Washington, D.C. — First Star announced today an alliance with
Build-A-Bear Workshop® to honor the 2006 Build-A-Bear Workshop Huggable Heroes® at the annual
Celebration for Children’s Rights to be held in Los Angeles on June 3, 2006. Founded by film producer Peter Samuelson (“Arlington Road”, “Stormbreaker”), First Star is a national 501(c) (3) public charity dedicated to improving the lives of America’s abused and neglected children. At the Celebration, First Star will be honoring media visionary Todd Wagner and Keely and Pierce Brosnan for their work on behalf of America's youth.
“More than five million children are involved in reports of abuse and neglect each year in America," said Samuelson. "Through our relationship with Build-A-Bear Workshop®, we raise awareness of these special children and bring concern for all children to the forefront of our nation’s consciousness.”
The collaboration supports the national interest in the Build-A-Bear Workshop 2006 Huggable Heroes program, which identifies and recognizes children who are doing great things in their communities. The 2006 Huggable Heroes nominees will be narrowed down to a field of approximately 100 semifinalists and then 25 finalists. From the finalists the public will be invited to vote at www.buildabear.com for their favorite potential Huggable Hero. The finalist with the most votes will be named the People’s Pick Huggable Hero and will join eleven other amazing kids, who will be selected by an independent judging panel, as the 2006 Huggable Heroes.
“Our Huggable Heroes are an inspiration and through the Huggable Heroes program we encourage them to continue their great work and motivate others to become involved,” said Build-A-Bear Workshop® Founder and Chief Executive Bear Maxine Clark. “We are honored to support First Star and their efforts to promote the rights of children. Having First Star recognize our Huggable Heroes at their Celebration for Children’s Rights provides a wonderful experience for all our young heroes.”
The 12 Huggable Heroes® will receive a trip to Los Angeles to be honored at the First Star Celebration for Children’s Rights in Los Angeles on June 3. They will also each receive $2,500 to help further the causes that are close to their hearts, and will participate in a professional photo shoot in Los Angeles for the 2007 Huggable Heroes calendar produced by Build-A-Bear Workshop®.
About First Star
First Star’s mission is to serve as a catalyst for meaningful reform of the child welfare system through communication, education and legislation. Based in Washington, D.C., First Star works to change the child welfare system from one of abuse and neglect to one of protection and support through a nonpartisan, multidisciplinary approach that fosters collaborative action among institutions, child advocates, practitioners and policy-makers working to benefit children.
About Build-A-Bear Workshop
Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. is the only global company that offers an interactive make-your-own-stuffed animal retail-entertainment experience. Founded in St. Louis in 1997, the company currently operates more than 200 stores in the United States and Canada. The addition of franchise stores in Europe, Asia and Australia make Build-A-Bear Workshop the world leader in interactive retail. In November 2004, the company expanded the make-your-own concept from stuffed animals to dolls with the opening of its first friends 2B made® store, in which Guests can make their own dolls. Build- A-Bear Workshop (NYSE: BBW) posted total revenue of $362 million in fiscal 2005. For more information, call 888.560.BEAR (2327) or visit the company’s award-winning Web sites at www.buildabear.com and www.friends2bmade.com.
