lookout for the most inventive and interesting products during the annual trip to ToyFair.
“What we are most thrilled about with this contest is the ability for a lucky San Diego boy or girl to get VIP access to the biggest toy show in the world, one where children are not traditionally allowed to attend,” said Miller.
Rady Children’s Hospital – San Diego is a 551-bed pediatric care facility providing the largest source of comprehensive pediatric medical services in San Diego, Southern Riverside, and Imperial counties. Rady Children’s is the only hospital in the San Diego area dedicated exclusively to pediatric healthcare and is the region’s only designated pediatric trauma center.
In 1992, Miller acquired his parents’ single tiny toy store and began the franchise’s expansion. Now with nine locations throughout San Diego County, Geppetto’s offers a one-of-a-kind shopping experience. Mixing high-quality, hand-picked playthings from around the world with exceptional customer service, toy experts at every location and complimentary gift wrap with each purchase, Geppetto’s stores are like no other. A dedicated member of the San Diego community, Geppetto’s donates toys to hundreds of organizations each year, including schools and social service agencies throughout the region. Geppetto’s has always remained a staple for both locals and visitors alike.
To learn more about Geppetto’s, visit www.geppettostoys.com or call 858-551-1070.