GMA Holds Teddy Bear Collection for Goodwill

FORT MYERS, Fla. - Oct. 17, 2013 - PRLog -- Gora McGahey Architects and Planners (GMA) sponsored a Teddy Bear Happy Hour for Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida on October 2. Attendees were encouraged to bring teddy bears to the event, which was held at Goodwill’s Boutique on First.

The teddy bears will be a part of the Festival’s annual bear tree, which has become a staple of the event. Made up from bears donated by the community, the tree is one of 25 beautifully decorated trees that is auctioned off at the Festival’s signature event, the Tux & Trees Gala, on December 7.  Auction guests gather around this special tree to raise money for The Southwest Florida Goodwill Foundation.  The tree is then traditionally donated to the children’s hospital.

“We love that GMA wants to be such a large part of this year’s Very Beary Christmas tree,” says Goodwill spokesperson Madison Mitchell. “All of our trees are beautiful but, I think the bear tree holds a special place in the heart of attendees.”

The event was attended by representatives of both organizations, city officials, and other community supporters. Over 100 bears were collected at the event.

If you are interested in hosting a teddy bear drive, or have new bears that you would like to donate contact Madison Mitchell at (239)995-2106 ext. 2213 or email MadisonMitchell@goodwillswfl.org. For more information on the Festival of Trees and Tux & Trees Gala visit www.tuxandtrees.com .

Last year’s Festival and Gala raised $93,000 to support the Southwest Florida Goodwill Foundation, which provides long-term financial support to programs and services of Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida.  In 2012, Goodwill helped 30,000 Southwest Floridians with disabilities and other disadvantages become more independent.