We are a non-profit organization that delivers teddy bears and other essential items to Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital here in Cleveland, Ohio. On February 27, 2012, the world seemed to come to a stop in Chardon, Ohio with 911 calls of a reported shooter inside of Chardon High School. A student opened fire inside the school, three students were killed and three students were injured. The H
eartbeat of a Teddy Bear was started in honor of the three that were taken way to early. On September 1, 2012, Volunteers from Chardon and local communities pulled together and organized the “Chardon Teddy Bear Run” to honor the lives of those three young boys taken from us. About 40 motorcyclists and several cars attached teddy bears to their vehicles and drove through the city of Chardon; visiting the cemetery where 2 of the boys are resting in peace and driving past the victims houses. Later, they would set up a shrine inside the gazebo in the heart of Chardon, OH. We raised approximately 300 teddy bears. At this time, the families had asked that the teddy bears be donated to Rainbow Babies & Children’s hospital in honor of their boys. RB&C is the only level 1 trauma center in this region. When I contacted the hospital, they informed me that they would not be able to accept the teddy bears from the Chardon run because they were attached to the motorcycles and exposed to the elements in the air. Because of infectious control, they would only be able to accept brand new teddy bears. The word went out on Facebook and among my friends and followers. The date was September 8, 2012. The ride was planned for October 20, 2012 and everything was coordinated with Local and State police departments and with RB&C Hospital. On October 20, 2012, 40 motorcycles, 38 cars, 125 volunteers, and 15 police departments assisted in escorting a truck full of teddy bears to RB&C. 650 teddy bears to be exact. The hugs, the tears, and the smiles received from these kids had life changing effects on me and all of the volunteers that helped. This year, I am anticipating 1000+ motorcycles, 250 cars, and over 2000 volunteers to help donate and transport the bears and other essential items to the hospital.
