A Christmas toy drive with a twist offers the chance to help less fortunate children while enjoying a meal and entertainment.
Statesboro’s chapter of American Premier Wrestling, for the eighth consecutive year, joins the U.S Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program to bring “BRAWL 30” to Statesboro, offering an “all you can eat” pizza buffet paired with a 2-hour professional wrestling sports entertainment show, said organizer Tom Caiazzo.
The event will take place Friday at the APW Slam Center at 1055 Hwy. 24 East, directly across from Mill Creek Park. Tickets will be available at 6 p.m. when the doors will open. Dinner seating starts at 6:30 p.m., and official bell time is 7 p.m.
A wristband ($10 for adults and $5 for 12 and under) allows unlimited access to pizza, deserts, and drinks. Those who wish only to watch the show can get tickets – $8 for adults and $4 for 12 and under, he said.
“Then, you grab a seat literally right next to the ring and enjoy your dinner while watching pro wrestling in a family-friendly environment for a cause,” Caiazzo said. “There will be prizes, surprises, and more! This is the best family-value entertainment in the ‘Boro and all proceeds go directly to the Toys for Tots Foundation. Bring a toy to drop off as well.”
Donated toys should be new and unwrapped.
Every year for the Toys for Tots BRAWL show, APW brings in a high profile nationally recognized wrestling superstar to draw the largest crowd possible. This year it is none other than former WWE star: the “Cowboy” Jeremy Young, along with his manager, the “Legendary” Easy E. Other talents scheduled to appear: APW World champion, Big Country; “Beautiful” Braddock, David “Young DC” Connors, “Magic Man” Rowe, and more.
Last December, APW’s annual Toys for Tots Fundraiser Dinner Show was held at the Statesboro STEAM Academy. It “raised lots of money as well as collected nearly 300 toys,” said Toys for Tots Area Director, Marine Gunner Willie Haynes. “We have an effective and established relationship with APW and we are praying for yet another great turnout and show.”
APW has many sponsors for the event and there are toy drop boxes at many of these locations. Sponsors include D&R Car Care, NAPA, Baymont Inn and Suites, and Pizza Hut. Pizza is provided by Pizza Hut.
“We plan to break last year’s record. Along with all of our community sponsors, APW is doing everything that we can to make sure that no boy or girl goes without any Toys this Christmas season,” said APW BRAWL Director Tom Nero.
For more information, you can visit APW at their official website, www.apwonline.met.