Rajah News -August2020

FEZZY SUPPORTS A
CUDDLY CAUSE!
By Sam Ellis
On National American Teddy Bear Day, November 14, 2013, Shriners Hospitals for Children
held a press conference and introduced Fezzy, its first Love to the Rescue Ambassador.
Fezzy, who proudly wears the iconic Shriner red fez, was given the mission to raise
awareness and support for the innovative care available at Shriners Hospitals for Children.
“It was a natural fit for us to make our first Love to the Rescue ambassador a teddy bear,”
said John Cinotto, then Chairman of the Board of Directors of Shriners Hospitals for Children.
“Depending on the child’s needs, teddy bears can be used to teach young patients about upcoming medical procedures
and outcomes or may be given to patients to help ease the apprehension surrounding a hospital stay or surgery. All of these special
touches help alleviate a child’s stress, which is an important part of the healing process.”
The Vermont Teddy Bear company was chosen as the vendor to make the stuffed bear and to distribute it on behalf of the
hospitals. The company was offering a 4' and 18" versions of Fezzy. And with each purchase 20% of the proceeds go to benefit
Shriners Hospitals.
“Our bears have brought a smile to our customers’ faces for more than 30 years now, but to know that Fezzy will help kids heal
faster for years to come makes us smile even more,” said Vermont Teddy Bear’s CEO
Bill Shouldice during the press conference.
Larry Christman
Since his introduction seven years ago, Fezzy has become the official mascot, hug
deliverer and fundraiser all in one for the hospitals. And sales are booming especially
since Shrine International has ramped up awareness with a successful
television ad campaign.
Greetings from your String Band,
To order a Fezzy I found two sources.
1) Go to www.vermontteddybear.com/shriners. Or call 1-800-
829-bear. You’ll have the option of purchasing a 4-foot Fezzy or a
smaller 18-inch version
2) Go to buildabear.com Once on the site, in the search area enter
Fezzy Bear. You’ll be taken to a page where you can purchase a 15-
inch Fezzy. From this site you can also donate a bear to a Shriners
Hospital patient.
I hope everyone is healthy and safe, that you are enjoying the summer weather and that you got a bang
out of the 4th of July.
It wasn’t the same not being able to play at two great parades, Lititz, and Glenside. We will all miss the
comradery of MASA. The Hospitality Room, the Friday Night Float Ride down Atlantic Avenue, and the
Saturday Parade. It was a smart move by Masa to cancel and keep everyone safe.
As of this time, I believe there are no parades scheduled for the rest of 2020. Probably a good idea. We
can focus on next season.
When we are able to gather for rehearsal once again, there is an open invitation for new musicians to
join us on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. at the Complex. Don’t worry if you’re a little rusty,
we’ll help you and make you feel welcome.
With the support of our Ladies, our purpose is that we might play our instruments so that someday a physically challenged child
may walk and play again.
Hope to see you soon.
STRING BAND
21