The Toys ``R'' Us Children's Fund marked a record night in its fundraising efforts for children when it raised an unprecedented $6.1 million at the company's annual ``An Evening for Special Children'' benefit gala on Tuesday, April 11 at New York's Marriott Marquis Hotel.

Rosie O'Donnell hosted the festivities and fundraising auction, and Donna Summer appeared as the star performer.

``Raising $6.1 million in a single evening is an amazing accomplishment,'' said John Eyler, President and CEO of Toys ``R'' Us, Inc. ``It's testimony to our commitment and the companies that we do business with to make the lives of children happier and healthier.''

The Toys ``R'' Us Children's Fund was established to raise money for charities and organizations that benefit children's health and welfare. ``It's one of the ways we give back to the communities where we do business, in addition to a number of other ongoing charitable initiatives we undertake every year,'' added Mr. Eyler. ``Thanks to our suppliers who donate generously to the Toys ''R`` Us Children's Fund, we've been able to contribute over $30 million in this effort to many worthwhile organizations over the last 15 years. That's in addition to the company's other charitable programs such as our Hospital Playroom program and the emergency relief assistance of in-kind donations that we also make throughout the year.''

This year, money raised through The Toys ``R'' Us Children's Fund will go to more than 200 organizations, hospitals and foundations nationwide including the Children Affected by AIDS Foundation, Children's Memorial Hospital -- Chicago, Cure Autism Now, Children's National Medical Center -- Washington, DC, Juvenile Diabetes Foundation International, The Institute for Child Development at Hackensack University Medical Center, PENCIL (Public Education Needs Civic Involvement in Learning), and The Institute for Neurology and Neurosurgery at Beth Israel Medical Center, among many others.

``As in years past, the expenses related to the evening's event were underwritten by Toys ''R`` Us, and therefore, we're very proud that every penny raised through the Toys ''R`` Us Children's Fund goes directly to children's charities,'' noted Mr. Eyler.

Established in 1992, the Toys ``R'' Us Children's Fund provides support to programs and organizations that help children live a happier lives with the promise of a brighter, more fulfilling future.

Toys ``R'' Us, the world's leading resource for kids, families and fun, currently operates 1,551 stores: 709 toy stores in the United States; 465 international toy stores, including franchise stores; 203 Kids ``R'' Us children's clothing stores; and 134 Babies ``R'' Us stores and 40 Imaginarium stores. The company also sells merchandise through its Internet site at www.toysrus.com and www.imaginarium.com, and through mail order catalogs.

[Updated 4/13/2000]