Build-A-Bear Autism Awareness Month

Build-A-Bear Autism Awareness Month Throughout April

Autism Awarenesss Month kicked off in April with an Autism Speaks party at the New York City flagship store of Build-A-Bear Workshop, where the siblings of children with autism gathered to design special bears for their brothers and sisters. Throughout the month, Build-A-Bear will sell its special edition Nikki III bear in its more than 200 stores across the U.S. and Canada, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Autism Speaks. The special purple bear will wear an Autism Speaks ribbon (the ribbon will be placed on the bears after they are purchased). Additionally, the sale of purple satin hearts ($1) will also benefit Autism Speaks during this period. Last year, Build-A-Bear's partnership with the National Alliance for Autism Research (NAAR) resulted in a $40,000 donation. Stores will offer customers printed information about autism, and Bearemy, the Build-A-Bear Workshop mascot, will attend several Walk for Autism Research events. For more information about the Build-A-Bear campaign, visit the company's web site at www.buildabear.com.