All profits from the limited-edition Beanie
Baby will be donated to the American Red Cross to help people
affected by the Hawaii
wildfires.
OAK
BROOK, Ill., Aug. 17,
2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Ty
Warner, owner of the largest manufacturer of plush in the
world, today announced the introduction of Aloha, a new,
limited-edition Beanie Baby. Warner's Ty Inc. will donate 100% of
the profits from the sales of Aloha to the American Red Cross to
support its efforts to help people affected by the Hawaii wildfires.
"Loss can strike at any time. The speed and savagery of the
Maui wildfires are an especially
horrific, heartbreaking reminder of that," Warner said. "While I
can't undo what has happened, I can try to help those who are
suffering in the aftermath."
"Right now, thousands of Hawaiians lack food, clothing, shelter
and other necessities as they attempt to cope with last week's
fires," he added. "My hope in partnering with the American Red
Cross is that I can help ease their burden."
Warner described Aloha as an "adorable, gold-colored bear
offering a symbol of love and hope to Hawaiians." The bear has a
rainbow ribbon and a chest inscription that reads, "Maui Strong."
Like other Beanie Babies, Aloha has a birthday (August 8) and a poem: "Helping each other all day
long / We forever will stay Maui
strong."
The release of Aloha comes as Warner's company, Ty Inc.,
celebrates the 30th anniversary of Beanie Babies. This milestone
has coincided with the release of The Beanie Bubble, a
fictionalized film allegedly based on the creation of
Beanie Babies and the products' stunning success after their
release in 1993.
"The movie isn't real, but the situation on Maui is," said Tania
Lundeen, Ty Inc.'s Senior Vice President of Global Sales
& Licensing. "The Hawaii
recovery efforts are a stark reminder of what is important, and
that's what Ty is focused on with Aloha."
The Maui disaster hit last
Tuesday when simultaneous wildfires began spreading on the islands,
whipped up by hurricane winds. The most destructive of the fires –
in Lahaina on the western side of
Maui – traveled at extraordinary
speed. At least 100 persons are believed dead. Thousands of people
have been displaced, and more than 2,200 structures have been
destroyed.
"Our thoughts are with those in need after the devastating
wildfires swept through Hawaii,"
said Anne McKeough, chief
development officer at the American Red Cross. "We are so grateful
for partners like Ty Inc. as we work together to provide comfort
and hope for communities in the wake of these catastrophic
wildfires."
Meanwhile, Warner's company will continue to give away free
Beanie Babies at Beanie Bubble showings in theaters across
the United States and in the
United Kingdom in honor of Beanie
Babies' 30th anniversary. The Beanie giveaway will last while
supplies last.
To learn more about Ty's products, please visit:
https://shop.ty.com/
About Ty Warner
Ty Warner is an American toy
manufacturer and owner of luxury hotels worldwide. He is Chairman,
CEO, and founder of Ty Inc, the largest manufacturer of soft toys
in the world. A philanthropist, Warner has donated more than
$300 million to a variety of
charities. Most recently, Warner released Max the dog Beanie Baby,
with 100% of profits being donated to NEXT for Autism to raise
awareness of autism support.
In April 2020, the United Way
Worldwide COVID-19 Fund received 100% of the profits from the sale
of Hope, a limited-edition praying bear. In addition, Warner was
the first to organize and prepare his Four Seasons Hotel New York
as a safe haven for first responders during the pandemic. He made
it possible for doctors and nurses working the frontlines to reside
at the Four Seasons Hotel New York free of charge. This
prevented unnecessary COVID exposure to their families and loved
ones, reduced extensive travel to and from the city and allowed
first responders the much-needed rest from their exhausting
schedules.
Other charities that have benefitted from Warner's philanthropy
efforts include Children's Hunger Fund, World Vision, Toy Bank,
International Toy Bank, Today Show, Children's Miracle Network,
Operation Iraqi Freedom, Toys for Tots, Princess of Wales
Foundation, Andre Agassi Foundation, American Red Cross, Save the
Children, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, NY Police and
Fire Widow's Fund, Ronald McDonald
House, USO, Mayo Clinic and UNICEF.
For more information about Ty
Warner's company, Ty Inc., visit
https://shop.ty.com/.
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SOURCE Ty Inc.
