WPLR & WFOX's Chaz and AJ Raise $167,200 in Cash and Toys

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, December 8, 2023 | 4:21pm CT

Chaz 'n AJ Toy Drive

WPLR/New Haven & WFOX/Milford morning hosts Chaz and AJ spent Friday morning at Jordan's Furniture New Haven collecting cash and toys equaling $167,200 to be distributed to Connecticut children's charities. The annual "Chaz and AJ McDermott Chevrolet and Lexus of New Haven Toy Drive" took place from 6-10am and featured performances from Foghat and Finger Eleven, as well as local youth school and band, Rock House, and local favorite The Rum Runners.

Other highlights included appearances from Governor Ned Lamont, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, Mayor Justin Elicker (New Haven), Mayor Joseph Carfora (East Haven), Mayor David Cassetti (Ansonia), Mayor Pete Hess (Naugatuck), and Town Manager Brian Foley (Tolland). Former State Senator, George Logan kicked off the festivities, performing the national anthem on guitar.

To be filed under "things that would only happen at the Chaz and AJ Toy Drive," national news-making political rivals, Mayor Joe Ganim of Bridgeport and mayoral candidate, John Gomes made for unlikely singing duet partners, performing the Sonny and Cher classic, "I Got You Babe."

State Comptroller, Sean Scanlon performed a rendition of NSYNC's "Bye, Bye, Bye," with the SCSU Dance Team. International Recording Artist, Samantha Cole performed her hit "Luv Me, Luv Me" with Randy Buttner of the popular local band, The Zoo.

Local celebrities Ashley Baylor of WTNH joined the festivities and Scot Haney of WFSB showed off his talents as a member of "The OGees," a tribute to the Bee Gees, plus Mayor Vincent Cervoni of Wallingford played several classic guitar riffs while participating in a "Name That Tune" game with attendees.

"Another year and another great event thanks to the tremendous support of our listeners," said Chaz. "To be able to raise over $167,000 in cash and toys and know that it is helping a child in Connecticut wake up to a better Christmas, is so heart-warming."

"Chaz and AJ, for twenty years now, have galvanized their audience to wake up at 6am and donate thousands of dollars to help local kids in need," added Connoisseur Media Vice President of Programming, Keith Dakin, "Just an unbelievable event that truly captures the spirit of the holiday season."

The toys and cash were distributed to Boys and Girls Village, Inc, Boys and Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley, Central Connecticut Coast YMCA, McGivney Community Center, TEAM Inc., and the Center for Family Justice, Inc.