The season for giving is here and the Black Professionals Alliance (BPA), in collaboration with d-mars.com, is hosting its 14th annual Holiday Social and Toy Drive on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024, from 6-10 p.m. at the Community Collective for Houston, located at 12401 S Post Oak Rd., Houston, Texas 77045.
The event, which was first held in 2009, has become an important and highly anticipated gathering for Black professionals and entrepreneurs in the Houston area. While this event captures the holiday spirit, it is one of great impact—the toys that are collected go to underserved children throughout the city.
Through BPA’s partnerships, including with d-mars.com since the event was created, the organization is excited to further tag team with even more Black-owned businesses and business owners as it continues to evolve.
d-mars.com was able to interview Keith “MR. D-MARS” Davis, Sr., Carmen M. Herrera from the National Sales Network, and Gene Padgett from the National Association of Black Accountants, to discuss the BPA social and toy drive.
Q. How has d-mars.com contributed to BPA’s annual social and toy drive?
Keith “MR. D-MARS” Davis, Sr.: We’ve supported this event since its inception in 2009. d-mars.com has been in business for 25 years and we support Black entrepreneurs and professionals, in addition to giving back to Houston-area communities. One of our major events—the Top 50 Black Professionals and Entrepreneurs of Texas—focuses on honoring Black professionals and entrepreneurs across the state, so supporting this event was a no-brainer for us. We take pride in coming together with other Black businesses to collaborate and network while being able to give back.
Q. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind this annual event? How did it start?
Carmen: Gene and I were presidents at NABA and NSN, respectively. He attended an NSN holiday party in 2009. We were talking about how we put a great deal of effort and money into hosting a party and not many people show up. We talked about collaborating and doing an event together. In the spring of 2010, we hosted a joint networking event and it was a huge success. We were excited about the turnout and decided to do another event that made a greater impact and that had a cause. So, we agreed to host a joint holiday event and collect toys for the many underserved children in the Greater Houston area. The event was held at the House of Blues Foundation room with only a maximum capacity of about 250 people. More than 400 guests showed up, so they had to open up another area in the establishment. We couldn’t believe how many people showed up! That’s when we knew we were on to something and have continued the tradition of giving back to the community every year.
Q. What does giving back during the holiday season mean to you and the Houston Black Professionals Alliance?
Carmen: I believe that for us as Black professionals and entrepreneurs that have been successful, it’s a must– not an option– to help those that are in need. It’s also biblical. I also feel that giving back and helping others or providing assistance in appreciation is one’s own good fortune or success.
Gene: Yes, this is a celebration and party, however, the charitable aspect of the event has remained paramount. There are so many organizations doing some great things but lack the resources to do more. By us distributing over 1,000 toys annually, we can give a little joy and boost during the holidays. Everything we do as the BPA must have a charitable component. Party with a purpose.
Q: How does the alliance choose the communities that benefit from the toy drive?
Gene: We have several organizations that we’ve blessed in years past. Many of those remain benefactors year after year. However, we welcome other organizations to become recipients. Most of the organizations that we’ve worked with were brought to us through members of the professional organizations. Whether through board relationships or just personal affinity, we try to match recipients with missions aligned with ours.
Q. How has the event evolved over the years?
Carmen: We started with about 200 people in attendance and we’ve grown those numbers to more than 2,000. But it’s not just the numbers, it’s the people who support us, from, doctors, lawyers, pilots, engineers, nurses, educators, accountants, and even from our political community. I mean, I could go on and on about the variety of individuals from our community who support it.
Q. How has the community supported the Houston Black Professionals Alliance over the years, and how does this event strengthen those connections?
Gene: We are rooted in community. The Black professional community in Houston is strong and wide. Coming together allows us to utilize each other for business and commerce. We are recirculating our dollar through our community by doing business together. That is huge for “our” community.
Q. What are some of the goals you hope to achieve through this year’s event?
Carmen: Things really changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. For two years, we weren’t able to come together. But we knew that continuing the cause was necessary, despite what was going on. So, we hosted two drive-by drop-off events outside at Higher Dimension Church (Higher-D). We felt very strongly that we must continue blessing the children, especially during that time. Last year, we returned to an in-person event and more than 1,000 people showed up. Prior to COVID, we had more than 2,000 people in attendance. We hope that this year and beyond we will get back to those numbers of people who show up and support. The more people who come and bring a toy, the more children will be able to have a smile on their faces.
Q. What are some highlights guests can expect at this year’s holiday social?
Gene: This is our second year at the Community Collective for Houston (the former Power Center), and like years past at other venues, we work to make changes and tweaks that enhance the experience. Much of the changes this year will center around logistics and making the experience more conducive for conversation and connection. We want folks to mingle, so we’ve focused on small changes to allow folks to meet as many people as possible.
Q. What are some significant strides you’ve seen as this event continues to grow over the years?
Keith “MR. D-MARS” Davis, Sr.: Throughout the years, we have seen a significant increase in the diversity of attendees. In the beginning, our audience mainly consisted of BPA members, but it has since grown to attract guests from many different sectors, including business, corporate, professional, nonprofit, and government backgrounds. We look forward to seeing even more participants this year.
Admission to the event is free for participating BPA members and organizations, and it’s $25 for non-members. Bring a new and unwrapped toy for the toy drive for a free drink.
Click here for ticket information.
