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Story Last modified at 10:47 a.m. on Thursday, October 23, 2008

Tea and teddy bears for a cause

By JILL FANKHAUSER
Alaska Star

Sue Hess decorated the teddy bear named Lady Libearty. Star Photos by Jill Fankhauser

There were baby doll bears, fishing bears, bears in tutus and hula skirts. There were bears camping in tents, dressed up like doctors and even a few in military uniform.

They all attended to raise money for the Salvation Army.

More than 200 bears were for sale at the ninth annual Teddy Bear Tea at the Hilton Hotel Sunday, said Maj. Sheryl Tollerud, director of Women's Ministries for the Salvation Army.

Community members dressed the bears, which were auctioned off to raise money for Salvation Army programs, such as its emergency canteen, adult rehabilitation program and social services.

A World War I painting inspired the outfit. The scene depicts painter Shane Lamb in his studio. Decorated by Terri Phister of Wasilla, the bear won Best in Show and was auctioned along with a print called Denali from Peters Hill.

Guests were served tea and cakes while bidding on the bears. Several bears were matched with other items, such as spa packages, coffee, gift cards or carriage rides.

Bears were auctioned in a live and silent auction to a sold out crowd of more than 400 at the Teddy Bear Tea.

Maj. Sheryl Tollerud, director of women's ministries for the Salvation Army, holds a teddy bear dressed by Chugiak resident Cindy Michou.

The Salvation Army brought in more than $15,000.

This article published in The Alaska Star on Thursday, October 23, 2008.