Seven years back, John Corabi and Debbie Sorensen hosted a Christmas party imbued with the spirit of the season. There was food and drinks and music, but more key: Attendees got through the door by bringing a new, unwrapped toy or donation for Toys for Tots, to make sure that kids who needed a little extra holiday cheer would get it.
In 2016, their annual Toys For Tots benefit is still going strong, and it’s been growing every year — last year, the event raised nearly $20,000 for the organization, and the aim is to top it at the 2016 event, set for Friday, Dec. 2 at The Basement East (917 Woodland) in East Nashville.
The hosts are well-connected and talented Nashvillians, so their Christmas parties are worthy of attention even without the worthy cause — Sorensen owns the style-forward Platinum Salon in East Nashville (whose 10-year anniversary will be co-celebrated at the party), and Corabi’s a world-renowned rock singer, known for time fronting Mötley Crüe and his current band, The Dead Daisies, among others. So the lineup for December 2’s event fittingly delivers on generous neighbors with sizable rock talent.
On the bill: Nashville rock voices Hannah Fairlight and Raelyn Nelson (Willie Nelson’s granddaughter) early in the evening, plus Thee Rock N Roll Residency delivering expert-level 70’s rock through the night, alongside a crew of special guests that includes Kip Winger, Tommy Keenum and Trisha Brantley from Guilty Pleasures and many others.
You’ll also get the option to throw in on a raffle for a guitar autographed by country icon Dolly Parton, generously donated by Corabi. (Tickets for the auction will be $10 at the door, cash only.)
The show kicks off at 8 p.m., and to get in, you’ll only need to bring a new toy (of about a $20 value), or donate $20 to bring more merry to the Christmas of kids in need.
Can’t make it but still want to help push the annual event toward a new record? You can donate to Toys for Tots online through Corabi.
Follow the Toys for Tots Charity Event’s Facebook event page for updates, and check out a message from Corabi up top — hope to see you there, raising a glass for a great cause.