Give a toy, get an All-Star Jam ticket

Lonestar to perform at Station Casinos' benefit concert

SPECIAL TO VIEWLonestar is one of the bands expected to perform at Station Casinos? annual Toys for Tickets All-Star Jam, which will feature several other surprise country acts. Advertisement

Not knowing is part of the fun.

That's the philosophy behind Station Casinos' Toys for Tickets All-Star Jam, an annual concert that features surprise country superstar acts to benefit less fortunate children in the Las Vegas Valley.

For the past four years, Station Casinos has worked with country radio station 95.5 KWNR-FM and Star Nursery to motivate the public.

"We ask listeners and guests of Station Casinos, as well as the general public, to donate a toy or five toys to help kids in need have a great Christmas," said Station Casinos entertainment events manager Monica Reeves. "To show our appreciation, people are given a ticket or tickets to attend the concert, which is packed with great acts, most of whom we don't announce. That's the best part, though. People look forward to seeing who is going to participate."

People can pick up their tickets by dropping off an unwrapped toy worth at least $10 at any local Star Nursery.

"I think people do it because it's the right thing to do," KWNR disc jockey Mitch Kelley said. "But it probably doesn't hurt to offer them a little something for their donation."

Past surprise appearances have included acts such as Toby Keith, Lonestar, Phil Vassar, Emerson Drive, Chris Young, Rodney Atkins, Steve Holy and Charley Pride.

This year's concert will be held at 7 p.m. Sunday at the Ovation Room at Green Valley Ranch Resort.

Dean Sams of Lonestar, which will play again this year, said that the band would continue to play the jam for as long as it can make a difference.

"We're proud to be a part of something so much bigger than we are," Sams said. "It's a great cause, and I know that our fans will be as generous as they can be."

The 2006 Toys for Tickets All-Star Jam collected more than 3,500 toys and raised more than $50,000 in cash donations for the Children's Advocacy Alliance of Las Vegas.

Star Nursery locations will be accepting donations through Friday. For a list of locations, visit www.starnursery.com.