Honoring Toby Bass Horowitz: A Celebration of Giving and Community
Pssttt… Check Out: Toy Drives, Food Pantries And Other Volunteer/Donation Opportunities In Staten Island For The Holidays
When Toby Bass Horowitz passed away in October, she left behind a vast collection of toys and dolls. In a heartfelt tribute to her spirit of generosity, her family chose to share her collection with fellow Staten Islanders, keeping her legacy of giving alive. Toby’s grandson, Matt Bass continues to honor her legacy this holiday season with a holiday fundraiser and winter wonderland event. The event is a true celebration of giving and community.
Toby Bass Horowitz lived a life of resilience and love. Born in the Bronx on December 6, 1941, she was the daughter of Eastern European Jewish immigrants who arrived in the U.S. during the 1930s and ’40s, facing a childhood filled with difficulties and hardships. Her son, Robert Bass, frequently recounts the tales she shared about their family’s hardships, particularly when she saw the numbers inked on her relatives’ forearms—marks of a sorrowful past.
Despite a past of disparity, Toby led a life filled with determination demonstrating the power of hope to her family. Even while battling cancer, she found great joy in collecting toys and dolls. This passion allowed her to enjoy things she was never able to have as a child. Her passion came with endless possibilities leading to a successful business called “Toby’s Tiny Tots” in the 1990s and early 2000s. Beyond being in love with her business, you could even catch her driving around with her license plate reading, “TTTOTS”.
When Toby passed this year, her grandson Matt Bass and his family decided to honor her legacy in a way that would touch as many lives as possible. Leaving behind a house full of toys and dolls, Toby’s family decided to host a holiday fuundraiser that could allow them to directly connect with the Statenn Island community.
The event will take place on Sunday, December 22nd, from 11 AM to 2 PM at the New Dorp Moravian Church – Parish House. This free community gathering will include a toy giveaway, food, coffee, hot chocolate, and photo opportunities with Santa. The fundraiser will also be raising funds for Kids Against Cancer, a local nonprofit organization that eases the financial burdens of Staten Island families facing childhood cancer. This organization was a lifeline for the Bass family when two years ago Matt’s nephew, Cody Bass, was diagnosed with kidney cancer at 16. Thanks to his determination and the incredible support system around him, Cody is now cancer-free.
There has been an amazing support system via Facebook with over hundreds over individuals supporting the cause. This event is a testament to the power of social media to unite people for a common good. Matt Bass shows his admiration stating, “ In a world filled with political turmoil and global challenges, it’s easy to overlook the struggles of those in our local community. I encourage everyone to take a moment to give back—whether through donating to a charity, volunteering your time, picking up litter in your neighborhood, or simply offering a kind word to a stranger. Small acts of kindness can make a big difference.”
All details of this event can be found here: Holiday Fundraiser Winter Wonderland
Allow this story to inspire you and your family to recognize the meaning of community this holiday season. There are many ways to give back to the community and many Staten Island volunteer opportunities this year. You truly never know what anyone is going through and showing your support to your community can make an enormous difference.
Pssttt… Check Out: Free Holiday Events In Staten Island
