After suffering his own tragedy, a Lansing man creates an event to bring Christmas joy to children in need.
After tragically losing his 8-year-old daughter back in 2011, Jeff Croff wanted to come up with a special way to remember his daughter so he created the Tori Shares Christmas event.
Over forty performers, musicians, and poets take the stage at The Avenue Cafe in Lansing to bring entertainment and laughter in Tori's honor.
'"When we started thinking about her and thinking about all the things that stood out...the laughter, the fun, the silliness.. and so we decided to kind of celebrate that", said Jeff Croff.
The event raises money to buy Christmas presents for children in foster care. Child and Family Charities has partnered with the event for the past six years, and says every item on the children's wish lists are filled every year.
"It gives them the opportunity to give kids that might not have had a Christmas before the opportunity to see what it looks like waking up Christmas morning with those waiting for them", said Child and Family Charities employee, Ceirra Hoch.
The event also includes a silent auction and a holiday arts & craft station for kids.
Every artist contacted about performing at the event jumped at the chance to be one of the featured acts.
"Everybody wanted to be involved...nobody said no..even people who had not been involved in the past", said the event talent coordinator, Alan Harris.
Croff says it's great to see the community come together in music and laughter, and continue to bring Christmas joy to children in remembrance of Tori.
"They're laughing, they are relaxing having a good time enjoying good music or a good comedy. Just celebrating a chance to give back to the community", said Croff.