Ty Warner, local hotelier and owner of the world’s largest manufacturer of plush, has introduced Hope, a limited-edition, non-denominational praying bear. The multi-colored bear will offer a symbol of hope to the world while supporting the United Way Worldwide COVID-19 Fund.
Warner will contribute 100 percent of the profits from the original sale to the United Way Worldwide fund.
“The world needs hope, and this little bear just might bring us the smile we need right now,” Warner said. “It is an honor to partner with United Way Worldwide, the world’s largest nonprofit organization, which has been providing hope to communities around the world for over 135 years.”
United Way Worldwide’s COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery Fund is helping local chapters respond to pandemic needs, while ensuring people get accurate information. 211, the go-to information resource in the U.S., is fielding 200%-400% more calls than normal, mostly for food, financial assistance and housing.
In the Santa Barbara community, Ty Warner is donating several hundred Hope bears to Storyteller Children’s Center and CALM. Storyteller Children’s Center is a year-round therapeutic school serving homeless and disadvantaged toddlers and preschoolers.
Storyteller is safely distributing Hope bears to each of the nearly 100 students they serve. CALM is a countywide organization mitigating and preventing childhood trauma and abuse. CALM’s Hope bears will be going out with donated meals as part of duo|MORE. Dozens are also heading up to North County for distribution.
“We could all use a little levity and reprieve right now, but perhaps none more than our children and their families who were struggling to get out of poverty prior to the pandemic,” said Storyteller executive director Donna Barranco Fisher. “On a macro scale, these Hope bears will provide critical assistance and relief. On a micro scale, these bears will bring a much-needed bright light to a child’s day.”
Warner’s announcement follows his decision last month to open his Four Seasons Hotel in New York to doctors, nurses and medical workers fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, providing them a place to stay free of charge. Warner is delivering individual Hope bears to the medical professionals currently staying at the hotel, and making additional donations to the United Way Worldwide on their behalf.
Ty Warner is an American toy manufacturer and owner of luxury hotels worldwide. He is chairman, CEO and founder of Ty Inc., the largest manufacturer of plush in the world.
A philanthropist, Warner has donated more than $300 million to a variety of charities, including Children’s Hunger Fund, World Vision, International Toy Bank, Children’s Miracle Network, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Toys for Tots, Princess of Wales Foundation, American Red Cross, Save the Children, NY Police and Fire Widow’s Fund, Ronald McDonald House, USO, Mayo Clinic and UNICEF.
For more about United Way, visit UnitedWay.org.