The TAGIES: A night with the stars

As a new kid on the toy block, born and raised in California, I've discovered that the music industry has their rock stars, the movie industry has their movie stars, BUT the toy industry has their FUNSTARS !! What an amazing gathering of FUNSTARS at TAGIE & ChiTAG 2009. It was such a thrill to witness the recognition of the incredible people behind some of the world's best selling games. I just can't figure out why it took so long to give the recognition to these important inventors in the toy industry. For me, Mary Couzin is #1! Thank you for creating TAGIE/ChiTAG so the FUNSTARS could shine and most of all, Thank you for being the gate keeper to the toy world and letting the new inventors in for a chance to shine. I could not get out of my mind how down to earth and helpful all of the players in the toy industry were with all of the new inventors such as myself. I could go on and on but I only have room for 7000 characters. This is an incredible industry and I hope to join everyone again year after year. P.S. " CHICAGO, YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL !! "

It was good to see Reuben honored as the successor to Jeffery Breslow as recipient of the TAGIE Lifetime Achievement Award. They have been superstars in the world of professional inventors whose products have made the industry what it is today. The toy and game business has long run on the axiom that "Product is King" and these premier inventive minds have kept the throne filled year after year. Fortunately numerous worthy candidates abound for recognition at such a spectacular annual event as the evening that Mary Couzin has orchestrated as part of the CHITAG weekend. Congratulations, Reuben, and past and future kingmakers!

Thank you Richard and Tim for the detailed description of the TAGIE Awards night. I, sadly, was unable to attend this year and will always remember the first TAGIE Awards evening. I proudly have the inventor's autographs on the Inaugural TAGIE Progam - just like the stars they are. Mary has been a long time champion for inventors and her tenacity and vision to recognize these creative and important people have come to fruition. Congratulations Mary on all your success and a big thank you to all of you who helped make this happen.

Tim Walsh's detailed recap of the evening, tying it to Thanksgiving, is heartwarming. www.seizetheplay.com/2009/11/thanksgiving.html Thanks, Tim!

I am proud to know you all. You are the cream of the crop.

Richard, beautifully written and wonderful to hear about this amazing evening. Well deserved awards to all. Thanks to all for making our industry great!

I used to say that it's great that the TAGIES and CHITAG coincide with the lighting up of Michigan Avenue. After this year, I am more inclined to appreciate the proximity of Thanksgiving to the event. There was an incredible feeling of gratitude and warmth in that room. It began with Bruce Lund's Humanitarian award, ran through every heart-felt acceptance speech, ramped up with Betty James' In Memoriam award and ended with Reuben's moving speech. We all should be very grateful indeed to work in this most amazing industry, with these most amazing people.

Thank you Richard and Kim. It was an amazing evening. I'd like to thank Hasbro for generously being the presenting sponsor and helping with many finishing touches as well as our supporting and contributing sponsors - Spin Master, Patch Products, The Playmakers, Strong National Museum of Play, Toy Industry Association and Playthings Magazine. Also, a huge thank you to Tim Walsh for an outstanding job as host for the evening! He truly is the Hugh Jackman of our industry!

Well stated Richard! (and good to chat with you at the TAGIES!) All I have to say is that I hope playing games is what kept Reuben that witty and funny! And I hope I'm just as lucky to live to see a game of mine turn 50! And a round of applause to Mary Couzin for putting an amazing night together!

It was a terrific night. Its phenomenal to see how this event has become seminal so rapidly. I can't wait for it all to return in 2010.