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Pictures courtesy of the Magic Paintbrush Project |
BINGHAMTON, N.Y. – The Magic Paintbrush Project will present The Plan “B”ear Teddy Bear Auction at the Binghamton Senators home game versus the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins on Saturday, Nov. 26.
When hearing about the devastation in Vermont and experiencing the impact of the waters here in the Southern Tier, Magic Paintbrush Project Executive Director Jen O’Brien, went on a “bear hunt” to find a creative “friend-raiser” to support programs at The Magic Paintbrush Project.
O'Brien contacted the Vermont Teddy Bear company and together they came up with an idea that scored a goal for both communities affected by the devastating floods of Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee. As a result 30 very special bears were “born” and started their journey to the Southern Tier, as artwork created at the Annual Paint with the Players with the Binghamton Senators was being created to send to Vermont.
The Binghamton Senators players have lent their support by signing each of the Vermont Teddy Bears while designing an original “Bear Sign” and t-shirt. The Bears will be auctioned off this Saturday.
Each year the Binghamton Senators (AHL affiliate of the Ottawa Senators) spend an afternoon with individuals with special needs at The Magic Paintbrush Project. The Project brings together special needs families, professional hockey players and a community of fans to cheer them on as they combine goals and gear with inspiration. In addition to special needs families, community volunteers are joining the team. This unique collaboration between the Binghamton Senators and The Magic Paintbrush Project, supports Individuals with special needs as they demonstrate how they use “teamwork” to successfully navigate the daily challenges of living with a disability. The Binghamton Senators join in the fun and become a member of the individual’s team. In addition, this event includes a number of agencies and organizations, exhibiting how the community “teams up” to successfully meet challenges. The Plan “B”ear Teddy Bear Auction will support Magic Paintbrush Project workshops throughout 2012.
The Magic Paintbrush Project wishes to thank the Vermont Teddy Bear Company, NuWaka Fashion Studio, Air Temp Heating & Air Conditioning, the Binghamton Senators, Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena, NBT Bank, Oakdale Mall, Tioga Downs Casino, UHS and the many community volunteers for their support of this wonderful event.
About The Magic Paintbrush Project
Life Is Washable, Inc. DBA The Magic Paintbrush Project provides workshops which use creative art materials to complement services and supports for individuals, families & professionals facing the challenges of a special needs diagnosis. The Project successfully supports thousands of developmentally disabled individuals and their families in meeting their identified goals (e.g. socialization, movement, communication, advocacy and self-determination) by facilitating sessions that include appropriate activities, adaptive tools and training designed to meet these needs.
The Magic Paintbrush Project has presented over 1,800 workshops since its inception in 2006, serving over 17,500 workshop participants. Demand for workshops continues to grow and The Project has expanded to include the Hudson Valley and Rochester regions as well as the Southern Tier. In addition to the direct supports to families with special needs.
-Go B-Sens Go-
