Drooid Logo
Back to story perspectives

Full Breakdown

Portland Strippers Raise Record Donations for Doernbecher Children’s Hospital

12/18/2025, 2:10:42 AM

Record-Breaking Fundraiser: Tatas for Toys

The annual Tatas for Toys event, held on Tuesday night at the Alberta Rose Theatre in Portland, Oregon, has achieved a significant milestone in its 15-year history. This year, the event raised a record-breaking $60,000, contributing to a total of $183,000 in donations over the past 14 years to Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. The fundraiser, initiated by comedian Aaron Ross, has grown from its humble beginnings—where the first event garnered only $500—to a major charitable occasion that supports the hospital's Child Life Therapy Program.

The funds raised during Tatas for Toys are utilized to purchase toys from local Portland businesses, ensuring that the donations directly benefit the community. The 2024 event alone brought in $38,000, while the previous year saw a jump to $60,000, highlighting the increasing support from the local community. Attendees celebrated the achievement with enthusiasm, as one participant, Ryan Castro, noted on social media, “They raised more tonight than the whole first 10 years combined!”

Community Impact and Celebration

The event featured a variety of performances, including sexy variety acts and live music, creating an atmosphere of celebration and camaraderie among attendees. Carlee Murrell, a dancer and personal trainer, expressed her gratitude for being part of such a meaningful event, stating, “Honestly speechless. I feel so lucky and so grateful to be a part of such an amazing event and watch it grow over the years.”

Aaron Ross emphasized the collective effort that has led to this achievement, remarking, “Honestly, it’s all in a day’s work. It’s what we do. And everything we’ve done over the years has led to this awesome achievement.” The event concluded with a chant of “we’re number one!” as participants celebrated their status as the top donor to the hospital.

Future Aspirations and Continued Support

Looking ahead, the organizers of Tatas for Toys are optimistic about future milestones. “Many more milestones to come … because we believe in ourselves, each other, and the good people of Portland,” Ross stated. For those who were unable to attend the sold-out event, it was streamed live on Twitch, allowing a broader audience to engage with the cause. Additionally, individuals interested in supporting the initiative can donate directly to Doernbecher Children’s Hospital's Child Life Program.

Verbatim Quotes

  • “Portland showed the f—k up for kids at Tatas for Toys,” — Ryan Castro, Attendee
  • “Nobody donates more toys to Doernbecher Children’s Hospital than us,” — Aaron Ross, Event Host
  • “I feel so lucky and so grateful to be a part of such an amazing event and watch it grow over the years.” — Carlee Murrell, Dancer

The Tatas for Toys event exemplifies how community engagement and dedication can lead to significant contributions to local causes, fostering a spirit of generosity and support in Portland.