Teddy Bear Tea Party powers fundraising efforts
Teddy Bears sit on tables ready for bidders during the 2017 Teddy Bear Tea Party. (Robert DeBerry/The Salvation Army)
Teddy Bears, tea, finger foods and a lot of prodding by auction emcee Sheila Balistreri put this year’s Teddy Bear Tea Party in the record books as one to remember. It also proved the Salvation Army’s Women’s Auxiliary knows how to hold an event. The annual event, now in its 18th year, attracted more than 250 attendees and showcased more than 200 individually dressed bears, many decorated with handmade items and outfits.
According to Major Cindy Dickinson, director of Women’s Ministries with the Salvation Army Alaska Division, the event was “a magnificent event” to kick off the holiday season. “We raised over $10,500 and had over 250 people in attendance.”
Planning for the annual event usually starts in January and keeps the Women’s Auxiliary staff busy until the final bear is wrapped up and sent home with the winning bidder. The favorite bears are the familiar faces and celebrity look-a-likes. “People really like the television character teddy bears but the homemade bears with the really intricate outfits are incredible too," said Maj. Dickinson.
Teddy Bears are not all that is on the auction block. A lot of local businesses really stepped up to help with this event and show their support for The Salvation Army Alaska Division and the programs that will benefit. Businesses such as restaurants, the Alaska Railroad, local furriers, University of Alaska Anchorage and the Anchorage Concert Association donated items.
“We even had our three United States legislators and Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz donate.” said Maj. Dickinson. Representative Don Young donated a copy of the 14th edition of the Congressional Cookbook, Senator Lisa Murkowski donated a lovely gift basket and Senator Dan Sullivan donated a flag that was flown over the U.S. Capital. “It is really great to see our local and state representatives donate to this wonderful event."
The community’s overwhelming involvement in the event helps lead to how successful it has become. In all there were close to 60 businesses and individuals that donated items for auction.
All the proceeds will go to support the local programs with the Salvation Army Alaska Division. Programs like the Clitheroe Center, McKinnell House and Serendipity Adult Day Services will benefit. "We will even be able to help send children to summer camp, " said Maj. Dickinson. How this year’s money will be spent will depend on the individual needs of the different programs but if previous years are any indication the funds will be put to beneficial use and stay within our community.
Former Alaska Lieutenant Governor and current Alaska Salvation Army Alaska Division Advisory Board member Loren Leman looks over Teddy Bears up for auction during the 2017 Teddy Bear Tea Party. (Robert DeBerry/The Salvation Army)
About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army, established in London in 1865, has been supporting those in need without discrimination for more than 135 years in the U.S. More than 25 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through a range of social services: food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless, and opportunities for underprivileged children. The Salvation Army tracks the level of need across the country with the Human Needs Index (HumanNeedsIndex.org). The Salvation Army has served survivors of every major national disaster since 1900.
About The Salvation Army in Alaska
The Salvation Army, an evangelic part of the universal Christian church, supports those in need in His name without discrimination, offering spiritual encouragement and basic services to meet the needs of Alaskans in 18 communities. The Salvation Army has been caring for mind, body, spirit and soul of individuals, children and families in Alaska since 1898. In 2017 The Salvation Army has served 300,769 meals, helps more than 7,800 Alaskans monthly, 71,175 bed nights available, 49,612 toys and gifts and more than 11,500 clothing items provided. For more information, please visit Alaska.salvationarmy.org.