Chiefs Join with Good Bears of the World to put a "Beary" Large Smile on Local Children's Faces

Sep 04, 2007, 12:52:13 PM

At 6 foot 5, 301 pounds people don’t typically refer to Chiefs C Rudy Niswanger as a cuddly teddy bear. However, Rudy and his wife Patricia are apparently trying to buck that perspective. On the first official day off of the NFL’s regular season, he spent the morning surrounded by 48 teddies thanks to Good Bears of the World (GBW). Together, they distributed these plush treasures to children at Operation Breakthrough. Rudy and Patricia not only handed over a bear to each child, they also offered their love and affection, giving each kid a hung before they ran off with their new fury friend.

GBW is an international non-profit organization, with two local dens in the Kansas City area. A special group of arctophiles (teddy bear lovers) believed so strongly in the comfort and solace a teddy bear can offer that they banded together to form GBW in 1969. Good Bear members make it their mission to ensure that every child has a teddy bear to hug. Most recently, GBW members have worked with Military Family Service Organizations to supply teddy bears to the children of deployed troops, many of which were from the Kansas and Missouri area.

The mission of Operation Breakthrough is to help children who are living in poverty develop to their fullest potential by providing them a safe, loving and educational environment. The Chiefs and Operation Breakthrough have a sustained history of partnership. Earlier this summer, the 23rd edition of the Chiefs Charity game raised $502,950 for the agency. Over the past three years combined, the team has amassed nearly $2 million for the center. Additionally, the Niswangers are frequent volunteers at Operation Breakthrough.

Bill Boyd’s Original Teddy Bear Jubilee is the major fundraiser for GBW. It will be held at the KCI Expo Center (11730 N. Ambassador Drive, Kansas City, MO, 64152) on September 7th and 8th, 2007. Saturday’s (9/8) schedule of events includes a Show and Sale from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. There will be over 40 artist exhibitors from around the United States, each showcasing their own original artwork. This Show and Sale is open to the public with a $6 admission for adults, and $1 admission for those under 12. For more information, please visit www.teddybearjubilee.com.

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