On a bright chilly January afternoon, Point B Realty — founders and sponsors of the Martha’s Vineyard Teddy Bear Suite — along with our fundraising colleagues from the Harbor View Hotel, met with Pete Lambos, the executive director at the Martha’s Vineyard Boys & Girls Club to present a check for $15,300. It was a joyous experience, one that all the kids at the Club took part in.
Giving that much money to a worthy organization, being surrounded by happy children, it truly was a feel-good moment, one that I was proud to be a part of. This Martha’s Vineyard Teddy Bear Suite fundraiser has so much support from generous donors on and off-Island.
Martha’s Vineyard Teddy Bear Suite 2015
Over the holiday season, the Martha’s Vineyard Teddy Bear Suite, now a key part of the Christmas tradition on the Island, brought joy to thousands of children of all ages.
In addition to the month-long celebration with the teddy bears at the Harbor View Hotel, some serious fundraising was happening. Through donations at the suite, our raffle held during Christmas in Edgartown, events like the Teddy Bear Trot & Holiday Fun Run 5K, Shopping With A Cause, plus online donations, $15,300 was raised for the MV Boys & Girls Club’s After School Program.
Never did we think when we started this amazing holiday event five years ago, that we’d raise $15,000 in one year — let alone $50,000 over the past 5 years. It has been a remarkable, joyful, humbling experience each year. And it has now become one of the significant fundraisers for the Martha’s Vineyard Boys & Girls Club
Knowing that the Teddy Bear Suite is a place where holiday memories are made for so many, and that this magical event is doing so much good.
The Club’s After School Program supports hundreds of elementary school aged children and their families (400 members) here on the Vineyard, by providing safe and affordable after school care during the school year. Here, children can play, have a snack, get help with homework, and more.
It’s an amazing resource for so many people, and what’s even more amazing, is that it’s only $20 per child for the school year, that’s less than dinner for two! Since it is kept so affordable, there is a big gap in the Club’s budget, and fundraisers like the Martha’s Vineyard Teddy Bear Suite help fill that gap and keep the program viable.
A Bear-y Good Hint At What’s To Come
Knowing that we’ve raised $50,000 over the past 5 years, we can’t help but be excited for this coming year’s holiday fundraising drive. We’re already in the process of procuring a collection of over 500 teddy bears from an Island family, who is bear-y supportive of the Martha’s Vineyard Teddy Bear Suite.
That amount of bears could lead to an additional suite at the Harbor View Hotel that’s filled with adorable, cuddly teddy bears, but in this suite, you could actually spend the night — which is one of our top requests each year.
Hmmmm… We’re working with the Harbor View to see what we could do. Perhaps this is the year. Stay tuned!
Also, the second annual Teddy Bear Trot Holiday Fun Run & 5K will be even bigger and better. Perhaps you might want to purchase your fun, holiday attire to wear on the run early in the season, so you can be one of the most festive participants.
With each passing year, the Martha’s Vineyard Teddy Bear Suite continues to grow and celebrate the magic of the season on Martha’s Vineyard. To stay up to date on bear sightings, visit mvteddybearsuite.com
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