HERSHEY, Pa. — A heartwarming scene played out at the Hershey Bears hockey game on January 5. Fans filled the ice with a huge number of teddy bears and stuffed animals in a show of generosity. This special event marked the 23rd annual GIANT Teddy Bear Toss, a fun tradition aimed at helping local charities and children’s organizations.
For the last decade, the Sweigart Family Foundation from Lancaster County has been a key supporter of the event, donating money to the Children’s Miracle Network at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital for each bear thrown onto the ice. This year, they promised to donate at least $55,000 if fans tossed 50,000 plush toys. The fans didn’t just meet that goal; they smashed it, tossing an incredible 102,343 bears and stuffed animals. This set a new record for the most toys thrown during a hockey game! As a result, the foundation donated $69,377, bringing their total contributions since 2015 to $400,000.
More than 100 volunteers were there to collect, sort, and count the toys. These donations will go to over 30 local organizations. Since it began in 2001, the GIANT Teddy Bear Toss has gathered an astonishing 566,450 stuffed animals to support those in need.
During the game’s intermission, Gannon Kupko Jr. and his parents shared their story on the ice. They expressed gratitude for the community’s support through the Children’s Miracle Network. “It gives families like ours a real sense of belonging and hope as we navigate the challenges of childhood illness,” said Jennifer Kupko.
To find out more about this cause, check out cmnhershey.org.
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