Bringing the Magic to Toy Party
Edited by Mikkel Hyldebrandt
Photos courtesy of For The Kid In All Of Us
When it comes to holiday magic in Atlanta, few events shine brighter than For The Kid In All Of Us’ Toy Party — a night where generosity meets glamour and the city’s LGBTQ+ community and beyond comes together to make the season brighter for children in need. Leading the charge is Brian Isbell-Garcia, who with the dedicated board behind him somehow manages to make each year’s celebration bigger, better, and more fabulous than the last. With a brand-new venue and lots of exciting surprises, this year ’s Toy Party is set to dazzle once again. We caught up with Brian to talk about how the board continues to outdo itself, what guests can expect from this year ’s festivities, and what’s next for him and the organization he’s helped lead with so much love.
You are the current board president of For The Kid In All Of Us, but your involvement with the organization stretches way beyond that. Can you tell us a little bit about that?
I’ve been involved with For The Kid In All Of Us for the past 14 years and during that time it’s become such a big part of me and my family’s lives. What started as a way to give back during the holidays has turned into a year-round mission to help kids and families in need. I’ve had the privilege of serving alongside an incredible group of people who share the same passion for community and compassion for children.
This year, Toy Party is being held at a brand-new venue. Can you tell us a bit about the space and why it was the perfect choice for 2025?
We’re thrilled to be hosting this year’s
Toy Party at The Southern Exchange Ballroom — it’s a stunning space that really matches the scale and energy of the event. Every few years we like to change venues and continue to elevate the guest experience while giving us the flexibility to bring some fresh creative ideas to life. The setting is elegant, central, and full of character — the perfect new home for Toy Party 2025.
How does the new venue help enhance the guest experience — and what surprises can attendees look forward to?
This year we’ve really focused on creating a flow that feels immersive from the moment guests arrive — from the lighting to the staging to the food and entertainment. We’ve upscaled the menu, added new interactive elements, and designed the space to encourage people
to connect, celebrate, and of course, give generously. The one thing that is really changed this year is the VIP area. The entire 2nd floor is dedicated to our VIPs. For those that attended years ago when it was at Atlanta’s mart, this space lends itself to that same feel. VIPs will have a great view of all the entertainment and activities. And yes, there are definitely a few surprises we can’t reveal just yet!
For those who haven’t attended before, how would you describe the spirit and atmosphere of Toy Party?
Toy Party is pure joy. It’s festive, welcoming, and full of heart. You’ll see people dressed to the nines, dancing, laughing, connecting, and contributing to something that truly matters. It’s one of those rare events where generosity and a good time come together seamlessly.
more than gifts though, it’s about dignity, inclusion, and showing families that our community cares.
For The Kid In All Of Us has been creating meaningful change in Atlanta for over two decades. How have you seen the organization evolve over the years — and what keeps it relevant and impactful?
We’ve evolved from a single event into a year-round movement that partners with over 20 local organizations. What keeps us relevant is our adaptability. We listen to the needs of our beneficiaries and respond where we can make the biggest impact. And at our core, we’ve never lost that spirit of connection and compassion that started it all, the kids we help.
Beyond the fun and glamour, Toy Party has a powerful mission. Can you share what the donations and toys collected mean for the kids and families who receive them?
Every toy and every dollar collected translates directly into hope and happiness for thousands of kids. For many families, these donations mean their child will wake up to a toy on Christmas morning. It’s about
Community connection is such a big part of this event. What does it mean to see the LGBTQ+ community and allies come together to support children and families during the holidays?
It’s incredibly moving. This event is a beautiful example of how the LGBTQ+ community and our straight allies lead with love and generosity. Every year, we see people from all walks of life come together, united by kindness and the belief that every child deserves joy. It’s what makes Toy Party so special and so uniquely Atlanta.
The event is known for its mix of generosity, entertainment, and fabulous energy. Any special performances or highlights you’re especially excited about this year?
We’re really excited to feature new Nashville gay recording artist Ry Rivers. He has an incredible voice, and we can’t wait to introduce him to Atlanta. Also back this year is Phoenix and her girls, as well as some special acts from Bailey entertainment, DJ Kevin Durard, Atlanta event music jazz trio – and no Toy Party would be complete without Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Organizing an event of this scale takes a lot of dedication. What inspires you personally to keep leading and giving back through For The Kid In All Of Us
I love being part of something bigger than myself. We may never see a day when every child has a safe place to call home, starts school with a new backpack, or wakes up to a toy on Christmas morning, but I know that FTK is making a difference. Since 2003, FTK has donated over 85,000 toys and 65,000 backpacks. I believe deeply that no one achieves success alone; we all get there with the help and support of others, in different ways. For me, giving back through For The Kid In All Of Us is part of that journey. Knowing that what we build together can brighten a child’s holiday or help a family feel seen – that’s what keeps me coming back year after year.
You’ve been a driving force behind Toy Party’s continued success for many years now. What does the future look like for you within the organization, and where do you see For The Kid In All Of Us heading next?
This year marks a special milestone for me, and as I prepare to step back from leading the organization, I do so with tremendous pride. FTK will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will continue to support. The future of FTK is bright. We have a passionate board, and I’m excited to watch the organization grow in new ways while always staying true to its mission.
Finally, what’s the one message you’d like every guest to take with them when they leave this year’s Toy Party?
DAVID
That giving back can be joyful. Every toy, every dollar, and act of generosity – it all matters. I hope guests leave feeling inspired to carry that spirit of the season beyond this night and into their daily lives. Because when we give with love, everyone – truly everyone – wins.
Style, Spirit, and Giving Back
By Mikkel Hyldebrandt
Photos courtesy of Calisto Harvalias and Beatbox
From the salon chair to the festival stage, Calisto Harvalias has built a career on creativity, style, and connecting with people. But his influence doesn’t stop at hair and marketing — Calisto is also a passionate supporter of the LGBTQ+ community, sponsoring Pride events and organizations across the U.S., including ride festivals in Atlanta Pride, Orlando, Wilton Manors, Palm Springs, and World Pride in Washington, D.C., this year alone. He is on the philanthropy board called Heartbeat of his company, Beatbox Beverages, where they have raised almost half a million dollars annually to various national charities, such as For The Kid In All Of Us, St. Jude’s, Lost-n-Found, Wounded Warrior Project, LGBTQ+ and Homeless Foundations, ASPCA, PETA, and so many more charities. We sat down with Calisto to talk about how he blends artistry with advocacy, why giving back is so important to him, and what keeps him inspired to make a difference during Pride and beyond.
You’re known for your work as a celebrity hair stylist and marketing innovator. How did your passion for creativity lead you to support LGBTQ+ events across the country?
I genuinely have a passion for giving back, and if I could, I would do philanthropy work full-time. I am from a time before equality was a thing, and I saw the mistreatment of the LGBTQ+ community. So when I had the power to make a difference, I worked with so many brands that would only cater to the LGBTQ+ community during Pride month, and I thought What a cheesy cash grab that is. That is when I went directly to the CEOs of the companies I represented, spoke my mind, and shared how it came across. It basically tells the consumer that we want you to have pride, but, more importantly, we just want your money. And that just did not fit right with me. This was about five years before equality was enacted into law, and I created a program called Pride 365. The program stood on the initiative to stay
with the LGBTQ+ community year-round, not to show up during Pride like a Fairweather friend. This became a hit and soon spread to most major consumer brands nationwide. This is when I took it a step further and said, now it’s time to give back not just to the LGBTQ+ community but to many other philanthropic efforts. We all play an intricate part in the world and must help one another in need.
Many probably saw you during Atlanta Pride in full body paint for the brand BeatBox, with which you’ve been sponsoring Pride festivals and other community events. What inspired you to combine your professional platform with your commitment to the LGBTQ+ community?
Beatbox has been such a fantastic brand to represent, because we truly stand on the principles of PLUR (Peace, Love, Unity, Respect), and that makes me love Beatbox Beverages beyond measure. They let me stay true to my high energy, “out of the box,” outrageous self, all while bringing the party to cities all over the world. Stephanie
Anderson is an incredibly talented Body painter who painted me for Atlanta and other Prides. Her talent is truly amazing. She let me live out my fantasy of being a real-life Beatbox.
How do you decide which events or causes to support, and what makes a cause resonate with you?
I am on the philanthropy board at Beatbox Beverages, named Heartbeat. At Beatbox Beverages, all employees have a say and a suggestion on where our philanthropy efforts go every quarter. This is where you get to see people’s love and passion for charities throughout the nation, and a lot of times, you discover beautiful charities you didn’t even realize existed, which I adore.
Personally, children and animals are my greatest passion in charity work. Children and youth in the LGBTQ+ community have much higher chances of harming themselves due to the adversity the world can give a queer child growing up. So, I am very passionate about volunteering my time to mentor children who might need a little extra love and encouragement to go on and become healthy, well-rounded, successful adults.
And animals are truly my life. I am originally from a horse farm, so I was raised with many animals, and they love you unconditionally, as you are, and that truly makes my heart so happy. So anytime I can help my fur friends out, I always do.
Can you share a favorite memory or moment from an event you’ve sponsored that really captured the spirit of giving and community?
For The Kid In All Of Us and their Toy Party has always been such a special charity to me. I believe no child should miss Santa during the holidays, and For The Kid truly does an amazing job with the toy drive every single year. Brian IsabelGarcia is a dear friend of mine, and I am not only proud of all he does For The Kid, but the amazing person he is as well. It is people like him and the late Lynn Barfield who made me fall in love with For The Kid In All Of Us. If you are not familiar with the charity, please look into it. It absolutely changes children’s lives.
Beyond festivals and sponsorships, what advice would you give other creatives and business leaders who want to support LGBTQ+ causes in meaningful ways?
If your company does not currently have a philanthropy board, suggest starting and participating in one. It is a wonderful way to give back to charities you and your coworkers are passionate about. If you are an entrepreneur or work alone, there are community forums that serve as a sounding board for philanthropic efforts, where you can learn more about the charity and maybe be intrigued to volunteer your time or make a monetary donation. Find something you’re passionate about and invest in it, donate to it. I realize money can be tight in this economy, so if a monetary donation isn’t possible, think about volunteering your time. Most charities are desperately in need of volunteers.
Looking ahead, what’s next for you in combining your artistry, marketing savvy, and community support to make an impact during Pride and beyond?
The windshield is always bigger than the rearview mirror for a reason. I wake up every day and look forward to a new day, and try to make it the best day possible. I absolutely love giving back and doing my part to help my community, so I will continue to do so and represent brands that share those principles. Beatbox Beverages is really just now becoming a major brand, and I’m so very proud of our brand and work culture. If you haven’t discovered Beatbox yet, you can learn more about it at Beatboxbeverages.com.
I appreciate all of you at David Magazine, and thank you for all you do for the LGBTQ+ community. It truly takes a village to make a difference, so I will leave everyone with this: “Do your part to make the world a more beautiful place. Be kind to yourself and others because you’re worth it.”
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DYWMTCOASYDTYNIMM?
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