Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

Well, I ran into a bit of a snafu.  It's against policy to sell raffle tickets through paypal.  So far, all is good for any tickets already sold.  I'm working on the needed documentation from NTAF to make sure everything is A-OK.  If you want to buy tickets for the bear, you can still send me a check or make a direct donation to NTAF and forward the donation confirmation to me.  I have to say, the paypal people have  been really nice about this.

Hugs,
Alison

Thank you all so much.  I am really excited and can't wait until July 10th for the drawing because someone I know is going to win this bear!  Not sure where I'm going to get a box big enough to ship it!  I updated Tiffany and her family about the amazing response from the teddy bear community and they too, are overwhelmed. 

Big hugs!
Alison

Thanks so much Tammy & Janice.  The response has been pretty overwhelming!  The teddy bear community is so wonderful and caring it just amazes me.  The eyes are 20 mm.  I have to say that I am in dire need of a massage after tackling such a large bear.

Hugs!
Alison

This bear is being raffled to benefit Tiffany Tate.  Tiffany need to raise $100,000 for a lung transplant.  Ticket are $10 each and only 250 tickets will be available.  Please visit my website, http://www.eTeddys.net, and go to the charitable works page to learn more about Tiffany and how to purchase raffle tickets.  If you have a blog or facebook page, I would be very grateful if you would share this information with your friends.  We hope to sell all 250 tickets and raise $2,500 with this event. 

Tiffany, the bear, is a whopping 33 inches long.  She is made from Schulte Kid mohair, the finest that money can buy.  I ordered the glass eyes direct from the manufacturer in the UK as this size is not available in the US.  I have added ultra suede eyelids and eyelashes made from  human hair.  She has reverse trapunto paws made from 100% wool felt and is fully lock nut jointed. 

Please help me help Tiffany!  100% off the ticket price will go to the National Transplant Assistance Fund which is overseeing Tiffany's fund raising efforts.  NTAF insures that all funds are used for medical expenses for transplant patients.

Bear hugs!

Alison

What an amazing creation.  I wish I could feel his fur!

Hugs,
Alison

Beautiful!  What did you use to over-dye the mohair?   It's so pretty.

Hugs,
Alison

After reading the few posts here, private emails and talking to Tiffany's mom, I've decided to scrap the eBay auction plan.  I don't think it's worth the risk of having and auction pulled.  I will set up a raffle of some sort and sell a limited amount of tickets so that the chances of winning are good.  I'll make sure to post the info here and anywhere else that I can.  Thank you all for your help!

Alison

WOW, What a great picture of me.  It was closing time and I was already sleeping!  zzzzzzzzzz

Alison

Thanks Dawn,
I guess if you word things correctly, you can still do an ebay auction.  Unfortunately, neither Tiffany nor her mom seem very savvy about fund raising.  I probably have done more fund raising throughout the years for various organizations.

Hugs,
Alison

Hello,
I need advice from all of you.  There is a woman that lives here in the Phoenix area that is in need of a double lung transplant, Tiffany Tate.  I became interested in helping her firstly, because I have had a kidney transplant and know what a gift it is to have an extended lease on life.  I also wanted to help because she is the same age I was when I received my transplant.  I also believe that each person on earth is worthy of s second chance.  So, I decided to make a teddy bear to auction on her behalf.  She is raising her funds through the National Transplant Assistance Fund (NTAF) which is a non-profit and oversees the use of all the money.  They give accountability by ensuring that all funds raised are used for medical expenses.  NTAF is a part of Mission Fish, eBay's non-profit program.  So, I think this is a no brainer and called NTAF to find out how my eBay auction funds would get credited to Tiffany's account.  They informed me that this is not possible through Mission Fish.  I would have to run the auction on my own and forward the money on to them or the money would go into their general account.  Also, they cannot provide me with the paperwork to run a charity auction on my own.  So, here I am with a giant bear, ready for ebay and now I cannot promote this as a charity auction or eBay will yank in a heartbeat.  I wish NTAF would provide the means for me to do this as a charity auction but that's not going to happen.   

What should I do?  Should I go ahead and run this as a private auction and just let my mailing list members know the money will go to NTAF on behalf of Tiffany?  Should I scrap the auction idea and try to sell raffle tickets?  My thought was to print 200 tickets and sell them for $10 each.  Our state may cut lung transplant benefits for those on Medicaid and if that happens, the family needs to come up with $500,000 + for the surgery.  Obviously, I want to raise as much money as I can to help.  Please send me your thoughts on what I should do!  We planned to start the auction on Sunday.  I saw Tiffany on the news and felt a special connection with her so this is very important to me.

Many thanks in advance for your advice!

Hugs,
Alison

Imogen is darling!  Love the hat to crocheted for her.  Welcome back!

Hugs,
Alison
www.teddybearmohair.com

Thank you, thank you!  It's wonderful to see these virtual shows. 

:hug:
Alison

Mmmmmm, s'mores!  This bear knows what's good!

Hugs,
Alison

They would look so lovely in the large lighted cabinet in my kitchen!  Much prettier than my crystal bowl!  Your work never ceases to amaze!

Hugs,
Alison

An amazing piece!

Hugs,
Alison

I LOVE this bear!    

Hugs,
Alison

Beth,
So sorry to hear about your beloved pet.   :hug: I loved seeing your work in person at the Teddy Bear Reunion.  I wish I could have had more time to chat with everyone.  I think my husband talked to most everyone in the show room.  Next time, I'll make him work the table and I'll go visit and take pics.

Hugs,
Alison

Like Tracy, I didn't get around to all of the tables.  So, the pics were great for me to see too.  I guess I'd better keep my hubby around.  He really enjoyed the show and has agreed to travel to EXPO with me in October. 

Hugs,
Alison

I told Robert how much you all have enjoyed his pictures and gave him extra hugs. :hug: He said the gallery was easy because it wasn't as crowded as the sales room!

Hugs,
Alison

OH no, there were way more than 250 people, that was the number of conventioneers.  If you bought a convention package, you got your meals, lodging in a host home and could attend workshops (many were free.)  Many more attended just for the show.  I don't do a lot of shows, but the turn out for this was much better than I've seen at any show in the last few years.  There were 6 collectors from Arizona that came for the show. 

Hugs,
Alison

Brenda,
If there is a particular bear or two, just ask.  I have the original, HUGE, files and I can see if I can read the artists name by zooming in.  He did much better on the gallery pics.  I wish we had more signage in the table pics.

Hugs,
Alison

I'll make sure to let my hubby, Robert, know that you all appreciated the pictures.  I don't think anyone refused him a picture.  He's a good looking guy and quite charming.  He really worked the room!

Hugs,
Alison

Use this link to see a news clip that was aired on a Des Moines, IA news program.  Pretty cool publicity for the teddy bear world!

http://www.kcci.com/entertainment/23874113/detail.html

Hugs,

Alison

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