Rudolph's Rowdy Ruckus

Rudolph’s Rowdy Ruckus is the Jeff Cooper C.A.R.E. Foundation’s annual winter fundraising event. The Ruckus was originally founded by Villanova alums who hosted a holiday celebration each year and encouraged attendees to bring toys to be donated to Toys for Tots. Year after year, the event gained momentum and, at its peak, was the 2nd largest toy pickup in the Delaware Valley for Toys for Tots. After 13 years of the Ruckus, increasing life and family commitments made the planning of the event too burdensome for the original founders.

Around this time, the Jeff Cooper C.A.R.E. Foundation was working to implement a meaningful, annual winter fundraising event. Since Christmas had always been Jeff’s favorite holiday, and the Ruckus was inspired by the Villanova spirit, Jeff Cooper C.A.R.E. board members offered to manage the event each year. Rudolph’s Rowdy Ruckus has proved to be a perfect fit for the foundation, and the partnership with Toys for Tots remains strong.

Each year, the event is held at a local Philadelphia venue. Guests bring an unwrapped toy donation for Toys for Tots and enjoy an evening of hors d'oeuvres, open bar and raffles for exciting prizes. Local live bands provide the entertainment. Attendees often dress up, and Santa himself usually makes an appearance. Toys for Tots marines attend and a good time is had by all! Proceeds benefit the Jeff Cooper C.A.R.E. Foundation.

Click here to view photos from our most recent Rowdy Ruckus.