Being successful in business (non-profit or for-profit) sometimes requires creating a niche for the business which may not be exactly what you thought it was going to be. Fundraising for a non-profit 501c3 can be even more challenging when you stop to consider the competition that exists for donation dollars particularly when the COVID-19 pandemic has placed an economic strain on individuals and businesses alike. Fundraising is much more than recruiting financial donors especially on a one-time basis; fundraising is an investment in establishing an ongoing relationship with individuals and companies that BELIEVE in what you have set out to achieve, and continue to support those efforts by giving of themselves not only financially but also giving of their time and effort. The Teddy Bear Project offers the opportunity to allow people to feel good because they know that they are making a major difference in the lives of others. We recognize that when dealing with in-kind donations as we often do, that we will be receiving a variety of teddy bears and other plush animals which makes what we do even more special because of the diversity of our donors as well as our donations. Every one of our donors is special to us, and every one of our donations has a home just waiting to love him or her.

Let me tell you about our tiny teddies . . . all 100 of them under 6 inches which is not quite a “huggable” stature typically being toted around by children of all ages. However, the Girl Scout Troop in Sarasota was making gift baskets to earn their badges which were a perfect “home” for our tiny teddies. Never underestimate the power of a teddy bear.