Our Annual Toy Drive with Friends of JJ
The holiday season is a time for giving, and at Beau Truesdale Wedding Venues, our couples and communities never fail to show their generosity. We’re excited to share details about our Annual Toy Drive and our longstanding partnership with the inspiring Friends of JJ organization.
Friends of JJ was founded by Brenna Messana and her family in memory of her brother, JJ, who passed away at 27 after an eight-year battle with pediatric cancer. Although JJ was initially diagnosed at 20, he received treatment in the pediatric wing at Memorial Sloan Kettering, where he became a bright light for younger patients—bringing smiles and hope to children and families facing similar challenges. After JJ’s passing in 2014, the Messana family created Friends of JJ to continue his mission: making children SMILE.
Our connection to Friends of JJ is deeply personal. JJ and his wife, Amanda, were married at Clarks Landing Yacht Club on June 30, 2012, with Nicole Hoffman as their wedding coordinator. Following JJ’s passing, we honored his memory with a $15,000 donation to Memorial Sloan Kettering from that year’s Alumni Ball. Since then, our relationship with Friends of JJ has grown, and the Annual Toy Drive has become a cherished tradition within our Beau Truesdale Wedding Venues community.
This year, we are proud to share that we collected over 300 toys for the organization—and each year, the number continues to grow. The toy drive spans Clarks Landing Yacht Club, The Mill Lakeside Manor, and The Bradford Estate, inviting our wedding couples, alumni, and the community to donate new and unwrapped toys in person or through our Amazon Wishlist. Every gift helps brighten the holidays for children in need, keeping JJ’s legacy alive and making a meaningful impact on families in our community.
We’re deeply grateful to everyone who contributes and encourage anyone looking to make a difference this holiday season to join us. Together, we’re spreading warmth, joy, and smiles—just like JJ would have wanted.
About Beau Truesdale Wedding Venues
Beau Truesdale Wedding Venues creates beautiful, welcoming spaces for unforgettable weddings. Since 2004, the collection has grown to include The Bradford Estate, Clarks Landing Yacht Club, and The Mill Lakeside Manor. Family-owned and operated by George Truesdale and his children, we are committed to delivering exceptional service and creating cherished memories for every couple.
Celebrated by The Knot, WeddingWire, and other national organizations, our venues are recognized for consistently providing unforgettable weddings with personalized attention.
Proudly inclusive, we welcome couples from all backgrounds and give back to the community through charitable events, fundraisers, and local partnerships.