The gay elves are still counting toys and collecting cash, but the buzz from the Toy Party & Silent Auction on Sunday shows that organizers continued their Midas touch.

A few thousand people filled an expansive atrium at the AmericasMart in downtown Atlanta for the gay charity event of the season, bringing with them scores of toys to gain admission to the sixth annual rendition of what started as the little house party that could and grew into the massive benefit that it is today (or was on Sunday night).

Organizers are exhausted and though the party is over, the work’s not quite done yet, says Frank Bragg, board president of For the Kid, the group that organizes the Toy Party. Volunteers will continue counting the donated toys this week and collect additional donations from corporate sponsors and about two-dozen drop boxes.

“We are overwhelmed by the response to this year’s event,” Bragg says. “We knew that after receiving 1,000 guests and toys in the first 35 minutes of the party that this year was going to be a great one for the children we serve. The emails and calls from well-wishers this morning have been very positive, so it feels like it was a rewarding evening for all parties involved.”

A final tally is expected later this week. Last year, more than 4,500 people attended the event.

Donations this year benefit AID Atlanta Women & Pediatrics, Appalachian Children’s Emergency Shelter, Atlanta Alliance on Developmental Disabilities, CHRIS Rainbow Kids, Cobb Christmas, Community Welcome House, Crossroads Foundation, Easter Seals of North Georgia, Hillside, Housing Authority of DeKalb County, Jerusalem House, Rainbow House, Safepath Children’s Advocacy Center, Sheltering Arms and YouthPride.

View the Project Q Atlanta photo album from the event.

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