Build-A-Bear Huggable Heroes And USO Events In NY, IL, DC, CA And MO #babwUSOthanks

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This post was sponsored by Build-A-Bear in partnership with The Motherhood. Please note that, as always, any personal opinions reflected in this post are my own and have not been influenced by the sponsor or compensation received in any way.
I’m a big Build-A-Bear fan. I love my stuffed animals and as far as cute goes theirs pretty much take the cake. I’ve gotten one as a gift and I’ve made a number of them as gifts. They’re just plain fun. It’s awesome when a company can make a product that people can interact with and really enjoy, as you can with Build-A-Bear. It’s even more awesome when that company also recognizes heroes – people that carry out selfless acts and have a desire to make a difference. When those people are kids, it’s just as good as it gets. To that end I am thrilled to be able to share with you that once again in 2014 Build-A-Bear Workshop is holding its Huggable Heroes campaign.

 
2014 marks the launch of the eleventh annual search for Huggable Heroes®, which is a program to recognize and reward charitable-minded youths making the world a better place. Additionally, the company is teaming up with the USO to celebrate and give thanks for the service of America’s troops and their families.
Proving that heroism isn’t just for adults, Build-A-Bear Workshop recognizes and rewards kids for extraordinary acts of service through the Huggable Heroes program. Through June 12, 2014, Build-A-Bear Workshop guests can nominate children from ages eight to eighteen for this award. Nominations can be made in stores nationwide or by visiting buildabear.com/huggableheroes. Once nominations have closed the field will be narrowed to 50 finalists. Finally, there will be ten winners, each receiving a $5,000 scholarship and a $2,500 donation to a designated charity of their choice.
The 2014 Huggable Heroes will join the ranks of over 100 young social entrepreneurs who have collectively recruited thousands of volunteers, gathered over 300 million items and raised more than $10 million for their causes. To date, more than 12,000 kids have participated in the Build-A-Bear Workshop Huggable Heroes program, which has awarded over $1 million to socially conscious young people.
Build-A-Bear Workshop has also partnered with the USO to celebrate the service of America’s military heroes. Through the “Every Moment Counts” campaign, the USO creates moments that matter for our troops and their families. In support of this effort, Build-A-Bear Workshop Guests can share a message of thanks on social media platforms with “#babwUSOthanks.” For each share generated with the hashtag #babwUSOthanks Build-A-Bear Workshop will donate one dollar to the USO, up to $50,000. Through June 30 guests can also make a monetary donation to support the USO at Build-A-Bear Workshop stores nationwide when they checkout. This year the USO is attempting to set a Guinness World Record for “most signatures on a flag”. Build-A-Bear Workshop stores are supporting this effort. Through May 17 Build-A-Bear Workshop Guests can sign the flag in-person at locations listed below or digitally at USOmoments.org.
Build-A-Bear Workshop will be holding some local events to help celebrate all of our heroes.  At the events, you can meet with Build-A-Bear Workshop and USO representatives as well as local military families. Here are details for the scheduled events.
New York City
Build-A-Bear Workshop
565 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10017
Wednesday, May 14, 2014, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Chicago
Build-A-Bear Workshop
Navy Pier
700 East Grand Ave., Suite GF12
Chicago, IL 60611
Thursday, May 15, 2014, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
D.C.
Build-A-Bear Workshop
Westfield Montgomery
7101 Democracy Blvd, Space 1258
Bethesda, MD 20817
Thursday, May 15, 2014, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Los Angeles
Build-A-Bear Workshop
Westside Pavilion
10800 West Pico Blvd., Space #248
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Thursday, May 15, 2014, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
St. Louis
Build-A-Bear Workshop
Saint Louis Galleria
1444 Saint Louis Galleria
St. Louis, MO 63117-3500
Thursday, May 15, 2014, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM

Is there someone (child or adult) that you know that tries to make the world a better place? Who? Please leave a comment, I’d really like to know!