It’s an 11-year tradition, and benefits local charity Children’s Home Network. And, he’s getting plenty of media attention, with The E.W. Scripps Co.’s “ABC Action News” offering viewers a report during its Thursday afternoon newscasts.
Orlando Davis is again towering over WestShore Plaza in Tampa, as the Beasley Broadcast Group morning star at its WLLD “WiLD 94.1” is eating, sleeping — and doing everything he else he needs to do — from atop a toy tower that’s also serving as his on-air remote studio across eight days of fundraising.
Orlando will be on the toy tower through Sunday (12/10) at 5pm, and is accepting in-person and online donations.
Living on top of the tower isn’t easy, especially in warm Florida. The tower has no running water. As such, he’s been a big user of Epic Wipes, a maker of ecologically sensitive reusable towel-sized wet naps, if you will.
A trunk serves as Orlando’s dresser, closet and desk. “While my toiletries and needs rest on top, we can remove the stuff and grab gear for the day,” he shares.
When on-air, Orlando’s three morning co-hosts on Orlando & The Freakshow climb up on the three-story toy tower in the plaza’s parking lot to join him. Since Orlando has been up there, a PODS storage unit has been filling with toys. Children’s bicycles have been donated, too.
How is Orlando sleeping? He has a pup tent and a sleeping bag. Luckily, low temperatures around 60 won’t make it too humid and sticky. Food is prepared in a microwave.
Then, there’s the WC question — how does Orlando go to the bathroom? A porta-potty has been installed on the toy tower.
Speaking to ABC Action News, Orlando says the best part of the experience is “meeting his loyal listeners.”
