October 28, 2002 - Gettysburg, Pa., Jesselyn R. Angel is the third plush bear Boyds has created to help raise funds for the Starlight Children's Foundation, an international non-profit organization dedicated to brightening the lives of seriously ill children and their families. This bear is very special in that we named it after a ten-year-old girl in Virginia who has won the battle against Leukemia. Proud to be partnered with Starlight, Boyds will proudly donate 100% of its profits from the sale of the Jesselyn bear to the foundation.
The introduction of the third plush bear is part of Boyds continuing support of Starlight. The Boyds Stuff for Starlight campaign kicked off in August of 2000 and so far we've raised One Million Dollars for Starlight. Retailers enthusiastically responded to the first five Starlight exclusive pieces, three figurines from Boyds' top-selling Bearstone® Collection as well as our plush pieces, Vanessa R. Angel and Alisa R. Angel.
"Because of how well our previous two bears were received, we look to the introduction of the Jesselyn R. Angel bear with great enthusiasm. The money raised from the bear, which we anticipate will be significant, is going to do great things for great kids," said Jean-André Rougeot, CEO of The Boyds Collection Ltd.® "We thank all of our retail partners for their tremendous support of this worthwhile campaign."
Together Boyds and Starlight address the needs of the children and their families through several programs. We participate in Hospital Happenings-fun activities and events at local hospitals; donate Fun Centers and PC Pals-computerized entertainment units that keep kids occupied while in the hospital; grant wishes; and build Starlight Sites, beautifully designed (Boyds-style) hospital waiting rooms where parents and children can take their minds off the stresses of the day.
In fact, on September 25, 2002 we opened our very first Starlight Site, "Hope Forest," at the Johns Hopkins Children's Center in Baltimore, Maryland. Cal Ripken, Jr., Baltimore Orioles future Hall-of-Famer, his wife Kelly, several key staff members from Johns Hopkins, Starlight, and Boyds, as well as patients from the Children's Center, joined us for the ribbon cutting ceremony. The newly renovated lobby area resembles a forest with 5 trees, their branches filled with Boyds critters, as well as 5 alcoves or caves which house some of our newest collections. Seating is available throughout the forest where children and families can relax and spend time away from the hospital room.
Access to news and information about the Boyds Stuff for Starlight campaign can be found in the "Givin' Back" section of Boyds' website, BoydsStuff.com. The section was created especially for collectors who want to learn more about Boyds' charitable involvement.
"The Boyds Stuff for Starlight campaign is about the whole Boyds family - retailers, collectors and employees alike - working together to help bring smiles to the faces of seriously ill children. We're thrilled with the campaign's success so far, the tremendous retailer participation and the time that our employees have volunteered to help entertain children in hospitals. It's all making a difference," said Rougeot.
The Jesselyn R. Angel bear will be available at participating Boyds retailers in February 2003 for a suggested retail price of $15.00. To find a Boyds retailer, visit BoydsStuff.com. For more information on the Starlight Children's Foundation, visit Starlight.org.
