| My three daughters were in 4-H and we were heading off to our monthly meeting. Our local club was in need of funds and, of all things, we were told that if we replaced our toilets for water savers, the club would receive proceeds. I thought to myself, "Wow, we're in deep weeds if it's come to this!" No offense to the toilet salesmen, but I was definitely motivated to think of something else. In the past I had worked at Upper Deck Trading Card Company as well as other collectible projects. When Beanies hit, I introduced them to Shop at Home. Later, with the help of my family, we began Glory Be Collectibles. My wife and daughters spent four months designing our first bear whom we affectionately called Dumpy.
Here I was, a bear company, and there our 4-H club was needing funds. The two became a perfect match. We did our first 4-H bear for San Diego in 1999. Soon other states came on board and now we market to the entire United States. We humbly and respectfully proclaim to you that we think cute and cuddly bears are better than toilets for fundraisers!
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