‘Big Bob’ keeps Toys for Tots telethon alive for 22nd year

By Kelcy Dolan
Posted 12/1/15

After 21 years of hosting the Victor J. Memorial Toys for Tots Telethon at Warwick Mall, Bob Venturini almost cancelled this year’s event after a knee replacement surgery.

“But I didn’t …

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‘Big Bob’ keeps Toys for Tots telethon alive for 22nd year

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After 21 years of hosting the Victor J. Memorial Toys for Tots Telethon at Warwick Mall, Bob Venturini almost cancelled this year’s event after a knee replacement surgery.

“But I didn’t think I’d be too happy with myself if we didn’t do this,” he said. “There are too many kids that count on the toys we collect.” 

Now, the 22nd telethon will be next Tuesday, December 8, in the food court of Warwick Mall from 5 to 9 p.m.

Venturini began the toy drive as a tribute for his late father, Victor J. Venturini Sr., and his brother, Victor J. Venturini Jr. Both were military men, in the Navy and Marines, respectively.

Originally, the telethon was hosted in a studio in Pawtucket, but after only six years the toy drive had far outgrown the small place and moved to Warwick Mall.

Venturini is perhaps best known as the host of the cable television show, “Bob’s Big Adventures.”

“This has grown leaps and bounds since I started,” Venturini said. “It makes me proud that Rhode Islanders step up every year to see everyone have a good holiday.”

Since he began the telethon, Venturini said that those Marines he speaks with estimate he has helped to raise more than 150,000 toys in the past 22 years, but Venturini doesn’t like to think of the numbers. He believes that with thousands of children in Rhode Island benefiting from the program, the better “meter” is the worth of each gift to a child.

What Venturini does appreciate about Toys for Tots is that everything – the toys and the funds raised – go straight to helping improve the life and holidays for a child. He personally knows how much the generosity of others can go on Christmas morning.

“I grew up with no father for the most part,” Venturini said. “He passed when I was seven, so, our family had some real tough Christmases.”

Venturini believes the telethon is “almost a calling” because if he didn’t do it who would? Although there are plenty of organizations that benefit Toys for Tots, he said there are always children in need and the telethon helps to bring in thousands of toys as well as thousands of dollars.

With his surgery, Venturini has not been able to travel the state as thoroughly as he would like and is hoping members of the community to come and support the telethon, bringing in toys or financial donations. He even has extra collection boxes available for those who would like to host a brief drive before the telethon next week. The event itself will host plenty of Marines and have several musical performances and magicians.

Venturini said, “It’s humbling to think that we’ve put together almost an army of people and businesses that work to give kids a great Christmas who wouldn’t otherwise.”

Numerous business across the state have partnered with the telethon and have toy collection boxes at their locations.

Those businesses partnering with Venturini include, but are not limited to, Aristocrat Dental Laboratory, Chelo’s Restaurants, the Warwick Beacon, Lucky’s Diner, Iggy’s Doughboys & Chowder House, Midstate Camera Repair, Don Rodrigues Karate Academy, Fitzy Pub, East Greenwich Hotel, Jigger’s Diner, Allie’s Donuts, Melvin’s Tire Pros, Biomes Marine Biology Center, Rob Levine Law Offices, Supply New England, Twin Oaks, the City of Pawtucket (boxes located in City Hall as well as Fire and Police Departments), New York System, Snooker Polo & Pub and Lt. Governor, Daniel McKee’s offices.

For more information or to get a collection box to partner with the telethon and host your own drive prior to the event call Venturini at 529-9950.

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  • richardcorrente

    Dear Bob,

    Wow! Nothing slows you down! I read your great Christmas Story and you have accomplished more than 99% of us and you're doing it with replacement knees. I will visit you at the Warwick Mall. I will bring my checkbook. If all those businesses can do it, Bankers Mortgage can do it too!

    Merry Christmas to you and your family, Bob.

    Richard Corrente

    Bankers Mortgage Corporation

    Wednesday, December 2, 2015 Report this