Those interested in attending the performance in the concert hall of the Radisson-Slavjanskaya Hotel will not need a ticket but should instead bring one new toy to gain entry. Toys collected will then be distributed to Moscow-area children in orphanages and hospitals, said Tiffany Nance, a spokeswoman for the charity drive.
Through Tuesday, Russia's first Toys for Tots campaign had raised more than $450,000 in cash and donations, project director Scott Totty said. The charity, modeled after a U.S. enterprise, has received donations of $10,000 from Pepsi-Cola International and $50,000 from Mothercare so far this month. Organizers have set a $1 million target by the end of the campaign in late January.
One purpose of Sunday's concert is to induce Russian firms to participate with their Western counterparts in the charity drive. "The Kremlin Chamber Orchestra has a large following among Russian diplomats and businessmen," Nance said.
The 2 P.M. concert will feature selections from Handel, Mozart and Rimsky-Korsakov, performed by the orchestra and four child prodigy soloists. At 1:30 P.M., hot cider, eggnog and other holiday fare will be offered outside the concert hall.
The bulk of the toys will be distributed to coincide with the Russian Orthodox Christmas, partly by Counterpart, a U.S.-based nonprofit group that works with orphanages, hospitals and medical clinics in Russia.
"These presents will give the kids a great sense of self worth," said Rebecca Bryan, Counterpart's Russia director.
Those interested are urged to make reservations by calling 956-9856 (English) or 941-8136 (Russian).
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