EDISON, N.J.—The counts are in from the charitable effort “Exxxotica Gives Back” at the New Jersey Expo Center during Exxxotica New Jersey, and they show huge support from fans and exhibitors alike. With close to $5,000 in cash donated to the Little Ferry Relief Fund, nearly one ton of food and supplies, and a successful Red Cross blood drive, the effort provided necessary assistance to the area's residents.
The EXXXOTICA Expo took place just over a week after Hurricane Sandy tore through New Jersey and New York, and just two days after Nor’easter Athena took out even more powerlines with anywhere from three to eight inches of snow, winds and storm surges. While most residents of the area were still coping with the aftermath, thousands flocked to Exxxotica to let off some steam. But it wasn’t just about having fun for these fans, as many took part in Exxxotica Gives Back—a program designed to pay it forward to New Jersey, an area which has hosted this annual event for five years.
Three Expo Events, LLC, the organizers of Exxxotica, created an area on the show floor where attendees, exhibitors and stars could donate food, clothing and household items, as well as bid on one-of-a-kind items via a tricky tray auction and donate funds around the convention center hall.
Before the doors even opened on Friday afternoon, two pick-up trucks filled with items needed by victims of the storm pulled up to the loading dock, setting the tone for a weekend of philanthropy by the EXXXOTICA faithful.
At the EXXXOTICA Gives Back exhibition area, adult film stars such as Lisa Ann, Tasha Reign, Tera Patrick, Mari Possa, Stoya, Christie Stevens and Allie Haze donated time from their schedules to raise funds for the charity effort. Major names from the industry such as Kristina Rose, Raylene, Raven Bay, XXX Church and the stars of Spartacus XXX pitched in, joined by many others.
Close to $5,000 in cash was raised and will be donated on behalf of EXXXOTICA to the Moonachie/Little Ferry Relief Fund. This fund was set up to aid the two communities in Bergen County, N.J., that were ravaged by flood waters that left a path of destruction and many homeless in its wake. The final donation, made by XXXChurch.com, rounded the total to $5,000.
“We are so proud of our attendees and exhibitors stepping up to the plate and making the ‘Exxxotica Gives Back’ disaster relief drive a huge success,” commented J. Handy, director of Exxxotica. “The support from everyone was overwhelming. It was an incredible feeling being able to contribute to help the community that has supported us so much over the years. We hope this pay-it-forward mentality continues until these areas are whole again.”
”That is so amazing!” said a spokesperson for the relief fund when informed about the donation. “Thank you so much for your hard work and the generosity of your attendees and exhibitors, as well as your company for organizing this. The money will help these towns. People need help. We have a firehouse to rebuild. Thank you again!”
Those wishing to help more can donate directly to the organization by sending both monetary donations and gift cards to this address: Moonachie/Little Ferry Relief Fund, PO Box 77, Wood-Ridge, NJ 07075.
Truckloads of donated household and food items also were donated—including non-perishable food items, household goods, cleaning supplies, toiletries, toys and more—to Edison, N.J., area charities and food banks to help those in need.
In addition, as part of Exxxotica Gives Back, the Red Cross conducted a blood drive at the expo on Saturday afternoon. Dozens in attendance for Exxxotica gave blood to help replenish blood banks, which were wiped out by the storm.
“We have the best fans and exhibitors in the world,” added Handy. “The way they came through for their community is truly amazing and a testament that charity begins at home. It has inspired us to always have a charity aspect to our events for now on no matter what time of the year or city that we are in. The fact that we can do good like this definitely inspires our entire team.”
Exxxotica will be returning to the area next year with the debut of Exxxotica Atlantic City, which takes place April 19-21 at the Trump Taj Mahal. Later in the year, Exxxotica will also make its debut in Fort Lauderdale, along with returns to Chicago, IL. Information on all shows is available at ExxxoticaExpo.com.
For those interested in securing booth space and sponsorships, contact [email protected] or call (267) 909-9760.