Meet Ana Zecca | President – Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ana Zecca and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ana, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your nonprofit foundation?
OUR HISTORY AND CHARITY WORK

For the past fourteen years, our dedicated team has volunteered their time for “Holiday Toy Drive Collections,” generously volunteering, giving of our resources and energy to uplift our community. Through collaboration with clients, friends, family, local businesses, corporations, individual donors, and volunteers, we have significantly enhanced the lives of children in our community.

Throughout the year, we organize various events, including fundraisers, to gather donations and bring joy to underprivileged children and their families, extending our impact beyond the holiday season.

In our ongoing commitment to community service, we have partnered with organizations such as Mission Santa Ana, Sembrando Flores, “His House” Children’s Home, Camp Freedom, and Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Pediatric Cancer Department. Additionally, we have supported schools like James H. Bright/J. W. Johnson Elementary School, District 6 Schools with Mari Tere Rojas, and Redland Elementary in South Dade, along with recent collaborations with Miami Dade Public Schools’ project Upstart and most recently with Hermanos De La Calle Org. Together, our efforts have positively impacted over 7,000 children and raised funds to assist more than 700 families.

Your ongoing support is invaluable as we continue to spread joy and love throughout our community.

We warmly invite you to join us in our mission by participating in our toy drives and events to make a tangible difference. Together, we can bring smiles to children’s faces and create a lasting impact.

Thank you for your generous support of Toy Drive N’ Events Inc.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Since 2010, Ana has been a guiding light, making the lives of low-income children and families brighter with her heartfelt efforts. Over the years, Ana has transformed countless lives, organizing heartwarming events and offering vital support to our community. Ana, your dedication to our non-profit Toy Drive ‘N Events Inc. and your passion for making a difference are truly remarkable. Your leadership inspires us daily.

Join us in congratulating Ana Zecca for her outstanding journey and the impact she’s had on so many lives. Let’s celebrate Ana and her dedication and commitment to our community.

Our board positions are voluntary and nonprofit.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Day 1: Welcome to Miami

Morning: Arrive in Miami, check into your hotel, and grab a quick breakfast at a local café.

Mid-Morning: Head to Miami Beach and spend the day soaking up the sun at South Beach. Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and people-watching along the famous Ocean Drive.

Evening: Explore the vibrant nightlife of South Beach with dinner at a trendy restaurant like Prime 112 or Joe’s Stone Crab, followed by drinks and dancing at LIV or Story Nightclub.

Day 2: Culture and Cuisine

Morning: Start your day with a visit to the Perez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) to admire contemporary art and stunning waterfront views.

Lunch: Enjoy a Cuban-inspired lunch at Versailles Restaurant in Little Havana, known for its delicious Cuban sandwiches and strong cafecito.

Afternoon: Explore the colorful streets of Wynwood Walls, Miami’s vibrant outdoor street art gallery. Take plenty of Instagram-worthy photos!

Evening: Indulge in a seafood feast at Garcia’s Seafood Grille & Fish Market, located on the Miami River. End the night with cocktails at a rooftop bar like Sugar in Brickell City Centre.

Day 3: Adventure and Nature

Morning: Embark on a thrilling airboat ride through the Everglades to spot alligators and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

Lunch: Enjoy fresh seafood at Monty’s Raw Bar in Coconut Grove, overlooking the marina.

Afternoon: Explore the lush landscapes of Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, home to a vast collection of tropical plants and butterflies.

Evening: Relax with a sunset cruise along Biscayne Bay, admiring Miami’s skyline as the sun dips below the
horizon.

Day 4: Day Trip to Key West

Early Morning: Take a scenic drive down the Overseas Highway to Key West, stopping at iconic landmarks like Seven Mile Bridge along the way.

Midday: Explore the charming streets of Key West, visit the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, and enjoy lunch at a local seafood restaurant.

Afternoon: Spend some time relaxing on the beach or snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of Dry Tortugas National Park.

Evening: Watch the sunset at Mallory Square while enjoying live music and street performances, then head back to Miami for the night.

Day 5: Relaxation and Pampering

Morning: Treat yourselves to a luxurious spa day at The Standard Spa, Miami Beach, indulging in massages, facials, and relaxation in the thermal baths.

Lunch: Enjoy a healthy and delicious lunch at Plant Miami, a plant-based restaurant with waterfront views.
Afternoon: Lounge by the pool or beach at your hotel, sipping on refreshing cocktails and soaking up the sun.

Evening: Dine at a waterfront restaurant like Smith & Wollensky or Rusty Pelican, enjoying fresh seafood and stunning views of the Miami skyline.

Day 6: Shopping and Sightseeing

Morning: Go shopping at the upscale Bal Harbour Shops, home to luxury boutiques and designer brands.

Lunch: Grab a bite to eat at Shake Shack or Carpaccio in Bal Harbour Shops.

Afternoon: Take a stroll along the Miami Beach Boardwalk, admiring the Art Deco architecture and ocean views.

Evening: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Lincoln Road Mall, with its shops, restaurants, and street performers. Have dinner at Yardbird Southern Table & Bar, known for its delicious Southern cuisine.

Day 7: Farewell to Miami

Morning: Enjoy a leisurely brunch at a trendy spot like The Local House or Malibu Farm at the Eden Roc Hotel.

Mid-Morning: Take a guided tour of the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, exploring the stunning Italian Renaissance-style villa and lush gardens.

Afternoon: Spend your last few hours in Miami soaking up the sun on Miami Beach or browsing the shops on Ocean Drive.

Evening: Head to a waterfront restaurant like Seaspice or Kiki on the River for a farewell dinner, reminiscing about your amazing week in Miami.

This itinerary offers a perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, culture, and culinary delights, to have an unforgettable time exploring all that Miami has to offer!

Lastly, learn about our non-profit work and donate to our foundation!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Our non-profit foundation, Toy Drive ‘N Events Inc.

MISSION STATEMENT

“Our mission is to bring joy and hope to children and families in Florida.

Our annual Toy Drive and community events provide toys, resources, and memorable experiences that empower children and strengthen family ties.

We believe every child deserves a joyful childhood, and together, we make a meaningful difference, one child at a time.”

Toy Drive N’ Events is a non-profit organization that spreads joy and positively impacts the community through organizing toy drives and events.

With a focus on bringing happiness to children in need, this non-profit business is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others. Join us in our mission to spread love and kindness through the power of toys and events.

Website: https://toydriveandevents.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toydriveandevents

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/toydriveandevents

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ToydriveNEvents

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@toydriveandevents