TOY PARTY
& Silent Auction
atlanta’s favorite holiday fundraiser
Performing at the Toy Party RY
Lil Country Christmas Holiday Cheer With Heart Canʼt-Miss Events
QUEERLY BELOVED The Spirit of Giving (and Giving Back)
Special Performance at the Toy Party!
Ry Rivers’ Lil Country Christmas
By Mikkel Hyldebrandt
Each year, For The Kid In All Of Us transforms the holiday season into something truly magical with its annual Toy Party, bringing together Atlanta’s LGBTQ+ community and beyond to celebrate, connect, and give back. This year’s entertainment lineup features the dynamic performer Ry Rivers, whose soulful sound and heartfelt presence perfectly pairs with the spirit of generosity and joy that defines the event. We caught up with Ry to talk about what inspired him to join the Toy Party family, the importance of giving back, and how music helps keep the true meaning of the holidays alive.
Ry Rivers, tell us a little bit about your background and your journey towards a musical career.
I’m a Florida boy through and through. I grew up splitting my time between my mom’s home near the beaches of Pompano Beach and my dad’s
farm in Okeechobee. My parents are my two biggest musical influences – my dad raised me on country, classic rock, and blues, while my mom played a lot of soul, R&B, and jazz. Those worlds shaped me, and now I bring them together in my own lane of country music. I blend classic country
Photos courtesy of Ry Rivers
storytelling with soulful elements and modern country-pop production. I call it blue-eyed country soul.
2025 was my debut year as a country artist, and it’s been a whirlwind, my first single, “Kiss a Cowboy,” led to my CMA Fest Spotlight Stage debut in Nashville, a slot in the Key West Songwriters Festival, and multiple headlining shows and TV appearances across the country.
What drew you to perform at this year’s Toy Party with For The Kid In All Of Us?
What drew me to perform at this year’s Toy Party is the heart behind it. What keeps me grounded throughout all the chaos of this career is my family, my friends, and my community –and Toy Party is built on those same values. It’s about supporting the people around us who could use a helping hand, and that’s something I truly believe in.
When I first started out in music, my friends used to call me the “SWOLE singer,” and my manager and I turned that into an acronym: Singing with Optimism, Love, and Empowerment. It’s even engraved on the necklace I wear every day. That’s the energy I try to bring into every room, I step into. Music gave me a place to belong, and I feel a responsibility to give that back whenever I can, especially around the holidays. This season can be incredibly tough for families and kids, and For The Kid In All Of Us turns a celebration into something meaningful. The songs matter most when they lift somebody else up. If my voice can make someone feel seen, supported, or a little less alone during the holidays, then that’s the real gift.
For The Kid In All Of Us has a decade-long tradition of giving back to children and families in need. What about their mission resonates most with you personally?
What resonates most with me is that For The Kid In All Of Us focuses on giving kids a sense of belonging. Growing up, although we didn’t have much financially, I was lucky to have two households rich in love, support for my brother and me. Not every child gets that. The holidays can bring out the best memories for some people, but for others it highlights what’s missing. Their mission takes something as simple as a toy, a backpack, or a warm moment of kindness and turns it into hope. And hope matters. It can shape a child’s confidence, their joy, even their future. That’s what connects with me, I want kids to feel seen, valued, and lifted up the way music lifted me.
I bet the holidays are a very busy time for you. Why is it important for you to make space to support a cause like this during the season?
The holidays definitely get busy for me, but that’s exactly why I make space for moments like this. I love every second I get to perform, but being able to pair that with giving back makes it even more special. There’s so much noise during the season: shopping, travel, schedules, that it’s easy to lose sight of what actually matters. Supporting a cause like this recenters me. It reminds me that music is more than a show; it’s a way to bring people together and spark joy when folks need it the most. If I can use what I do to make someone’s holiday a little brighter, that’s a win all around!
How do you think music — and performing — plays a role in spreading joy and community spirit during the holidays?
Music has this way of cutting through everything, stress, noise, worry - and reminding people they’re not alone. During the holidays, that matters even more. Performing gives people a moment to breathe, smile, sing along, or just feel something real. And that’s going to become even more important in today’s day and age. And
when you share that moment in a room full of strangers, it turns into community. It’s connection. That’s the spirit of the season for me, finding joy together. If my show can help someone forget their troubles for even a few minutes and feel wrapped up in something warm, that’s the magic of music and I love nothing more than brining a smile to people’s faces.
When you think about giving back, what does that mean to you on a personal level?
Giving back, to me, means remembering where I came from. I didn’t get here alone, I had family, friends, and mentors who believed in me long before anyone knew my name. So giving back is my way of paying that forward.
It means using whatever platform I’ve been given to lift someone else up, whether that’s through music, a moment of kindness, or showing up for a cause like this. It’s about reminding people they matter, that they’re seen, and that they deserve joy. That’s what giving back looks like in my heart.
The Toy Party is known for its energy, its heart, and its fabulous guests. What kind of vibe are you going to bring to the stage this year?
It’s going to be a party! I’m bringing nothing but good energy this year. Expect a little country, a little soul, and a whole lot of fun and jokes. The holidays are about joy and connection, so my job is to make everybody in that room feel it. We’re gonna dance, we’re gonna sing, and by the end of it, we’re all going to feel like one big family. If Toy Party is known for its magic, I’m showing up ready to match that and then some!
You’ll be performing for a crowd that’s there to celebrate and support others. How does that energy influence your performance?
That kind of energy honestly fuels everything I do on stage. My shows are always about making people feel loved and helping them forget the craziness of the world for a little while. I want folks to escape for a moment, be fully present, and feel surrounded by love, like we’re all hanging out in my living room. When the crowd is there not just to celebrate but to support others, that heart hits even deeper. It makes every note feel more meaningful. We’re not just sharing music, we’re sharing purpose, and that brings a whole different kind of magic to the performance.
Do you have any personal holiday traditions or memories that inspire you when you perform at events like this?
For me, the holidays are all about slowing down and spending time with family and friends, even if it only happens once a year. It’s a moment to appreciate the blessings in your life and to give back to people who could really use a little extra love. That mindset definitely inspires the way I show up at events like this.
I also have a new Christmas song coming out on December 5th, the Friday before Toy Party. It’s
called “My Lil Country Christmas,” and it’s pretty much my perfect picture of what a country Christmas feels like. So if you listen to the lyrics, that’s exactly where my head and heart will be during the show!
The LGBTQ+ community has always found creative ways to give, support, and uplift. How do you see your art contributing to that spirit of generosity?
I think my art contributes to that spirit by creating a space where people feel safe, seen, and celebrated. The LGBTQ+ community knows how to lead with love, resilience, and generosity, and that inspires me every time I step on stage. If my music can offer comfort, joy, or a moment where someone feels like they truly belong, then I feel like I’m doing my part.
What else do you have planned for your holidays – and how will you celebrate?
This year, since I’m traveling so much for gigs, I’m keeping the holidays simple and close to home. After all the shows and airports, I’m really looking forward to spending quality time with my family and friends back in Florida. For us, that usually means my mama cooking something amazing, lots of laughter, and long hangs with the people I love.
I’ve also got my country Christmas single dropping on December 5th, so I’ll be promoting that and playing a few holiday shows throughout the month. And to top it off, I’ll be headlining the Key West Shoe Drop on New Year’s Eve, which I’m incredibly excited about. Key West is one of my favorite places on Earth, so getting to ring in 2026 there, playing music, feels like the perfect way to start the year.
Finally, what message do you hope guests take away from your performance — and from the Toy Party experience overall?
I hope people walk away feeling loved, lifted, and connected. Toy Party is so much more than a celebration, it’s a reminder of what we can do when we show up for each other. If my performance can give someone a moment of joy or comfort, or make them feel like they truly belong in that room, then that’s everything to me. At the end of the day, the spirit of Toy Party is generosity. I hope guests leave feeling inspired to carry that same heart into the world long after the music stops.
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Holiday Cheer with Heart
Atlanta Events That Give Back
Edited by Mikkel Hyldebrandt
The holidays are all about cozy lights, chosen family, and finding ways to lift each other up. This season, four Atlanta traditions bring that spirit center stage, blending community, music, and a dash of Speedo-level boldness. From the naughty holiday spirit at Bad Santa and the sleek cocktail attire at Toy Party to the velvet harmonies of the AGMC, and the nearly-naked courage of the Speedo Run, these events all share a single mission: uplifting Atlanta’s LGBTQ+ community while spreading holiday cheer. Whether you want to give, sing, run—or simply raise a glass—there’s a way to take part and keep the season bright.
Bad Santa Naughty Meets Nice
When you’ve had enough sugar-plum sweetness, there’s Bad Santa at Woofs Atlanta, the city’s beloved, friendly gay sports bar. This annual event invites guests to level up their festive thirst: think sexy Santas, cheeky elves, jockstraps under red velvet coats, and a crowd that knows how to toast the season. It’s a flirt-forward holiday hangout—equal parts nightlife, mischief, and community.
Beyond the naughty aesthetic, Bad Santa serves a purpose: the event supports PALS Atlanta this year, making your revelry more than just a night of handsome fun.
Date: December 4, 7 pm
Location: Woofs Atlanta
· A photo with Santa and naughty elves is a $25 donation
· Arrive early—this one fills up fast.
Santa Speedo Run
Bare Your Holiday Spirit
Part charity fundraiser, part bold social spectacle, the Santa Speedo Run turns Atlanta’s winter chill into blistering holiday energy. Participants slip into red Speedos (or equally festive barely-there attire) and jog a short route through Midtown— Santa hats, jingle bells, and confident queer spirit encouraged.
The event raises money for local charities, often benefiting groups focused on health and community needs. This year, the beneficiary is Joining Hearts also known for their nightlife fundraiser, including the spectacular pool party at the Piedmont Park Pool. The vibe is playful and body-positive: whether you’re running or cheering, it’s impossible not to feel the joy. There’s typically a post-
run celebration with awards, photos, and drinks—because of course.
Date: December 6, 12-3 pm
Location: Politan Row at Colony Square
· Register to run here: atlantasantaspeedorun.org
· Donate to your favorite teams either at atlantasantaspeedorun. org or through givebutter.com/ WyOe2i
· You can donate directly to Joining Hearts at joininghearts.org
AGMC Holiday Concerts
Voices That Warm the Season
Nothing says holiday magic like the harmonies of the Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus. Since 1981, the AGMC has been a cornerstone of queer cultural life—lifting spirits, amplifying LGBTQ+ visibility, and bringing large audiences together through music. Their seasonal concerts are a beloved tradition: think soaring arrangements, campy comedic moments, and a heartfelt message of unity.
The program typically blends holiday classics with new arrangements and a few surprise numbers that make the audience laugh, cry, and cheer in equal measure. Whether you’re bringing your partner, your chosen family, or a new date, an AGMC holiday show guarantees instant warmth.
Tickets at voicesofnote.org
Date: December 5 & 6
Location: Cathedral of St. Philip
· General Admission: $45
· VIP Admission: $85
Includes entrance to the catered Champagne reception one hour prior to show start and at intermission and reserved section seating
For The Kid In All Of Us Toy Party Glamour Meets Generosity
Atlanta’s iconic Kid Toy Party is one of the city’s longest-running LGBTQ+ holiday charity events. Founded by For The Kid In All Of Us, the soirée brings together holiday glamour and philanthropy. Guests arrive chic and celebratory with one clear mission: Each guest must bring one new, unwrapped toy valued at $25 for entry to support local children and families in need.
Expect glamorous looks, DJs, cocktails, special performances (this year by out country star Ry Rivers) and a buzzy, joyful vibe that makes it feel more like an upscale holiday bash than a fundraiser— yet the impact is real. Hundreds of toys are distributed to nonprofits serving metro Atlanta.
Tickets at forthekid.org
Date: Sunday, December 7, 2025
Location: Southern Exchange Ballrooms, Atlanta, GA
· General Admission: $50 | 5:00–10:00 PM
Includes cocktails, food, and entertainment.
· VIP Admission: $150 (single) / $275 (pair) | 5:00–10:00 PM
Includes early entry to the VIP Happy Hour (5:00-6:00 PM), premium cocktails, food, special photo booth experience, swag bag, and a meet & greet with Ry Rivers.
· Each guest must bring one new, unwrapped toy valued at $25 for entry.
The Spirit of Giving (and Giving Back)
Edited by Mikkel Hyldebrandt
As the year winds its way into the glitter-streaked, cookie-crumbed, nostalgia-drenched final stretch, we’re reminded that the holiday season is about more than string lights and sequins — it’s about generosity. For LGBTQ+ folks, that word holds unique weight. We’ve built families from scratch, shared couches when someone needed a landing place, and thrown lifelines to one another when the world looked the other way. So when December rolls around, embracing the spirit of giving isn’t just a tradition — it’s a continuation of our legacy.
Let’s start with the simplest form: giving financially. Donations, whether large or pocketchange small, are powerful. Many organizations that serve LGBTQ+ communities are grassroots operations that survive on heart, hustle, and community kindness. Think about giving to local queer youth shelters, HIV service organizations, and nonprofits focused on mental health or housing. Your dollars don’t have to be dramatic — they just need to be intentional. A recurring donation of even $10 can help someone access medication, therapy, or a bed for the night. It’s a way of quietly declaring, “I refuse to let my community fall through the cracks.”
But giving isn’t just a transaction. Sometimes the most meaningful offering is time. Volunteering can be one of the most transformative forms of giving back. Whether it’s packing food boxes, handing out care kits, mentoring queer teens, or helping run a local trans clothing drive, the hours you show up matter. You don’t need to arrive as the most confident, most “qualified,” or most charismatic person in the room. Presence alone is a gift. We’ve all felt forgotten at some point — imagine how powerful it is to be the one who refuses to forget others.
Then there’s the kind of giving that happens not out in the world, but at the dining table, under the Christmas tree, or in a text thread. Thoughtful gifts can educate, liberate, and connect. If you’re that queer cousin who magically appears with great hair and better advice once a year, consider gifting books by queer authors, zines about trans joy, or art created by LGBTQ+ creators — especially BIPOC artists. Give experiences: tickets to a drag show, memberships to a queer film festival, or donations made in someone’s name to an LGBTQ+ nonprofit. Sometimes a gift is stealth activism: “Look, Aunt Carol, a coffee table book about queer icons — and yes, you’re welcome.”
And finally, there’s a kind of giving we often neglect — giving to ourselves. If the holidays feel heavy, if family gatherings are complicated, or if you’re simply exhausted, remember that boundaries are a gift too. Taking time to rest, to reflect, to nourish yourself — mentally, physically, spiritually — isn’t selfish. It’s maintenance. You cannot pour into others if your own cup is cracked. Let the season remind you that you’re worthy of softness and comfort, not just resilience.
Queerly beloved, giving isn’t about perfection. It isn’t about who donates the most, volunteers the longest, or gives the quirkiest gifts. It’s about connection. It’s about seeing one another, lifting one another, and pushing the world — even a little — toward the future we deserve. The season will come and go, but the impact we create? That can last all year.
BARS & CLUBS MIDTOWN
BLAKE’S ON THE PARK blakesontheparkatlanta.com 227 10th St NE
BULLDOGS 893 Peachtree St NE
FRIENDS NEIGHBORHOOD BAR friendsonponce-atl. com
736 Ponce De Leon Ave NE
MY SISTER’S ROOM mysistersroom.com 66 12th St NE
X MIDTOWN xmidtown.com 990 Piedmont Ave NE
THE T modeltatlanta.com 465 Boulevard SE
CHESHIRE
HERETIC hereticatlanta.com 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road
BJ ROOSTERS bjroosters.com 2043 Cheshire Bridge Road NE
WESTSIDE
MARQUETTE 868 Joseph E. Boone Blvd NW
840ATL 840 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd
ANSLEY
ATLANTA EAGLE 1492 Piedmont Ave NE
FELIX’S 1510 Piedmont Ave NE
MIXX mixxatlanta.com 1492 Piedmont Ave NE
OSCAR’S oscarsatlanta.com 1510 Piedmont Ave NE
WOOFS woofsatlanta.com 494 Plasters Ave NE
TRIPPS fb: tripps-bar 1931 Piedmont Cir NE
EAST ATLANTA, GRANT PARK & EDGEWOOD
MARY’S marysatlanta.com 1287 Glenwood Ave SE
SISTER LOUISA’S CHURCH sisterlouisaschurch. com 466 Edgewood Ave SE
LORE ATLANTA loreatl.com 466 Edgewood Ave loreatl.com
DINING
MIDTOWN
CASA ALMENARA 991 Piedmont Ave NE casa-almenara.com
OLIVE BISTRO olivebistro.com 1050 Juniper St NE #4
LA HACIENDA lahaciendamidtown. com
900 Monroe Dr NE
TUK TUK THAI FOOD LOFT TUKTUKATL.COM 1745 Peachtree Rd NW
DEKALB
LIPS ATLANTA atldragshow.com 3011 Buford Hwy NE
RETAIL MIDTOWN
BOY NEXT DOOR MENSWEAR boynextdoormenswear.com 1000 Piedmont Ave NE, Ste A
ANSLEY
BARKING LEATHER AFTER DARK barkingleather.com 1510 Piedmont Ave NE
GCB & PLEASURES brushstrokesatlanta. com
1510-D Piedmont Ave. NE
FITNESS MIDTOWN
URBAN BODY FITNESS urbanbody tness. com
500 Amsterdam Ave N
CHESHIRE
GRAVITY FITNESS gravity tnessatl.com 2201 Faulkner Rd NE
SPAS/BATHS ADULT
FLEX SPA exspas.com 76 4th St NW
SOUTHERN NIGHTS VIDEO 2205 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE
Photos
We all have those moments of ‘wait, did they just say that?’ Lucky for you, we compile the best of the best right here on this page. Want to join in on the b*tch session? Submit your own nuggets to info@davidatlanta.com.
I identify as a Xmas tree. Lit on the outside, dead on the inside. I also like balls.
This year sometimes felt like being awake during surgery.
One day you will find someone who is obsessed with you. It will probably be a demon, but it is what it is.
Next time I fell butter ies, I’m chugging down a bottle of tequila so they drown.
I hate when people act cuter than what they are. Listen, b!tch… act your face.
Maybe a hot dog wants to be called a beautiful dog just one time.
The way things are going now, you can see why god drowned and killed everyone on earth once before…
You and your dreadful little polycule haven’t seen the last of me.
