First Lady Laura Bush posed for a photo with Bishop Nicholas!

January 8, 2003 - Jackie Cruse and Theresa Doggett, creators of our outstanding J & T Imaginations™ Santa figures, created a 5 �-foot Bishop Nicholas figure, which Boyds donated to the Vatican Exhibit at the Museum at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. The breathtaking figure-inspired by Saint Nicholas, a pious man who gave to the poor and devoted his life to helping others-took 2 weeks to sculpt, cloth, and accessorize. The Bishop features a resin face and wears a burgundy velvet cloak with gold and copper embroidery and a matching sash with the Vatican Exhibition embroidered logo patch. In his hands, he holds at Bishop's staff-inspired by a Vatican original-and a wooden beaded rosary with a pewter cross. A Boyds Bear wearing an authentic Monk' robe accompanies the piece, as well as a Boyds doll holding a paint palette.

The Exhibit, which also featured 31 frescoes from the Vatican and other artifacts, ran from June 2002 through September 2002. During that time, the Vatican held an international silent auction for our life-size figure. The top bid of $10,000 was placed by an anonymous bidder, who opted to donate the Bishop Nicholas to the Vatican Exhibit, which, in turn, decided to donate the figure to the Children's Ward of the Covenant Health System in Lubbock. The money raised will benefit the Vatican Exhibit.

Many of you may not know about our creative team out of Post, Texas who design our wunnerful Santa figures. J & T Imaginations was founded by Jackie Cruse and Theresa Doggett just a few short years ago! Initially, the duo created dolls, which Jackie sculpted and Theresa hand-painted. These wee creations they sold to Christian stores throughout their local area. As the company grew, so did the size of the dolls Jackie and Theresa created, and with training in mold making and resin pouring, the duo was able to segue into creation of life-size Santa figures. These elaborately costumed, intricately sculpted, and expressive creations-complete with realistic glass eyes, antique accessories, lights, and modern innovations-caught the eye of department store giant Neiman Marcus, which featured an exclusive design in its 1998 Christmas catalog. Now, J & T Imaginations is part of The Boyds Collection, Ltd. and together we work to promote the growth of their line.

The Boyds Collection Ltd. is a leading domestic designer, importer, and distributor of branded (ouch!), high quality, handcrafted collectibles and other specialty giftware products. Boyds sells its products through a large and diverse network of independent gift and collectible retailers, high-end department stores, selected catalogue retailers and other electronic and retail channels. Boyds crafts affordably priced, high quality, "Folksy with Attitude" collectibles. And, proudly donates a portion of our proceeds to The Starlight Children's Foundation�. The Boyds Collection, Ltd. is based in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and is a publicly traded company (NYSE symbol: FOB).