First National Bank & Trust’s Project Teddy Bear program is pleased to announce the Fifth 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 Tuesday, November 22 at Mountain View Ice Arena when the Kingsford Flivvers take on the Escanaba Eskymos. The game starts at 6:00 pm, with admission only $1 for attendees bringing a new stuffed animal donation to toss on the ice when the Flivvers score their first goal.
“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 a couple of years ago when I was in the Emergency Room with my son, and saw his face light up when he was handed a stuffed animal. It is for those reasons we are enthusiastic about continuing to grow this wonderful family friendly event and will hopefully break our previous records of collecting stuffed toys.”
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. All Air-the-Bear proceeds go directly to help fund the Flivver Hockey program.
Since its inception in 2017, Project Teddy Bear has donated over 1,500 new stuffed toys to local organizations. Project Teddy Bear is part of First National Bank & Trust’s ongoing dedication to supporting and strengthening our community. The toy drive will continue throughout December with contributions being collected at the First National Bank & Trust downtown office at 233 S. Stephenson Ave.
Pictured L-R: Kingsford High School Varsity Hockey Team Head Coach Greg Wadge; KHS Hockey Players Nick Doran, Hunter Hulkkonen, Gabe LaFreniere, Isaiah Anderson, Niko Burgoon, Brett Berglund, Hart Debidart, Wyatt Scott; Jake Hogberg and Matthew Lutz of First National Bank & Trust