Happy holidays, Arnold Fans! It was fantastic to see Christmas spirit was shared by all at the Miracle on 1st Street toy giveaway last week in Boyle Heights. It was another great toy drive at The Hollenbeck Youth Center with the celebrity help of Arnold Schwarzenegger, Danny Trejo, Ralf Moeller and myself (TurboMan). It was the 41st annual toy giveaway and this year was bigger than ever with a live band on the outside stage and a train with celebrity guests (with Mickey Mouse and Santa) and a caravan of low-rider cars traveled down the streets. I too was in the parade. Dressed as TurboMan from Jingle all the Way, I stood in the back of a low-rider, sponsored by Big 5 and waved to all the excited kids.
After the parade, I stood up on the stage with the celebrities but I kept my distance in the background. Little would I know that Arnold himself thanked TurboMan for being here and called me up to the front of the stage next to him. After a few minutes of Arnold giving thanks and explaining the importance of giving back to the community, it was time to hand out the toys. Schwarzenegger and Trejo handed out the gifts to the very long line of children while I posed with the fans of TurboMan. I’d like to think I was there for the kids but actually I realized it was all the grown ups who knew the film who wanted pictures with me. So while Arnold entertained the kids, I was there for the parents, news cameras and security detail as well as for the few awesome kids who did call me TurboMan instead of Iron Man.
Before Arnold left, I asked if I could get a photo with him. My chances weren’t looking good as a mob of fans and autograph-chasers started to mob the action hero and it looked like Arnold needed to get out. Suddenly, there was a brief discussion with Schwarzenegger and his staff and the next thing you know, I was called over to them. They wanted to film a short video for social media so Arnold could get the word out on the importance of after-school programs and to share the love of the Hollenbeck Youth Center. I had no idea I’d be featured in this video. Even though I was a bit in shock from this impromptu video, Arnold and the kids can always count on TurboMan to be there for years to come!
Watch the video to see Schwarzenegger in action.
Another holiday tradition is our Arnold Radio News podcast special hosted by The Gillinator, Brandon, and Shahi! They talk about Randy's stint as TurboMan of course, plus much more and The Gillinator's annual Freeze Before Christmas! Listen here below, or find it and subscribe on your favorite podcast app.