For this 'beary' special project, we teamed up with the Boston Bruins and their wives to create an inviting environment for children at the hospital. Thanks to everyone who helped us raise the money to fund this room!

So, now we are in the process of working with the Boston Bruins wives and the Starlight Children's Foundation to bring The Barrier Reef to kids in Boston (the Barrier Reef is the theme for the area!). This site is more than just a room however, as you can see from the photos, the Barrier Reef theme will be used throughout the waiting room, entranceway, and even the hallways. But, there is a lot of work to be done before the Reef can come alive with all sorts of waves, fish, and of course Boyds Bears.

First they must move the administration area and utilize two dentistry rooms to create the large waiting room. Once completed, the waiting area will have a wave shaped overhang and wave patterns on the walls. The administration area will be moved across the hall from the waiting room, complete with cubicles and offices, and following the Barrier Reef theme! Even the entranceway will provide patients with the feeling of being underwater done in vivid blue hues. The architectural team will also transform the hallway with waves on the walls and colorful carpeting.

Check out the photos below for some 'Before' shots…you can use the model to see what the architects have in mind for the space. The project is slated for completion in May 2003. Look for more updates as construction gets under way.

Pediatric patients at Johns Hopkins Children's Center in Baltimore, Maryland were treated to a 'beary' special surprise as Cal Ripken Jr., Baltimore Orioles Future Hall-of-Famer, and his wife Kelly cut the ribbon to "Hope Forest" on Wednesday, September 25, 2002. Thanks to Boyds, the old lobby has been transformed into a cozy refuge for patients and their families, complete with trees, caves, and plenty of Boyds critters. The newly renovated lobby will be known as Hope Forest, a gift from Boyds and Starlight, because it inspires hope to all who come to the hospital.

The ceremony went very quickly with a few words said by Dr. Dover, Head of Johns Hopkins; Kip Crennan, Starlight's President; Jean-André Rougeot, Boyds' CEO; and lastly by Cal and Kelly Ripken. The children were so excited by Cal's presence that immediately following the ribbon cutting, kids clamored to get autographs from him. The Ripkens also distributed baseball caps to all the children on-hand as well as those pediatric patients unable to leave their hospital beds. In all, the day was a beary big success. We know the Starlight Site will provide a wonderful distraction for the children and we hope the Boyds friends will help provide companionship and comfort in a time of need.

Boyds Helps Raise Money for Johns Hopkins Hospital!

Sunday's telethon raised more than a million dollars for JH. And, we are very proud to be one of the sponsors that help make things a little bit more 'bearable' for kids at Johns Hopkins. We look forward to broadcasting live from Boyds Starlight Site during next year's telethon.