Toy Jam 9 Press Release

A group of new Volkswagen Beetle owners from all parts of Southern California are once again planning their charitable event to benefit Long Beach's Miller Children's Hospital on Saturday morning, October 9. With support from Timmons Volkswagen president Greg Timmons and his sales and service team, 50 or more colorful decked out VW Beetles - none older than the year 1998, will caravan or "Carabug" as the club calls it, with police escorts to the hospital. Each Beetle owner will donate various items to delight the kids from a wish list of needed items provided by hospital staff members.

New Beetle owners number in the thousands throughout the United States. With the Disney release of the film, "Herbie Fully Loaded" a few years back; the VW Beetle has enjoyed a revival of sorts among many automobile enthusiasts. The New Beetle club welcomes New Beetle owners of all ages and backgrounds. It's an organization where 18 year-olds are often seen hanging out with 80 year olds talking about the latest modification they want to make to their cars.

New Beetle Club member and chair of this event Frank Perricone, a Long Beach resident who will be driving his Cyber Green Turbo VW says, “I can't wait to see the kid's faces when the colorful Beetles arrive in formation and pull into a special parking area at Miller. Kids just LOVE these cars they look like cartoon cars to them. You should see the smiles on their faces when they climb into the Beetles for a pretend test drive!"

Greg Timmons goes on to say, "The Timmons team will welcome the club about 9:30 Saturday morning with hot coffee (provided by STARBUCKS), soft drinks, and Juice as well as breakfast snacks to get everyone fueled and ready for the procession". While at the dealership, members of the Timmons service department will be on hand to answer any questions from the club members about warranty service and maintaining their Beetles.

Beetle owners will be delivering children's videos, toys, art supplies and of course miniature models of their cars to stock up the playrooms on each floor of the hospital. The individual kids will also receive a goodie bag full of toys that is theirs to keep. The scene at the hospital is full of joy and excitement as club members mingle with the kids and their parents.

There will also be a raffle with 100% of the money collected going right to the hospital; earmarked for transportation usage such as bus/taxi vouchers for parents that have no way to get to the hospital to visit their wonderful children.

As always, this event would not be as fun with out John and his Chik-Fil-A cows to “beef” up the event. The kids love to meet these Bovine Beauties, and they never fail to bring UDDER smiles to the faces of all in attendance.

Remember to bring your cameras, as there will be MANY great photo opportunities during the event.

Separation Anxiety? Never fear. Toy Jam wouldn’t be the same without our very own police escort to keep us all together as well as guide us through the streets and red lights of Long Beach.

We are also elated to confirm that we have worked out all the luncheon details with the Stone Fire Grill, a truly yummy restaurant. See details below.

This is our 10th year hosting this event, and our attendance has been between 50-75 people each year. In order for me to plan this event properly, I really need an accurate count for this luncheon so PLEASE RSVP if you have not already done so. And remember, this event is open to ANYONE regardless if they own a Beetle or not. Just stuff them in YOUR NewBeetle and bring them along. Just let me know how many adults and children you will be for lunch.

Besides helping the Children of Miller Children’s Hospital, this is also a great opportunity for media coverage of our club…especially when there is a parade very colorful VW Beetles running around town with its own motorcade. We typically cause a hullabaloo wherever we go, and really hope you will be able to be a part of this fun day! If you only attend one club function a year, this should be the one!!!