Build-A-Bear Workshop to Donate Thousands of Teddy Bears to Children in Crisis;
Your Child Can Make a Bear and Make a Difference
Business Editors
ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 11, 2001--Thousands of new Teddy
Bears will begin their journey Saturday May 19 at 10a.m. to children
in crisis across the country as part of a joint effort by Build-A-Bear
Workshop(TM) and the Teddy Bear Foundation.
The first 200 people to visit Build-A-Bear Workshop this Saturday
will be allowed to stuff, and fluff teddy bears for FREE. With 47
stores in 24 states, Build-A-Bear anticipates donating more than
10,000 bears to The Teddy Bear Foundation, a nonprofit organization
that assists children in crisis.
For the event called "Stuffed With Hugs," each Guest will receive
a $3 off coupon for donating their time. In addition, Build-A-Bear
Workshop will hold this event in each new Workshop as it opens. With
23 more stores to open by the end of 2001, a total of over 15,000
bears will be made and given to the Teddy Bear Foundation this year.
Everyday hundreds of children throughout the country live in
crisis. They are abused, live in shelters, or have been through
countless traumatic situations. We take most things in our lives for
granted, but everything is precious to these children. Some are ripped
from their homes with just the clothes on their back. The purpose of
Stuffed With Hugs Day is to reach out and help them. "We hope children
of all ages will join us on Saturday May 19 for this event," says
Build-A-Bear Workshop Chief Executive Bear Maxine Clark, "because we
know that the hug of a teddy bear will bring a smile to any child,
when faced with difficult circumstances. We are very happy to be
supporting the wonderful work of the Teddy Bear Foundation."
According to Teddy Bear Foundation Executive Director Robin Phelan
this program illustrates what can happen when people come together to
make a difference. "This program launches what we know will be a
wonderful relationship with Build-A-Bear Workshop and it's fabulous to
see our mission in action. The Teddy Bear Foundation, with the
generous help of Build-A-Bear Workshop, is uniting and inspiring
people to care for one another. Together we will help thousands of
children who will be comforted by a teddy bear at a time of need."
Stuffed with Hugs is an ongoing program that will continue
throughout this year. Build-A-Bear Workshop Mascot "Bearemy" will be
on hand to make the first bear at each store. Complementing the
Workshop program, visitors to Build-A-Bear Workshop website
www.buildabear.com will be able to donate a bear to the Teddy Bear
Foundation for a small charge and receive a $3 off coupon.
About Build-A-Bear Workshop
Build-A-Bear Workshop is an interactive, entertainment retailer
that invites Guests to create their own customized stuffed animals.
The company currently operates 46 Workshops in 24 states across the
country and plans 70 Workshops coast-to-coast by the end of 2001.
Build-A-Bear Workshop was recently named the Best Company to work for
by Internet Week Magazine. The premier store opened in the Saint Louis
Galleria in October 1997. For more information, call 888/560-BEAR or
visit the company's award-winning Web site at www.buildabear.com.
About the Teddy Bear Foundation, Inc.
In its fifth year, the Teddy Bear Foundation, a non-profit
organization funded solely by individual and corporate financial
contributions, provides new teddy bears to children in need throughout
the year. Its mission is to unite people within their communities and
inspire them to care for each other. The Teddy Bear Foundation is
committed to helping people in need without compromising their dignity
or anonymity. It was recently included among 50 most worthy charities
in Massachusetts listed in the Catalogue for Philanthropy. For more
information about the Teddy Bear Foundation visit
www.teddybeardrive.org.
CONTACT: Build-A-Bear Workshop, St. Louis
Jill Saunders, 314/423-8000 Ext. 293
jills@buildabear.com
www.buildabear.com