Sudden, unexpected tragedy and friendship have kept alive an idea, allowing it to flourish in Contra Costa County this holiday season. The benefactors of this original plan, which was hatched on the East Coast back in 2009: children, from the ages of eight months to six years.
The originator of the event, Lisa Bryant, a Regional Loss Prevention Manager for CVS/pharmacy, headed up a gift giving event on the last day of November 2011, giving children in Richmond, California, the gift of cute and cuddly teddy bears: www.cvs.com. Bryant’s right hand man connected to the 2009 charitable event, John Gillaspy, a former co-worker and mentor of Bryant’s at CVS/pharmacy, sadly passed away back in May of this year near his hometown of Philadelphia. “John was a gentle bear of a man and a very giving person. I wanted to continue something in his name, something that he really believed in,” stated Bryant, when asked why she decided to spearhead this year’s teddy bear gifting.
The festivities began at the start of business day on the morning of the 30th, where over 60 volunteers met at the Build-A-Bear shop in Walnut Creek, California, to begin teddy bear construction: www.buildabear.com. The overwhelming majority of these volunteers came from CVS/pharmacy’s Western U.S. management ranks. After almost three hours of building bears, the group of volunteers loaded up their wares and caravanned to Verde Elementary School in Richmond, where over 130 children anxiously awaited.
Once at the school, dignitaries arrived along with parents and children and volunteers. A sound system was set up and, in conjunction with Catholic Charities of the East Bay, ceremonial words were spoken: http://www.cceb.org. The anticipation grew, and then 145 cuddly teddy bears were dispersed among the eager and wide-eyed children and their grateful family members.
When all was said and done, an idea that sprouted two years whence, flourished in western Contra Costa County this holiday season. Volunteers, two different retailers, and charity organizations working in unison pulled off a gifting event that brought happiness and togetherness to the nearly 300 people in attendance. Later that same evening, Bryant reflected on the day’s events. “Everyone had a great time, and all the children received a bear. I know John Gillaspy would have been proud. Hopefully we’ll continue this in the years to come.”
An idea shared with a friend resulted in charity, giving, and happy children. As Bryant stated, hopefully it continues in the years to come.
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