In the strip-club capital of the country, one of the most effective ways to collect toys for charity, it turns out, is to invite exotic dancers and burlesque performers to “jiggle all the way.”
Over the past 14 years, the stage show Tatas for Toys has donated an estimated $183,000 worth of toys to Doernbecher Children’s Hospital.
The event began in 2011, when Aaron Ross was hosting a weekly live talk show at Dante’s nightclub called “Who’s the Ross?” For the holidays, he wanted to launch a toy drive. Ross also hosted Dante’s Sinferno Cabaret, and decided to draw on the show’s talent pool of pole acrobats, contortionists and burlesque dancers.
“We basically created a Jerry Lewis-style telethon with a little more skin and, I think, a lot more laughs,” Ross said. “We had telephones in the back and a couple of dancers answering them.”
That first year raised $500 for Doernbecher’s Child Life Therapy Program, but the drive quickly grew. Last year’s event brought in $38,000.
“The first year we had a couple dancers, then we had half a dozen, then 10, then 12—and now in our 15th year we have 30,” Ross said. “We sort of represent the best ‘North Pole dancers’ the city has to offer.”
For the first time, this year’s show on Dec. 16 will not be held at Dante’s, but at the Alberta Rose Theatre.
“This show is way more theatrical,” Ross said. “The show is way bigger.”
The four-hour stage extravaganza mixes dance, variety acts, magic, live auctions, music, and comedy into what Ross calls “the party of the year — with plenty of holiday cheer and rear.”
Audience members should expect silly, sexy, mostly PG-13 fun — and be ready to “make it rein-deer” for the performers. As is standard for drag or burlesque shows, crew members will exchange large bills or Venmo payments for small bills to encourage tipping.
“Get up out of your seat. Get to the front. Get to the stage. Be active with us,” Ross said. “Your hands should be in the air if you care—and ideally with money being thrown, which shows you really, really care.”
All money collected go to purchase toys for Doernbecher’s Child Life Therapy Program, which helps children cope with hospitalization through play, education, and creative activities. Toys are used year-round, not just at Christmas.
After Tatas for Toys, Ross and the performers will head to MudPuddles Toys & Books in Sherwood to purchase items requested by the hospital, including art supplies, educational tools, sports gear, puzzles and stuffed animals. Then they’ll deliver the toys in person to Doernbecher.
Nicole Rideout, a spokesperson for Doernbecher, couldn’t confirm the cumulative total donated over the years but said, “Tatas for Toys has been one of the largest donors of toys during the holiday season for many years.”
Ross moved to Los Angeles in 2018, but he returns to his hometown of Portland every Christmas — not just to visit his mother, but to host Tatas for Toys.
“I think people underestimate how different our city is,” he said. “People underestimate how sex-positive our city is. We are very open, and resources come together really quickly. This is a city willing to get together for its community.”
Those who can’t attend in person can watch the show live on Ross’ Twitch channel, where viewers can tip online. Ross said the livestream raises thousands of dollars from supporters nationwide.
IF YOU GO: The 15th annual Tatas for Toys takes place at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16, at the Alberta Rose Theatre, 3000 N.E. Alberta St. Tickets are $20 for general admission, $60 for reserved seats, and $125 for VIP seating in the front two rows, which includes seated cocktail service and a commemorative photo book. Tickets are available at albertarosetheatre.com.