The first-ever holiday social for the South Manatee Business Coalition, to be held Dec. 13, will benefit the Toys for Tots program coordinated annually by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.  To register, CLICK HERE.

“This allows our organization to reach beyond our daily business network and deep into the community,” said Gregg Anderson, chair of the SMBC board. “It’s our chance to wish all Manatee County businesses and residents a happy, safe and healthy holiday season.”

SMBC’s holiday gala will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13 at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing, 7051 Wireless Ct., Sarasota. Attendees are asked to bring a new unwrapped children’s toy for Toys for Tots, or a $10 donation that will be used to purchase additional toys.  All attendees must be 21 or older to attend.

In addition to the Toys for Tots effort, SMBC’s holiday social will feature Anheuser Busch products and light appetizers.

The Toys for Tots program, founded in 1948, gathers new, unwrapped toys during the holiday season and distributes them as Christmas gifts to needy children. The program distributes more than 16 million toys annually to more than 7 million children worldwide.

The SMBC is a nonprofit group focused on bolstering economic prosperity and promoting future growth throughout the Manatee/Sarasota region through a digital strategy that includes a 36,000-member online directory and pursuit of funding for education, training and other growth initiatives. Membership is open to businesses and individuals throughout Manatee and Sarasota counties.

For more information, including how to become a member, seewww.smbusinesscoalition.org, email info@smbusinesscoalition.org, or call Anderson at 941-745-1880.