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SURVEY! Where do YOU get your Fix?   WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR TONNER AND/OR EFFANBEE DOLLS?

NEW Awards & Honors Nods from the Industry   Tonner Tuesdays - click here - check out Figures.com and their newest weekly event - Tonner Tuesdays!

Spotlight: LARA CROFT, TOMB RAIDER: LEGEND® BRAND NEW BODY - BRAND NEW DIRECTION! Lara Croft™, the newest heroine to enter the ranks of TONNER CHARACTER FIGURES™ (TCFs), is taking collecting to a whole new level. Collectors don’t need to be familiar with her video game series, Lara Croft, Tomb Raider: Legend®, to appreciate this adventurous beauty, and to welcome her into their collections.       “I've been a fan of the character since the movies,” Robert admits, “and I always felt that she would make a fantastic doll/action figure.”  Lara Croft™, at nearly 17” tall, features a brand new body sculpt with more curves and more articulation as well as a brand new face sculpt. Created in the image of the pixilated archeologist, she is strikingly statuesque.   Lara Croft™ is a fictional character and the protagonist of Eidos Interactive's Tomb Raider video game series. Designed by Toby Gard, Lara was honored in 2006 with a star on the Walk of Game,[1] and was awarded a Guinness World Record recognizing her as the "most successful human video game heroine." Lara is generally presented as an intelligent, athletic, and somewhat reckless Englishwoman of noble birth who travels the world in pursuit of priceless artifacts. Known as both an archaeologist and an adventurer, she frequently ventures into ancient, and often very hazardous, tombs and ruins. In addition to traps and puzzles, Lara encounters a variety of enemies including rivals, gangsters, dangerous animals (including dinosaurs), legendary creatures, and supernatural beings. The fantastic nature of her archaeology related adventures have drawn comparisons to Indiana Jones. (Paragraph Source: Wikipedia - click here for entire feature).  In the game, Tomb Raider: Legend ®, Lara travels the globe to find the various pieces of the legendary sword, Excalibur - each piece, when reassembled, forges together into a powerful weapon and key to the possible whereabouts of Lara's mother (believed to have died many years ago).   “I've done so many child sculpts and many fashion figure type sculpts and I thought it would be a lot of fun to sculpt a character who has a real woman's figure…well, mostly real,” Robert explains.  “When we were presented with the license, I was very open to producing a Lara Croft.”  Working on this brand new licensed character was an entirely new experience for Robert. “It was a lot of fun to design for her,” Robert confesses.  “She is athletic and womanly, so it was a totally different project than I'm used to.” Tonner’s Lara Croft™ is the first of a new collection of dressed TCF’s, outfits and accessories. “I'd love to add some of the other characters from her world also,” Robert says.    Lara Croft™ has distinctive elements to make the doll collecting community as well as the action figure collectors take notice. “What makes her unique are the ‘doll’ elements such as the highly detailed removable clothing and the rooted hair; to that we've added to the usual ‘action figure’ components. Tonner’s newest character debuted at Wizard World Chicago on June 26th to more than 68,000 hungry fans. A very limited quantity of 100 pieces of the initial production run were made available for the attendees to purchase and sold out within 48 hours of their debut.       With Lara Croft™, Tonner does for figures what Eidos™ (the creators of Lara Croft) did for gaming by giving the collector and player what their imaginations were asking for; a powerful, independent, determined heroine. The result is one of gaming’s most recognized and well-known characters, a powerfully independent, determined heroine that was honored with a star on the Walk of Game in 2006 and a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records, recognizing her as the "most recognizable female video game character."

Dolls That Touch Your Heart® Betsy McCall® Brings Smiles to Effanbee®   Betsy McCall® made her debut as the cover girl of McCall's Magazine in 1951. From that glamorous beginning, this demure personification of childhood innocence has leapt into the hands of eager fans for almost 60 years, in the form of a paper doll, an 8-inch hard plastic doll produced by the American Character Doll Company, and later as a 14-inch vinyl doll by Robert Tonner.               In 2000, Robert, a devoted Betsy fan and collector himself, brought Betsy back to her roots as an 8-inch, hard plastic doll based on the original American Character sculpt, but with improved molds.  He studied the original, engineering away the flaws associated with the 1957 toy, successfully creating a collectible for the new millennium that has delighted loyal fans for the past eight years.         Recently, Robert, decided to bring Effanbee®, the much loved and respected doll brand and Betsy McCall® together—a suitable match of icons. Robert purchased the Effanbee® Doll Company, Inc., in 2001and has been working since to redefine the brand.         Robert describes Effanbee® as “sweetness and light” while Tonner focuses on “fashion and pop culture,” hence, his decision to move characters from one company into another. “I’ve been able to really focus in on each brand now,” Robert explains. “With additions such as Fancy Nancy™ to Effanbee® and the Devereaux Sisters™ to Tonner®, each company has a clearly defined approach to doll collecting.”             Robert didn’t stop at changing Betsy McCall’s “parent” company. This year marks her biggest change EVER! “Betsy was ready for something fresh and new, so we decided to make a resin ball-jointed version,” Robert reveals. “She has all the jointing, articulation and customization of a typical BJD, all while maintaining Betsy’s classic look. This new resin BJD Betsy is 8" tall - and she can share clothes with the 8" hard plastic Betsy.   Betsy McCall, almost sixty years young, and as relevant today as she was back in 1951.Ultimate Betsy McCall® - Basic will have a retail price of about $250 and will be in the hands of collectors in late August!!

Design Room Scoop: GET SMART! Saving the Doll World from KAOS...   I put my design room sleuthing skills to the test this month and I hit the jackpot! The buzz around Tonner is that we secured the license for the major motion picture, “GET SMART” (in theaters now), starring Anne Hathaway and Steve Carell, which has already grossed more than, would you believe, $100 million worldwide! Do you have any idea what this means to us?! Well, would you believe it if I told you, we WILL release “GET SMART” TONNER CHARACTER FIGURES™ later this year?! Soon you will have your very own Maxwell Smart “standing RIGHT behind you just in time for the holiday season!”           I saw some ‘works in progress’ from “GET SMART” in the design room and they are spot on! I even got to take a look at the Agent 99 head sculpt (which is an authorized likeness of Anne Hathaway). The good news for all you 16” fashion doll fans is that Agent 99 will be featured on the 16” fashion doll body and Maxwell Smart (an authorized likeness of Steve Carell) will share the 17” tall body with Matt! Oh, Max…!!           Keep an eye out for news and updates on the release of this exciting new collection of TCF’s.

TONNERDIRECT REPORT: PLASTIC & PLUSH INTERVIEW The Raters get Rated... TONNER CHARACTER FIGURES™ (TCFs) are growing in popularity among comic book and action figure collectors, movie fans, not to mention doll collectors. It’s no secret that the Tonner Doll Company creates some of the most authentic CHARACTER FIGURES from a variety of venues such as movies, comics, and now, video games. Industry insiders can’t help but take notice of the newest player in the growing industry of pop culture. I had the opportunity to ask one of our favorite insiders, Brian Slivka from PlasticandPlush.com, (a website dedicated to the latest news and reviews from the limited edition and designer toy worlds) about how he sees TCFs fitting into the industry of toys and pop culture.   Shauna Perry: As you see it, what distinguishes TCF's from other character inspired toys and collectibles? Brian Slivka: If I could chose one word to describe what makes the TCF unique, it would be "quality".  The attention to detail that each piece receives is what puts Tonner at the head of the highly articulated action figure class. SP: As a journalist reporting on the collectible toy industry, what do you believe is the motivation for purchasing a TCF?  How would the consumer come to that decision?   BS: I think the main motivation to purchase a product is the license.  Tonner has some strong licenses (Spider-Man, Pirates of the Caribbean and their DC Stars) that appeal to collectors because they are fans of the movies and/or comics. SP: Is the TCF consumer really any different than that of the more classic action figure customer?  If so, how? BS: I believe that they are different.  When you talk about purchasing a $100+ TCF compared to a $5 action figure, the demographics between those groups are bound to be different.  You are probably talking about a financially stable adult (or child of one) as a hardcore collector of TCFs. SP: How many TCF's do YOU have in your possession?  Which is your favorite? BS: I would say around 10 of them.  My favorite would be difficult to choose.  I would say a tie between Jack Sparrow and the High Seas Elizabeth Swann. SP: What do you see at Tonner's greatest competitive advantage with regard to TCF's in the collectible world? BS: In the world of collectibles, it really comes down to licenses.  But when you back that up with a high-quality product, such as Tonner has done with their TCF line, that's something collectors notice. SP: What has been the greatest influence from TCF's in the collectible world since being introduced? BS: Competition is good, right?  With Tonner entering the action figure market, it's made other companies up their game.  Tonner had been known for producing stunning collectible dolls, and now they're bringing that same detail to their impressive lineup of licenses (Harry Potter, Pirates, DC Comics, etc.). SP: Where do TCF's fit when it comes to someone's collection?  Are they an addition?  Are they a replacement?  Are they purchased in lieu of something else? BS: I would have to guess that they are purchased as an addition to a collection.  You have to make a concerted effort to purchase a TCF.  It's not as if you will find them while browsing the aisles at your local discount mart and throw a couple in the shopping cart. SP: Is there a difference between the comic collector and the movie collector for TCF's and other collectibles?   BS: I don't believe there is that big of a difference.  Comic collectors often connect with one title or a few characters the same way that movie collectors can be big fans of Harry Potter or Pirates of the Caribbean.  But there is so much crossover between the two mediums that the collectors are very similar.

SPECIAL REPORT - An Excursion to Salem Planning Ahead for your Visit to the Tonner Halloween Convention   Boo! If you'll be attending the Framingham "Nightmares" Convention this October, and don't want the spooky fun to end so soon, why not consider an after-Convention trip over to Salem, Massachusetts? Salem, the official "Witch City" is located 45 miles North East of the Sheraton Framingham hotel, about an hour drive, depending on traffic. There's so much to see and do, fantastic restaurants, walking tours, and attractions to appeal to thrill-seekers as well as folks that prefer an educational, yet enjoyable experience.   Lodging: Rooms at the various hotels and B&Bs fill up well in advance for October. Your best bets would be the Hawthorne Hotel  http://www.hawthornehotel.com/ and the Salem Waterfront Hotel http://www.salemwaterfronthotel.com/               Some attraction suggestions for your stay: The House of the 7 Gables, Nathaniel Hawthorne's inspiration for his famous novel http://www.7gables.org/ All I have to say about this is "wow"! The Salem Witch Museum. Great presentation, very well done and educational. Puts you right in the middle of the Salem Witch Trials. http://www.salemwitchmuseum.com/ If art and culture are your thing, check out The Peabody Essex Museum http://pem.org/homepage/index.php Maritime fan?  This link has lots of info: http://www.nps.gov/sama The Salem Wax Museum Haunted Neighborhood has several sites to see, as well as a walking tour http://www.salemwaxmuseum.com/ Salem boasts some of the best restaurants in the area, and all are within walking distance of the center of town. Finz is our favorite, their seafood is divine. Located right on the Wharf, if the weather is nice, there are tables outside wih a great view of the water http://www.hipfinz.com/salem.php Rockafellas is another fave, they also have outdoor seating available http://www.rockafellasofsalem.com/home/default.asp     The Witch's Brew is very good, yet inexpensive. This is where the locals eat:  http://www.witchsbrewcafe.com/ Strega. Italian Cuisine at it's best: http://www.stregasalem.com/home/default.asp For a hearty breakfast, Red's Sandwich Shop is unparalleled. Be advised, their pancakes are huge! http://redssandwichshop.com/ Like to shop? There are tons of little boutiques, even an Apothecary http://www.artemisiabotanicals.com/ Shopping for Metaphysical and/or Witchy things? I can personally recommend each of the following..... The Goddess' Treasure Chest: http://www.goddess-treasure.com/ Crow Haven Corner: http://www.crowhavencorner.net/     Nu Aeon: http://www.wlpssp.com/ The Broom Closet: http://www.broomcloset.com/ Pyramid Books: http://www.salemctr.com/pyramid.html If you're a fan of lush costumes, RenFaire-wear and the like, be sure to visit Fool's Mansion http://www.foolsmansion.com/  and Samantha's Costume Shop http://www.samanthasboutique.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv  You can find some nice artsy home decor and fabulous jewelry at Treasures Over Time  http://www.treasuresovertime.com/index.html Love luxurious kitchen and bath items? Pamplemousse is the place for you  http://www.pmousse.com/home.html And if you absolutely must bring home gifts for your pampered pooch or feline, Penelope's Pet Boutique is cool http://www.penelopespetboutique.com/ This gift shop is just plain fun http://www.wickedgoodz.com/ Be sure to drop by The Cat, The Crow and The Crown  on the Wharf http://www.lauriecabot.com/  you just might catch a glimpse of Laurie Cabot, the Official Witch of Salem! She is a regal and lovely woman, indeed.   Keep an eye on the following site, it will be updated as events are planned: http://www.hauntedhappenings.org/ A more comprehensive list of all there is to see and do in Salem can be found here: http://www.salemvegan.org/salem.htm   Happy Hauntings! Special Thanks to Stacey Macchia for sharing her favorite haunt, and all her research for a screamingly good time!

TRAVELS WITH ROBERT Wishes & Dreams and Wizard World Chicago   Wishes & Dreams Grand Re-Opening     With a delightful new set-up and wonderful location, we were thrilled to be a part of the grand re-opening of Wishes & Dreams Doll Store in Somerville, NJ.  Collector's were able to meet doll artists Helen Kish, Paulette Goodreau, Berdine Creedy and Stacia of Neva Dolls.                Officiating over the ribbon cutting was Somerville Mayor, Brian Gallagher, who commented that stores like Wishes & Dreams were helping to revitalize the main street project, keeping Somerville alive for locals and visitors, alike!  Congrats to Carol and Guy for the lovely space...and special thanks to Sam Rodriguez for hosting this fun summer day with friends and dolls!           TONNER Fans are Blown Away in the Windy City Wizard World Chicago began with Preview Night on Thursday June 26th to a crowd that was significantly larger than last year’s early bird gathering. Collectors of all kinds lined up for the second installment in a three part collectors set. Arkham Asylum Harleen Quinzel, our show exclusive, sold out within hours of the show opening to the general public. Many of those waiting in line regaled of how they managed to get their hands on the first piece in the set, Arkham Asylum Pamela Isley, A.K.A Poison Ivy. Ebay, message boards, a friend (and it had to be a pretty good friend) were some of the places fans went when they realized they needed to acquire the complete set. Favors were being solicited throughout the weekend for those who could not attend Comic-Con International to get the third piece!   From the Lara Croft, Tomb Raider: Legend® video game series made her debut at WW Chicago…and was she a hit! Doll collectors, action figure aficionados, and gaming geeks alike lined up to point out all the accoutrements donning the Guinness Book record holding heroine. The guns, the grenades, the boots were all great attractions as was the new athletic body sculpt! I can’t tell you everything that was said without raising the ire of censors, but everyone was taken by her. One eager Lara Croft fan made no bones about her passion for the game as well as the character; she revealed a tattoo above her ankle fashioned after a symbol found in the game.   Robert Tonner conducted a “How to Sculpt” panel to a packed room of over 60 people who were entranced. Budding sculptors and avid toy collectors alike were captivated as Robert spoke of his tricks and techniques. A question and answer segment had some hands up and some eager voices that couldn’t wait – attendees were just yelling out what they needed answered.       Hundreds and hundreds of people came to the drawings that were conducted throughout the day. And we learned that a Tonner fan is a Tonner fan, no matter from what world they collect. In need of some raucous yelling to compete with the amplifiers across the aisle at another booth, our gang obliged with cheers and screams of “TONNERDirect.com” that drowned out the other crowd that was twice our size. Don’t mess with us!       Thank you to everyone who attended for making Wizard World Chicago the success that it was. You are the reason we enjoy coming, and you make us forget that our jobs are work.       Marcia Friend host 6th Annual Summer Barbeque for NE Area Collectors     We talked with Marcia Friend last month about her experience at convention, but we just couldn't let it go that she held her 6th Annual Summer Barbeque, inviting friends from her MetroDolls Club and non-members alike for a delightful day this past June.  Over 60 people attended this day of food, shopping and dolls.  In the basement, folks set up a variety of vending tables where you could buy and trade.  At the end of the day, there were door prizes...and quite a nice lot of them, too!     One of the most fun parts of the day was the huge 'free table' that attendees donated various doll items - on your mark, get set, GO! Members rushed to the table finding a treasure trove of loot - all for free.          When the weather got a little on the warm side, attendees could tour Marcia's home, where she had dazzling display from her personal collection, with something to please everyone! Thanks again, Marcia!         Is your club having a gathering?  We'd love to see pics - Please contact us  - click here!

TONNERPICKS! Collectors Share Their Fun, Fancy as They Believe in the Power of Play®   SHARING YOUR BETSY McCALL PICS! Our top 5 favorites... (Click images for larger view) Annette Hilger sends us some of her Betsy favorites - this group from the 2000 Betsy Convention.     Jannie Culshaw shares an image of her mother's redressed Betsy, winning a ribbon at the 2008 Dreamscapes Convention.         Karin Marty from Switzerland shares her Betsy in a custom-made dress by Karin that even has her initial on it; Betsy hangs out with her best pal, Moomin (Moomins are characters from Finnish children's books)         Kari Gluski sends us a pic of one of her favorite Betsy - this in a dress Kari created...and Betsy has lavender hair (wouldn't Miss Nancy be jealous!?).       Candace Beaulieu sends us images of her Betsy as taken by her husband.  We just loved this one of Betsy in Italy!           HEY...How about showing us your SYDNEY CHASE Dolls for AUGUST!  We'd love to include your images - please email them to help@tonnerdoll.com.

EXCLUSIVES! Bearzabout & LoneStar Dolls; FAO Schwarz     Maestro Viktor Dreary™ - LE 150 each store (300 total)   Shared Exclusive - only available at Bearzabout - Click Here Lonestar Dolls - Click Here               FAO Schwarz Exclusives - Click Each for Ordering Information   CHO CHANG at the YULE BALL     BRUCE WAYNE/BATMAN GIFT SET     RE-IMAGINATION - SNOW WHYTE

MONTHLY CHALLENGE: Did YOU Know...? Testing your Tonner Know   June's Question: In honor of Father's Day - please name BOTH Tyler's and Sydney's fathers' names - but since this is a simple 'look it up' answer...we'd also like for you to tell us the three models who are lovingly remembered and remain amongst Sydney's top faces at Chase.   Well...we can't think of an easier question...especially when all you had to do was turn to the article in the FDQ Virtual issue mentioned.     William Wentworth is named as Tyler's father (we don't talk about Tyler's mother); and Rod Chase is Sydney's father (Sydney still feels her father is still alive after his disappearance from many years ago).   Winnie, Pepper and Beau are the three Chase models still lovingly remembered after their horrific accident, and Sydney still thinks of them as amongst her top faces.     SO...Congratulations to Stacey Macchia - She won herself a FREE ULTRA BASIC TYLER Doll!   How about  new challenge?   Robert has longed loved Betsy McCall since her debut as a 1950s McCall's Magazine paperdoll.  He acquired the licensed in 1996, and after producing 2 porcelain artist versions, he and his company made their first major breakthrough into vinyl production.  Robert sculpted a new 14" scale doll with his own signature sculpt to represent this whimsical character.  Can you name the ORIGINAL clay sculpt based on a fairytale character (not produced) of which the Betsy McCall head sculpt evolved?       Email your answers (PLEASE ONLY ENTER ONCE - YOUR FIRST SUBMISSION WILL BE SAVED AS YOUR OFFICIAL ENTRY) to help@tonnerdoll.com with "July Monthly Challenge" in the subject line - get your answers right, and you will be eligible to win a FREE ULTRA BASIC TYLER Doll!!! - check for the answers in the next Newsletter!

Believing in the Power of Play: Hudson Valley Doll Club Party Bringing Your Club to Visit The Company Store   The Tonner Company Store had the pleasure of hosting a luncheon and presentation for 16 members of the Hudson Valley Doll Club on Saturday June 14th. Upon their arrival, they were greeted by Dr. Noreen, Irma and the Tonner Company Store’s own party planner, Lisa. The festivities commenced with Dr. Noreen’s two-fold presentation beginning with a restringing demo of an Ann Estelle doll and a Wee Patsy (which belonged to a club member). The demo ended with a question and answer session and a surprise guest! Robert Tonner took a break from his design studio up the street to say hello and answer questions. Robert spoke about his own collection, some new ideas involving his move into the pop culture scene and even when the next big surprise will be revealed (see spotlight). The second half of Dr. Noreen’s presentation instructed club members on how to safely clean hard plastic and even ‘Magic Skin’ dolls. Noreen was overwhelmed by the diverse collections and saw an almost pristine example of the Mickey Scout made by the Effanbee Doll Company in 1956-1958. There were collectors of antiques, child dolls, baby dolls, fashion dolls, composition dolls, fifties dolls, modern dolls and even resin BJD’s! After lunch, Barbara, Cheryl H., Cheryl V. Jeanne, Zoey, Carolynn, Lorraine, Betsey, Ray, Janice, Beverly, Judith, Jill, Roberta and Ray started singing HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Ada. Although this attractive lady barely looked 70, she was celebrating her 86th birthday on Saturday too! What a way to celebrate!! The Power of Play ended far too quickly for all of us and we sure do hope to get together for more dolly fun soon. For more information on how to book a party in our Tonner Company Store, please call 800-324-0486.

COMPANY STORE REPORT: Fall/Holiday Collection Viewing - August 9, 2008   DETAILS ON THE BELOW PREVIEWS CAN BE FOUND ON THE TONNER DOLL WEBSITE ON TUESDAY, JULY 15TH, 2008                       Announcing The DOLL DAYS of August at Tonner Company Store!!   Join Robert Tonner on Saturday, August 9th from 11am – 2pm, for a preview of the Tonner and Effanbee 2008 Fall/Holiday Collections at the Tonner Company Store located at 14 Hurley Avenue in Kingston, NY. On July 15th, 2008, you can see our Fall/Holiday Preview online at www.tonnerdoll.com - but at the Tonner Company Store, you'll be able to see the entire collection (including new surprise collections NOT shown in the July 15th Preview) on August 9th from 11AM - 2PM! Be among the first to catch a glimpse of many of the 2008 Fall/Holiday dolls, outfits and accessories and meet the highly anticipated Sisters Devereaux in the... well, plastic!!   Win door prizes and raffles AND get your dolls signed by Robert!   Join Doctor Noreen on Saturday, August 23rd from 11:30 am –1 pm, for a doll repair and maintenance demonstration.   The Tonner Company Store will also have some great sales throughout the month of August for the bargain hunters, and who doesn’t love a bargain?!   For more information, call 845-339-2960 or email us  - click here.!         GOT A DOLLY EMERGENCY? If you need to speak with the Doll Doctor Noreen about non-Tonner doll emergencies, please call the Tonner Company Store directly at (845) 339-2960 or (845) 339-2961 for an estimate and appointment. If you are local or planning a trip, stop in! Our hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 10am - 6pm; Sundays from 12 - 4pm.

TONNER COMPANY STORE - WWW.TONNERCOMPANYSTORE.COM

GOINGS ON: 2008 Calendar Keeping In Step with Robert Tonner   We have many exciting events coming up this year (see below) and if you would like your event to be added, please email event details and contact information to help@tonnerdoll.com. WE NOW HOST ALL EVENTS FREE IN OUR NEWSLETTER CALENDAR - PLEASE LET US KNOW ABOUT YOUR NEXT EVENT! July 24-27 - Comic Con San Diego - visit http://www.comic-con.org/cci/ for more information. Visit us at Booth # 4148. July 28 - August 1 - UFDC, Las Vegas, NV. Visit the website at www.ufdc.org August 2-3 - Archbold, OH (Northwest Ohio - click for map) Sauder Village Event You are cordially invited to a Collector Brunch, hosted by the Tonner Doll Company at Sauder Village.  The souvenir doll will be a 16” fashion doll – dressed in style with the 1900’s (EXCLUSIVE sneak peek of the prototype to the left - using the 'Tess' sculpt from the Dick Tracy Collection - please note colors may vary in production).  Seating will be limited to the first 100 people  to register, so register today! You must be present for the first opportunity to purchase the special souvenir doll. We look forward to seeing you there! Cost for Breakfast, Program, and Event Price is $125.00 and must be prepaid. Reservations must be received by July 25, 2008.  You can register online here: www.regonline.com/saudervillage or download the registration form here - click here.     SAVE THE DATE August 9 - Tonner Company Store 14 Hurley Ave. Kingston, NY 12401 - 11AM - 2PM; Meet Robert Tonner and see a variety of the BRAND NEW 2008 Tonner and Effanbee Fall/Holiday Collections! Some of our newest characters will be on hand, including the Sisters Devereaux. You'll want to make a drive or a train trip into the beautiful Hudson Valley for this Exclusive Party!     August 10 - MOLLY TRAVELS Doll Auction -  The auction will start on Sunday, August 10th at 7:00 pm Pacific Standard time. Look for seller ID: nancyatletsplaydolls. To benefit The Childhelp Merv Griffin Village in Beaumont, CA. September 7 - MetroDolls on Broadway 10AM-4PM, Woodbridge, NJ - Join MetroDolls for a luncheon event celebrating American theater and benefiting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.  Souvenir doll from Tonner Doll Company and companion items will be available!  The luncheon also features a OOAK fashion doll charity auction, door prizes, and lots of other surprises.  An optional Saturday night dinner includes a vintage fashion display of "Opening Nights Through the Decades" presenting over a century of elegant evening wear.  Please visit www.metrodolls.com or call Marcia at 732-583-5608 for more information. ABSENTEE PACKAGES ARE AVAILABLE. September 24-28 - Modern Doll Collectors Convention, St. Petersburg, FL details TBA - click on the thumbnail at left for the official announcement, or visit the website at http://www.moderndollcollectors.com Tonner Event: A Day in the Life of the Devereaux Sisters - Get to know the two most devastatingly glamorous beauties of the 20’s – the Devereaux Sisters.  Follow them through a day of fashion and frolic. October 17-19 - 2008 Tonner Halloween Convention, Framingham, MA -  SOLD OUT – to be added to the waitlist, please visit www.regonline.com/2008halloweenconvention  October 25 - Kingston, NY - Kingston Hospital Fashion Show.  For more details, contact us  - click here. Charity Fashion Show to support Kingston Hospital featuring designs by Robert Tonner and other designers.  There is no souvenir doll for this event; but there will be special doll centerpieces by the Tonner Doll Company - sale of the centerpieces will benefit Kingston Hospital.  For more information on Kingston Hospital, please click here. 2009 - Details TBD January 31 - February 1 - IDEX February 6-8 - New York ComicCon February 15-18 - TOYFAIR March 13-15 - Paris Fashion Doll Festival; Details TBA visit website - click here. March 27-29 - Collector's United Nashville; Details TBD - Contact Gary Green at diang@collectorsunited.com