A record 800 guests attended the sold-out Dr. Seuss’s Whoville-themed gala on Monday, November 27th at Quaker Station where more than $120,000 was donated.
“We are all so grateful that our community rallied together to support our brave Project Ed Bear children,” said Susan Summerville, Project Ed Bear founder. “Our kids make us proud every day, and tonight we were able to share that pride and love with a room full of Project Ed Bear family members. Thank you for investing in children facing cancer, and for believing all kids, no matter what the diagnosis, deserve to feel like kids.”
All the money donated directly benefits Project Ed Bear and its mission to provide comforts and needs to children suffering from cancer with programs like Camp Ed Bear, The Project Ed Bear College Scholarship Program, as well as the efforts of Liv Thru Art.
Project Ed Bear has given hundreds of thousands of dollars to Akron Children’s Hospital Oncology Department as well as provided numerous gifts and experiences, which include teddy bears and welcome presents to each child receiving a cancer diagnosis, end of treatment parties, and holiday surprises like Valentine’s Day goodies and Easter gifts to each child in the pediatric oncology department at Akron Children’s Hospital.
During the event, 37 children, dubbed event VIPs, currently battling cancer were celebrated with an Outstanding Bravery Award.
Additionally, Project Ed Bear unveiled a sneak peek of MY JAMS, a brand of state-of-the-art children’s hospital wear designed locally by a Kent State University design team, with advisement on style from local kids going through cancer treatments. The full MY JAMS collection will be unveiled at a formal fashion show in the summer of 2018.
Michaela Madison Reporting
