Toy Industry Association Presents Toy Donation to Governor Baldacci at Bikers Toy Run in Augusta

AUGUSTA, Maine - The Toy Industry Association, a client of Preti Flaherty (www.preti.com), donated nearly 300 toys to the United Bikers of Maine Toy Run, which was held September 13. In a presentation at the Windsor Fairgrounds, TIA Vice President Joan Lawrence presented the donation – the largest single contribution – to Governor John Baldacci and Rose Woodward, Chairperson of the United Bikers Toy Run.
Governor Baldacci, on his own Harley, led the ride of 14,000 bikers who each carried a toy on their bikes and rode from the Augusta Civic Center to the Windsor Fairgrounds on Sunday. Preti Flaherty attorney Bruce Gerrity, who represents The Toy Industry Association, was involved in the presentation of toys made to Governor Baldacci and the United Bikers of Maine (UBM). The toys will be donated to Toys for Tots and distributed through the UBM in all 16 Maine counties.

Toy Industry Foundation (TIF) is the philanthropic arm of the North American toy industry and was created by the Toy Industry Association (formerly Toy Manufacturers of America) as the only toy industry-wide charitable organization. TIF relies solely on monetary and in-kind donations from toy industry members and the public to address the obstacles which can stand in the way of children’s access to play.

While other organizations provide food, shelter and support services to children in need and their families, TIF sees to it that these children have toys and opportunities to play in an attempt to restore both fun and a sense of normalcy to their lives. The Foundation currently fulfills its mission through core programs including The Toy BankTM, public education initiatives, and grants to organizations whose missions are in line with that of the Toy Industry Foundation.

Preti Flaherty has offices in Portland and Augusta, ME, Concord, N.H., Boston, and Washington, D.C. With more than 90 attorneys, the firm counsels clients in the areas of business law, franchising and distribution services, energy, environmental, estate planning, health care, intellectual property, labor and employment, legislative and regulatory, litigation, technology and telecommunications. Learn more at www.preti.com.

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Photo Caption: The Toy Industry Association donated nearly 300 toys to the United Bikers of Maine Toy Run on Sept. 13 during a ceremony at the Windsor Fairgrounds. From right, Preti Flaherty attorney Bruce Gerrity, who represents The Toy Industry Association; Rose Woodward, United Bikers of Maine Toy Run Chairperson; Governor John Baldacci; and Toy Industry Association Vice President Joan Lawrence. The toys will be donated to Toys for Tots and distributed through the United Bikers of Maine in all 16 Maine counties.