The first Muscle Beach Toy Drive took place December 14, 15, & 16 at the Weight Pen. Over 450 toys and $300.00 in cash donations were raised for the Venice Bible Tabernacle Church. The church is dedicated to providing toys to homeless and needy children in Venice and the surrounding area.

The Toy Drive was sponsored by Joe Wheatley Productions, Bobybuilding.com, Iron Man Magazine, HeadBlade and Muscle & Fitness.  Each individual who donated. received a gift from the sponsors and all the gifts were very popular.

The Church Choir performed on Saturday afternoon and drew in the Boardwalk crowd.

What would a toy Drive be without Santa Claus A.K.A Joe Wheatley and his helpers. Special Thanks to Barb Garcia, Delinia Lewis, Cheryl Stoneham and Marie Cunningham for their enthusiasm and energy along the Boardwalk.

A highlight of the afternoon included the presentation of a Certificate of Appreciation  to John Balik from the City of Los Angeles and Councilmen Bill Rosendahl for his work and support of bodybuilding activities at Muscle Beach.

The challenge is out for the 2008 Season with a Venice Christmas Parade which will culminate with the Toy Drive. We encourage everyone to participate in next years event and donate to a very worthy cause.