Working for Noah?s Ark Animal Workshop, I had a dream: What if I was able to do a non-profit approach to teddy bears ? bringing
them to kids whom otherwise might not get a special bear made by them, for them? Brought together by Children?s Hospital (CH), I have been able to bring this activity to CH, for two years.
In 2005, Devon Gere, Kent Lake High School Senior asked me guide her with her Civic consciousness project who raised the money needed to bring this activity to the hospital over the holidays in 2005. In 2006 Noah?s Ark Animal Workshop was featured on the Miracle Makers show which marked their 22nd annual ?telethon? to raise money for Children?s Hospital. The show aired LIVE on KOMO in June. They featured patient stories, a few interviews and celebrate the success of their sponsors? fundraising over the past year. During the show, viewers were urged to call in and make a donation. They could make a one time gift or join our 1 2X 12 Club which is a donation of $12/month for 12 months. When a caller chose the 12x12 Club it purchased a Cuddly Bear and Outfit for the patients.
When we think of CH we often only think of ?sick children?. There is a different image for the patients: They have images of sterile equipment, machines beeping, IVs dripping, the annoyances of fluorescent lights overhead and doctors in green scrubs. By allowing children to design and build their own teddy bear gives kids a sense of control and mastery -- something that is often lost when children lose their independence after being hospitalized for long periods of time, or when a child has an illness that requires repeated hospitalization.
During the workshop, children will have the opportunity to hand-stuff their very own cuddly friend, make a wish on a Rainbow Star, create a customized birth certificate and then personalize their animal by accessorizing it. As word got out about our activity in the playroom last year we received more and more requests for bear deliveries and personal visits from some small friends. I feel blessed to have been able to journey around the hospital to the different units delivering bears and interacting children.
Childrends Hospital and Mary Bridge/Ronald Mcdonald too!!! (more) 
Wish
Comments
Good luck!
I wished they had done this at our CH when my son was dieing with cancer. I think this is a awsome idea even if you have to go at it 500 at a time.
Good luck!!
Gave you 5
Good luck
Good luck!
You have my 5 *****
Please see my wish so I can continue my charity work :)
good luck
children should always come first, you've got my vote.
From the Heart,
~~JMB
Edited on: Jun 2, 2007 21:31 pm
good luck on your wish, i hope you win
please check out my wishes-thank you
My daughter goe into children's next week. She has spent much of her life there and I have seen many of the children there, orphaned and such, which anyone would love just to see them smile. I couldn't find a worthier cause and just think it is wonderful what you are doing!!!! Bless you!!!
Best of luck and I look forward to learning more about you and your family!!!
From the Heart,
~~JMB
you have my vote.
Best of luck to you. My daughter has spent a lot of time in akron childrens hospital. And the little toys or blankets they give her definatly brightened her stays, I hope you get some funding for this project.
From the Heart,
~~JMB
This wish speaks of open hearts and lots of love....wonderful wish!
From the Heart,
~~JMB
good luck
Good Luck to you!!! you have my FIVE!!!
God bless and good luck, my friend!
Thank you, I will show her the link, you got my 5!
I have a webcast presentation tomorrow morning if she would like to attend (9:05am PST). Just let me know!
I think its a great idea. Here is my 5
Wish I could do more, but you have my 5!!
my 5 for a great cause!!!
5/5
please look at my wish
good luck
I really hope you get your wish good luck to you. Here is a 5! Could you please help me
out by checking out my wish at [ link ]
Good Luck and God Bless,
Margie
good luck
Best of LUCK!!!
Good luck
5 stars...good luck with everything!!!
please check out my wish :)
Good luck!
What an incredible organization!! Five stars and best of luck!
5 stars, good luck.
Awesome wish !! Good luck my 5 *****
From the Heart,
~~JMB
Thank you for your vote!!!
An excellent wish! You have my five!
incredible wish, good luck
Good Luck!!!