Ta'neeszahnii Techno

Toys for Tots powwow attracts big crowd

By Jan-Mikael Patterson
Navajo Times

GALLUP - A big turnout at last weekend's Toys for Tots Contest Powwow translated into an extra big haul of toys for area youngsters this Christmas, powwow organizers reported.

Around 1,200 people turned out for the event, far more than expected, said head organizer Diane Tolino of Gallup.

"Oh my God," said Tolino, 21, wiping away tears of joy. "I didn't expect it to be this big. I thought it was going to be a small powwow."

Tolino came up with the idea for the event and put together a coalition of family, friends, and city officials to make it happen. On Sunday, as the drums fell silent and the crowd dispersed, she was momentarily overcome as she realized how well her hard work had paid off.

Over 350 to 400 toys were collected for the cause, said Owen Pena, a Gallup police officer who helped Tolino. The toys filled 11 Toys for Tots boxes that were stationed at the entrance of the powwow.

"I'm really kind of overwhelmed to see so many people come here for that cause," said Pena, who coordinates the city's Toys for Tots drive. "It wasn't for the money but to provide to children in the area."

He noted an increase over past participation, and predicted even more toys would be collected next year.

Approximately 150 dancers performed at the powwow, held at Gallup Junior High School. Nine drum groups brought their beautiful singing voices, although a drum contest was not held this year. The powwow featured a celebrity as well.

Robert Tree Cody (Maricopa/Dakota), son of famed Native American actor Iron Eyes Cody, traveled from his home in Pocatello, Idaho, to perform on the flute. He also addressed the audience on the importance of nurturing children.

"I think that it's cool the way they have it for the children," said Cody, 53, a flutist, actor and northern traditional dancer. "It's for the unfortunate children who don't have ways to get things. For a first-time powwow it drew a number of people. I'm really impressed. They've done it in a good way."

Tolino successfully organized a similar powwow in Crownpoint in 1996. For this year's powwow, she began the organizing process early and received support from Pena, Gallup Mayor Bob Rosebrough and her family.

"(Diane's) part in this was 24/7," said Donald M. Tolino Sr., 54, Diane's father. "She set her mind to it. We're dumbfounded by the turnout of people and the outward giving of people. A lot of people traveled to be here to help Diane and the organization."

Tolino's father said the experience helped his daughter grow as a person, despite obstacles along the way. In the beginning, finding money to pay the head powwow staff was a problem, with few Gallup businesses giving money for support, he said.

"There were times when she thought it was beyond her," Donald Tolino said, adding that encouragement from her elders and family gave her strength to continue. Families, friends and relatives rallied to support the event, sponsoring most of the dance categories.

"A lot of the grandmas and elders are relieved that someone (Diane's age) stepped up," he said. "As a father we teach our children to do what we have taught them. We knew it was in her but it was up to her to bring it out. It brought tears to our eyes with what she did. It's in our children to do things like this. They just need a chance and support."

Buoyed by this year's success, Tolino foresees making the powwow an annual event and said next year it will be part of the Red Rock Balloon Rally weekend.

The drum groups were northern host drum Callin' Eagle and southern host drum Southern Outlawz along with Bad Company, Morning Star, Red Star, Red Valley, Star Lodge, Sacred Wheel and Sun Elk.