Hollywood, California – Bench Warmer Trading Cards founder Brian Wallos and event host 2001 Playmate of the Year Brande Roderick collected more than 1,000 toys for needy children at a toy drive benefit held in Hollywood on December 9th at the Kress nightclub on Hollywood Boulevard.

Dubbed the Third Annual Bench Warmer Trading Cards Holiday Party and Toy Drive, the benefit event drew several recognizable names and faces, from Cold Case’s Thom Barry to former Dishwalla lead singer J.R. Richards. Also attending were popular Bench Warmer models, including actress Amber Smith.

“Having grown up less fortunate myself, I know what it’s like,” Barry told Buzzine. “This is an opportunity for less fortunate children to participate in the holiday season.”

The Cold Case regular did his part to ensure multiple children will have the opportunity to enjoy the upcoming holidays, as he brought three gifts to the toy drive, including a large doll, a drum set, and a Wall-E toy.

“There are hundreds, if not thousands, of people who came out here today with a present for the children,” said Roderick, who told Buzzine she brought a Barbie doll. “It’s a pretty wonderful thing.”

In addition to giving a Barbie doll, Roderick’s company, Financially Hung, also sponsored the toy drive.

After collecting more than 600 toys in 2007, this year’s toy drive already surpassed that number with about 800 gifts in advanced pledges from lead toy sponsor aahs!, Jaks Pacific, and Cable Shopping Network. In addition, Wallos announced hundreds of bobble heads of NBA stars were also donated.

“I always believed in the power of philanthropic causes,” Wallos said. “Someone donated 800 bobble heads tonight. First we had 500 toys, then it increased to 650, and now this year, we’ll have close to 2,000 because we have corporate sponsors involved.”

Thankfully, Wallos had a way of transporting the toys to its intended recipients, as the presents were handed to active-duty Marines from the 3rd Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company (ANGLICO) as each guest arrived on the red carpet. Once all the toys were collected, the officers transported the toys away, set for delivery throughout the month.

“They will be delivering the toys to hospitals and homes and everywhere else,” Wallos told Buzzine.

Once the toys were collected, guests celebrated the holiday season in the basement level dance hall of the multi-level Kress nightclub.

“I love Brian and Bench Warmers,” said Smith, whose gift was in the form of a cash donation to the toy drive. “I’ve been involved with Bench Warmers for six or seven years now, and it’s always great to participate in events such as this one.”

Photos courtesy of Bench Warmer