Teddy Bears almost ready for takeoff

Dec. 17, 2013

The members of the Vanderbilt women’s basketball team won’t be the only ones who are trying to showcase an accurate shooting touch on Dec. 21 when the Commodores play UNC-Asheville at Memorial Gym at 11:30 a.m.

In a promotion that allows fans to get in the holiday spirit and benefits local children, the Vanderbilt program is hosting the annual Teddy Bear toss – a popular promotion sponsored this year by Erie Insurance.

It works like this: Fans are encouraged to bring a new teddy bear or stuffed animal to the gym. During halftime, a target will be placed at the center of the gym and fans will attempt to hit the target with the stuffed animals. The fan that makes it in the target (or comes closest) will win a Vanderbilt prize pack. More importantly, all the teddy bears and stuffed animals will be donated to the Monroe Carell Jr.’s Children Hospital, and will be hand-delivered by the Vanderbilt players.

The teddy bears will be hand delivered by the women’s basketball team to the Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, along with representatives from this year’s Teddy Bear Toss sponsor, Erie Insurance.

Brad Evans, vice president and Tennessee Claims Manager at Erie Insurance, will be among the attendees at the game. With close ties already to the Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, he is especially excited to be a part of this year’s event.

“We can all remember being a child and the comfort that cuddling with your favorite teddy bear could bring,” he said. “We want to bring some of that comfort to the patients at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital. Bring a new bear with the tag still attached to the Commodore’s game on December 21, and let’s make it rain teddy bears on that basketball court.”

So, Vanderbilt fans, remember to bring your friends and teddy bears to Memorial Gym on Dec. 21 to support the VU women’s basketball’s Teddy Bear Toss, sponsored by Erie Insurance and benefitting the Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital.

Please note: All bears must be new and still have the tag attached in order to be accepted by the program.