This Christmas season, Telemundo 39 and NBC 5 join forces with the Teddy Bear Party, to invite you to donate and get your tickets to an event with a good cause tied to it.
The Teddy Bear Party has been making a difference for more than a decade. We invite you on Saturday, December 7 to the Echo Lounge in Dallas where attendees can donate teddy bears in support of children fighting cancer. The teddy bears will be given to children who are receiving treatment or about to receive it. Over the years, this heartwarming initiative has benefited organizations such as Cook Children’s, Rainbow Roundup, Family Equality, Stand Up 2 Cancer, Equality Texas, Trevor Project, and Dallas Hope Charities.
Since its launch in 2011, the event has managed to donate more than $770,000 dollars and more than 15,700 teddy bears to children in need through its beneficiaries.
The origin of the Teddy Bear Party is rooted in a personal experience. Jason Hanna and Joe Riggs, founders and CEOs of the foundation, began hosting Christmas parties at their home in 2009. Initially focused on toy drives for local children’s hospitals, it was during a pivotal time in his life that Jason decided to transform this gathering into something even more impressive. Due to the loss of his mother, Kaye, who battled stage 4 lung cancer, Jason started a teddy bear donation drive in her memory.
The inaugural year saw an outpouring of support from the LGBTQ+ community, who rallied to Jason’s cause and helped donate over 225 teddy bears. Kaye’s memory continues to inspire each annual celebration, honoring not only her legacy but that of all those fighting serious illnesses.
The Teddy Bear Party’s mission is to support children in need, advocate for equality, and honor those affected by illness. With other holidays full of hope and generosity approaching, support this year’s Teddy Party. It is a beautiful way to spread joy while making a profound impact on the lives of young people.
For more information on donating, purchasing tickets, or how to become a patron, click HERE.
Tickets are now on sale. Get your tickets today and bring a teddy bear or two!
El Teddy Bear Party
Saturday, December 7
8 pm – 1 am
The Echo Lounge & Music Hall
dallas
For tickets click HERE
About the Teddy Bear Party:
Since its creation in 2011, the Teddy Bear Party Foundation has been a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ equality, social justice in all communities, and the fight against cancer and life-threatening diseases. The foundation’s vision is based on the belief that all people deserve an inclusive world in which they can live authentically, love freely, and thrive regardless of their background or identity. The Teddy Bear Party Foundation strives to create a better future where every person can pursue their dreams without barriers or fear.
What can attendees expect from this year’s Teddy Bear Party event?
Welcome to our interview on the Teddy Bear Party Foundation and its upcoming event. Today we have two special guests, Jason Hanna and Joe Riggs, the founders and CEOs of the foundation, to discuss the Teddy Bear Party and its mission. Let’s start by understanding the inspiration behind this heartwarming initiative.
Jason, can you tell us why you and Joe started the Teddy Bear Party, and what was the inspiration behind it?
Jason: Well, the Teddy Bear Party was initially a Christmas party that we hosted at our home in 2009. It was during this time that we decided to turn the party into something more significant, focusing on toy drives for local children’s hospitals. Unfortunately, around this time, I lost my mother Kaye, who was battling stage 4 lung cancer. In her memory, I started a teddy bear donation drive, which became the foundation of the Teddy Bear Party.
This personal experience with loss seemed to have a profound impact on the direction of the party. Can you elaborate on that, Joe?
Joe: Absolutely. When Jason brought up the idea of starting the teddy bear donation drive in honor of his mother, we both felt it was a perfect way to give back to children in need and spread some joy during the holiday season. We never imagined that it would turn into something as impactful as the Teddy Bear Party has become. Our hope is that we can continue to make a difference in children’s lives and honor those affected by illness.
The Teddy Bear Party has been making a difference for over a decade now. Can you share some of the achievements and milestones that you are most proud of?
Jason: We’re incredibly proud of the fact that we’ve managed to donate over $770,000 and more than 15,700 teddy bears to children in need through our beneficiaries. What started as a small gathering of friends has turned into a movement that brings together people from all walks of life to support each other and make a difference. We’ve seen firsthand what a teddy bear can mean to a child going through a tough time, and we’re grateful to be able to provide that comfort and support.
As the event approaches,
