David Barton and Susanne Bartsch hosted the 25th Annual Holiday Toy Drive at Gym U benefitting teenagers and children in need this holiday season hitting their goal of over 10,000 toys donated that evening. One of the premier events of the New York holiday season each year, Barton and Bartsch were joined by Sonja Morgan, Christian Siriano, Aquaria, Michael Musto, Jenn Fessler, Steven Klein, NYC Council Member Erik Bottcher among other VIPs and notable New Yorkers. 

This year, to add to the festive atmosphere, a 10-foot tall cobalt blue Christmas tree decorated by Jesse Cooper, also known as @lightthelights.official - the Instagram sensation famous for his breathtaking holiday designs – was auctioned off during the event with all the proceeds benefitting the Ali Forney Center. Valued at over $25,000, the festive tree featured an eclectic mix of vintage retro LED flame bulbs, 600 feet of twinkling fairy lights, lush gold-needle pine accents, and vibrant ribbons – including 60 yards of pink cheetah print, crimson red, and metallic silver/gold basket-weave tinsel. The tree was adorned with over 150 hand-blown ornaments from Kenzie’s of London, showcasing their Floral Fetish Christmas Collection, including the iconic tattooed Santa ornament that was most certainly a crowd favorite. 

Image credit: Santiago Felipe/Getty