(L-R): Matthew Lutz and Russ Kassin of First National Bank & Trust; Hunter Fortner, Kurt Ryan, Daniel Maki, and David Juul of the Kingsford High School Varsity Hockey Team; Dale Cook and Lisa Bosley of First National Bank & Trust; Tamara Juul, Coordinator
First National Bank & Trust’s Project Teddy Bear program is pleased to announce the 4th Annual Bring-a-Bear Teddy Bear Toss, with the goal of collecting new stuffed animals to donate to local area emergency responders, charities, and crisis centers. The Teddy Bear Toss takes place Monday, December 13th at Mountain View Ice Arena when the Flivver hockey team takes on the Negaunee Miners. The game starts at 6:00 pm, and admission is only $1 for attendees bringing a new stuffed animal donation to toss out onto the ice when announced.
“Speaking to our local emergency responders and hearing their touching stories about the truly positive effects of giving a child a stuffed animal during an emergency situation reiterates why First National Bank & Trust created Project Teddy Bear,” said Matthew Lutz, First National Bank & Trust Chief Financial Officer. “That hit very close to home recently when I was in the Emergency Room with my three year old son and when he was handed a stuffed animal and I saw firsthand his face light up. It is because of those reasons we are enthusiastic about continuing to grow this wonderful family friendly event and will hopefully break our previous records of stuffed animals thrown onto the ice!”
The Flivver Hockey program is also excited to once again host the event. “KHS hockey is proud to be a part of the Teddy Bear Toss event; it’s a fun time and helps so many kids during a crisis in our community,” said Greg Wadge, head coach of the Kingsford High School Varsity Hockey Team. “Additionally, having all those teddy bears tossed on the ice during a game adds extra excitement and we are grateful for our fans and happy to help out the community.”
In addition to the Teddy Bear Toss, the normally scheduled Chuck-a-Puck game will be replaced for the evening with Air-the-Bear, where participants can purchase a chance to hit center ice by throwing a numbered bear. The 3 closest bears will each win prizes provided by co-sponsor Radio Now 100.7 FM and First National Bank & Trust. All Air-the-Bear proceeds help fund the Flivver Hockey program.
Since its inception in 2017, Project Teddy Bear has donated over 1,300 new stuffed toys to local organizations. Project Teddy Bear is part of First National Bank and Trust’s ongoing dedication to supporting and strengthening our community. The toy drive will continue throughout December and anyone who would like to contribute may bring in new stuffed toys to the collection boxes located at the First National Bank & Trust downtown office at 233 S. Stephenson Ave.
