Now in its fifth year, the Martha’s Vineyard Teddy Bear Suite continues to grow, with more bears, more visitors, and more special fundraising events. One day, when Point B, the Harbor View Hotel, and the MV Boys & Girls Club got together, a jingle jog was suggested.
A Bear Necessity
We all looked at each other and knew that this was great event to add to the month-long celebration and annual holiday fundraising drive for the After School Programs at the Martha’s Vineyard Boys & Girls Club.
I mean, come on, how does Martha’s Vineyard not have a holiday run/walk event? We have running clubs, beautiful terrain, and a lot of people who like to have fun.
Also, Club board member Sydney Mullen is an avid runner, and executive director, Pete Lambos, can organize a good 5K. The decision was simple.
Introducing the inaugural Teddy Bear Trot – Holiday 5K Fun Run & Walk, Sunday, December 20th. Registration begins in the lobby of the Harbor View Hotel at 8:30 a.m. with the race beginning at 9:30 a.m. right outside the front door of the hotel.
Cost is $10 per registrant (and $5 for children 12 and under). All of the money raised goes to the Martha’s Vineyard Boys & Girls Club’s After School Program which is the vital service used by hundreds of children and their families every day here on the Vineyard.
In fact, all the money raised by the Martha’s Vineyard Teddy Bear Suite Fundraiser goes to support this very important program. Our goal this year is $15,000, and so far, we’ve raised $11,000+, and we hope that the Teddy Bear Trot will help us get that much closer to the money needed for the Club.
Fundraising MVBGC fact: $15,000 = Free snacks and meals for over 90 kids each day after school for the entire school year!
Jingle All the Way
Participants are encouraged to be as festive and zany as possible. Dogs, strollers, runners, walkers, the more interesting the better. Since this is a fun run and walk, all skill levels can participate, and you know a lot if us have some cookies and eggnog or bubbly to work off.
Awards will be given of course for speed, but there will be some fun categories as well, so dress to impress!
The race finishes in the Fuller Street parking lot of the Harbor View Hotel, where the bears from the teddy bear suite will be waiting, cheering you on, and I imagine there will be a lot of opportunity for photo ops.
After the race, visit the Teddy Bear Suite, have the Harbor View Hotel’s signature brunch or enjoy specially prepared takeaway meals too.
I have my red tutu – do you?
Don’t forget that the Martha’s Vineyard Teddy Bear Suite, where holiday memories are made is open thru Wednesday, December 23rd. Come visit often and celebrate the magic of the season.
Martha’s Vineyard Teddy Bear Suite Hours:
Tuesday – Friday, 10:00 a.m.to 12:00 p.m. & 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m
Saturday – 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday – 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Closed Mondays
The Club has a number of financial needs because all its programs are so affordable, and you too can help. If you are not able to come to the run or to the suite, simply click here to donate
Thanks for reading the On Point Blog. You can learn more about the Martha’s Vineyard Teddy Bear Suite and the Martha’s Vineyard Boys & Girls Club on Facebook, including more about the Teddy Bear Trot. You can also discover the latest happenings on MVTeddybearsuite.com
Don’t forget to share your Martha’s Vineyard Teddy Bear Suite pics and when on Instagram and Facebook please use #mvteddybearsuite.