November 11, 2005

Build-A-Bear party brings new friends to pediatric patients

Stuffed teddy bears, dogs, elephants and cats came to life as treasured friends at the third annual Build-A-Bear for MGH party held Oct. 23, at the Build-A-Bear store at the South Shore Plaza in Braintree, Mass. Hosted by volunteer Rona Matisoff — who organized the first party in October 2003 to celebrate her 30th anniversary of volunteering with MassGeneral Hospital for Children (MGHC) patients — the party gives guests the opportunity to “give back” to the hospital by stuffing and dressing the animals that will be distributed to patients with chronic diseases at MGHC. The Build-A-Bear company donated all of the stuffed animals, and Peter Catanese of Norwood, Mass., provided the animals' outfits in memory of his son, Christopher John. After all of the toys were stuffed, dressed and given new names, the party continued with a potluck lunch. The 70 stuffed animals completed this year will be distributed — complete with birth certificates and a “condo” in which to be taken home —during the next few months.