September 2005 Ty News

.... New Products for October
There appears to be quite a few holiday (Thanksgiving, Hannukah and Christmas) products soon to be released by Ty. There new releases will probably be announced on Ty's website VERY soon. In the meantime, if you wish to take a preliminary peek, you can check them out on a couple of websites ... The BeanieHut and Cindy's Beans. (Thanks to everyone who shared this news with us.)

.... Pirouette, Moonlight, and Little Star Photos
Marilyn kindly shares photos of various new Beanies she has recently acquired. Click on the links below to view each Beanie. (We earlier shared photos of 'Pirouette' and 'Moonlight' from Sakurako of Japan. It looks like these Beanies are finally appearing in the U.S. as well.)

.... National 4-H Council and Ty Inc. Unite in Donating 4-H Beanie Babies
Press Release Newswire - 9/28/05

National 4-H Council and Ty Inc. Unite in Donating 4-H Beanie Babies for Youth Displaced by Hurricane Katrina
National 4-H Council and Ty, Inc., creators of the popular Beanie Babies, have united in an effort to provide 4-H Bears to youth left homeless in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

(PRWEB) September 28, 2005 -- National 4-H Council and Ty, Inc. will distribute a total of 2,000 4-H Beanie Babies Bears as a part of 4-H relief activity kits that will also include t-shirts and other essentials for the youthful victims of the recent disaster that has devastated parts of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.

"Hurricane Katrina has resulted in pain, fear and uncertainty in the lives of hundreds of thousands of people" said Ed Gershon, SVP of Merchandising at National 4-H Council. "The 4-H bears that our friends at Ty Inc. have produced have already brought happiness to thousands within our 4-H community.”

“Now it is our hope that these little bears can, in some small way, help lift the spirits of some of the youth whose lives were shattered by the storm and its tragic aftermath," said Scott Wehrs, Vice President of Strategic Development of Ty Inc.

For more information about the 4-H Beanie Babies Bear, please visit http://www.4-hmall.org

.... 'Alacazam' vs 'Spookers'
Tammy writes:
Hi Deb, Just curious if you or anyone knows if the new Halloween Classic "Alacazam" is the same cat as last years Punkie "Spookers" with just a hat added to make it different??? PLMK Thanks, Tammy

Doodle's Note: Well, Tammy. That's a great observation and one I hadn't taken note of. Although they do look very similar, the pictures (shown above from Ty's website) do show some minor differences. It would be interesting to see both of these beside each other!

.... Ty Newsflash - New Ty Store Exclusive
Ty has introduced a new Ty Store (Halloween-themed) Beanie Baby Exclusive ... 'Ratzo'. This Beanie looks very similar to his Beanie Buddy counterpart 'Ratzo', which was introduced on August 31st.
Click here to view the announcement
... Thanks to Donna L. for giving us the heads up on the announcement

Note: While visiting Ty Store, you will also notice that Ty has (silently) retired the Beanie Baby 'Free', the patriotic Eagle.

.... NY Yankees Beanie Buddy Promo
1:10 pm ... The baseball game has just started, between the NY Yankees and the Toronto Blue Jays. Ty has just announced the "In-Stadium" Game Exclusive Beanie Buddy - 'Tradition'. This Buddy is also expected to retire today. To view the announcement, click on the link below.

NY Yankees Beanie Buddy Promo - Update
As expected, Ty has now retired 'Tradition'.

.... CHERISH Auction Update
Sue Owen writes:
Well, as September comes to an end this week CHERISH sees out the last days of summer with some very special auctions. If you are wishing to treat yourself or looking early for Christmas gifts with a difference, now's the time to look!

There are some very special packages going on eBay today. These include:
Harrods Fearless with exclusive staff Truly British Pin Badge, Store Guide & Ty UK invitation
Fearless with Union Flag waistcoat and many extras
Golf Package including the Jack Nicklaus £5 note, ChariTee with golf pullover and more
RARE hang tag version of Kiwi (authenticated) signed by legendary 'Kiwi' New Zealand Rugby player Jonah Lomu
Chelsea striker Eidur Gudjohnsen's Adidas Predator Pulse boots
Boyds Bearstone limited edition B.B. Dunker All Star figurine

Look out next weekend for the website turning PINK for breast cancer awareness!

October is going to be a very special month for CHERISH, with many beautiful pink themed items offered for sale through the website or eBay. There will be something to suit most budgets and all proceeds will go to fund research into breast cancer.

The campaign will launch with the sale of a special edition Valentina on the CHERISH website so so keep checking for more news of this and other special news! You won't want to miss any of it!

Best wishes, Sue

.... NY Yankees Beanie Buddy Promo
As a reminder from our previously announced news, tomorrow, September 25th, the New York Yankees play the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium. The game begins at 1:05 pm. A limited edition Ty Beanie Buddy will be given away to the first 18,000 fans 14 and under. A picture is posted on the NY Yankees website ... expect an announcement on Ty's website tomorrow as well.
Click here to visit the New York Yankees website (promos)

.... Flower Bear Photos
Our special thanks to Marilyn, who shares photos (including the hang tags) of four 'State Flower' Beanie Babies. Click on the links below to view. (This information has been added to our 'State Flower Series' page, which also includes the Canadian Flower bears. It can be viewed by clicking here.)

.... Billionaire 8 (Silently) Introduced
Today Ty has silently introduced the Billionaire 8 Beanie Baby in the current listing. According to an eBay auction, only 480 were issued.
Click here to view the auction

Poem:
I know there is no better way
To say just what I want to say
To thank you all for being so great
I give to you Billionaire 8 !
Click here to view on Ty's website

.... 400 Richest Americans
The 400 richest Americans have been noted, including U.S. citizens now living abroad, as compiled by Forbes magazine. On the list is each name, the person's age, net worth, hometown and source of wealth. Ty Warner is ranked as .49, Warner, H. Ty, 61, $4.4 billion, Chicago, Beanie Babies
Click here to view the list

.... Ty Newsflash - September Retirements
Ty has retired eight Beanie Babies and four Beanie Buddies today:
Beanie Babies: Texas, Charitee, Willoughby, Binksy, Germany (German Exclusive), Friedrich (German Exclusive), Pride (UK Exclusive), Mum (UK Exclusive)
Beanie Buddies: Sam (3 versions - red, white, and blue), McWooly
Click here to view the retirement announcements

.... New 'Ask Ty' Q & A
A new "Ask Ty' question and answer has been posted on Ty's website:
Q: Is there a certain time of the day that you get your best ideas? (submitted by riski)
A: I can't really pick out a particular time of the day . . . . the best ideas happen throughout the entire day !
Click here to visit 'Ask Ty'

.... Ghosts, Flowers, and Flags
Cathie kindly shares photos of her recently acquired new Beanies. To check out the new ghosts, some new Flower bears, as well as the new 2005 Asia Pacific flag Beanies, click on the link below.
Click here to view the photos

.... McDonalds Ty Teenie Beanie Babies - UK
Our thanks to Dan, who shares a photo of the new McDonalds TBB's available in the UK:
As you are probably aware, the four new Teenie Beanies are:
- Ronald McDonald the Bear
- Pete the Purple Bear
- Ryan the Royal Blue Bear
- Rachel the Red Bear

.... 'M.C. Anniversary 4th Edition' Beanie Photos
Our special thanks to Marilyn, who shares photos of her newly received bear 'M.C. Anniversary 4th Edition. This Ty MasterCard Exclusive Beanie Baby is only available to elegible members. Click on the link below to view the photos, including the anniversary card that accompanied it, as well as the hang tag.
Click here to view the photos

.... Prunella Photos
Marilyn kindly shares photos of the Hallmark Gold Crown Exclusive Beanie Baby 'Prunella', including the hang tag. This witchy bear was officially introduced by Ty on September 13th.

.... CHERISH Auction Update
Sue Owen shares the following:
Well, here it is - one of my biggest challenges yet - a sweater for Opie the Octopus!!!

When Ty first announced Opie I remember having a little banter with a poster on the Ty Talk boards about what garment I might make him...then followed a request from Japan for a sweater for Opie and so the idea grew...I always knew how I was going to make it but felt that I could have used 8 hands to achieve it!

I knitted the sweater using 4 knitting needles so that it ended up as one piece. All that remained was for me to sew up the sleeves (remembering to add buttons to one sleeve so that Opie could remove the sweater over his tags before going for a swim) and decorate it.

Using some lovely silver coloured buttons from France and shell buttons from the USA I added a sea theme to the aqua background of the sweater. I had already knitted OPIE into the design (in orange/red to match his eyes - he is the rare Ty Warner Sea Center exclusive version). Finally, tiny beads were stitched on to represent bubbles.

A couple of years ago I was asked to knit a sweater for Pinky the Flamingo - that made me laugh at the funny shape that I ended up with! Other challenges have been knitting for some cat and dog Beanies - oh, and a cow and Nectar the hummingbird- and this week I will be knitting for Fearless the Bulldog.

I hope that readers will enjoy the photos as much as I enjoyed making this sweater. This sweater is now on eBay in aid of Cancer Research UK:
Click here to view

Best wishes, Sue

.... Photos of 'Moonlight'
Our friend Sakurako of Japan (Bottega Beanies) shares photos (with hang tag) of the Beanie Baby 'Moonlight'. Now that's a cute cat!
... Thanks for sharing, Sakurako
Click here to view 'Moonlight'

.... 'Frisky' Sept 2005 BBOTM
Marilyn kindly shares photos of the September 2005 BBOTM ... 'Frisky'.
Click here to view 'Frisky' photos

.... Ty Press Release - Newswire
Ty Inc. Donates Portion of Profits to Breast Cancer Charities
   OAK BROOK, Ill., Sept. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Ty continues its support of breast cancer research and awareness with the creation of Aware(TM) the Beanie Baby(R). Aware(TM), a pink bear wearing a pink ribbon on its chest, has been created by Ty to lend its support to the fight against breast cancer by donating a portion of the profits from the sale of this Beanie to various breast cancer charities, and is currently available in stores nationwide. The poem written on its tag reads:

                    To raise awareness is my plight
                   Hand in hand we'll stand and fight
                     Keep the faith; we will endure
                    Rest assured, we'll find a cure!

    In 2003, Ty first lent its support to breast cancer research with the introduction of Cure(TM) the Beanie Baby, which benefited the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Ty raised 1 million dollars through the sale of Cure(TM) and hopes to continue to fund organizations dedicated to eradicating
this terrible disease.
    "We are proud to continue to help raise both funds and awareness," said Ty Warner, CEO/Chairman of Ty Inc. and Beanie Baby creator. "So many of us know someone who has been affected by breast cancer, and it is up to all of us to work together to find a cure for this terrible disease."
    For the past decade, Ty has created numerous Beanie Babies(R) to raise funds for many worthy causes in addition to Cure(TM), such as: Hero(TM) which was created for the USO; America(TM) the bear, to benefit the American Red Cross in response to 9/11; Princess(TM) the bear, for Diana, Princess of Wales Foundation; Ariel(TM) the bear, for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation; and Issy(TM) the bear, for the Terry Fox Foundation for Cancer
Research.
    Founded in 1986 by Ty Warner, creator of the wildly popular Beanie Babies(R), Ty is the leader in plush toys. In addition to Beanie Babies(R), the company's product line includes: Pinkys(TM), Punkies(R), Pluffies(R), Ty Classic(R), Beanie Buddies(R), Baby Ty(R), and Angeline(TM). The red Ty Heart Logo(R), recognized around the world, can be found on all Ty products available at finer specialty gift retailers. Visit Ty on the Internet at http://www.ty.com .
Click here to read the PR Newswire

.... BBOC - Club Clues
So, have you checked out the BBOC Club Clues yet? The Beanie Babies Official Club flashing icon on Ty's website reads "It's time for CLUB CLUES!" When clicking on this link and visiting the BBOC, you will find a clue posted. And by clicking on the 'refresh' button on your computer, you'll get more clues. Looks like new BBOC products may be just around the corner.

.... New 'Ask Ty' Q & A
A new 'Ask Ty' question and answer has been posted on Ty's website:
Q: When is something exciting going to happen in Beanie land? (submitted by 9164)
A: Today . . . check out the BBOC CLUB CLUES !
Click here to visit 'Ask Ty'

.... New Beanie Photos ... and News on 'Prunella'
Marilyn kindly shares photos of her new Beanie Babies ... WWF Beanies 'Stony' and 'Pungo, and the cute duo 'Grams' and 'Gramps'. She also adds:
Prunella is delivering already. I won't have pictures for a few days, but she's waiting for me. Just wanted to alert you to her homecoming. Marilyn

Click here to view Stony and Pungo (with hang tags)
Click here to view Grams and Gramps (with hang tags)

.... Additional 'Hocus' Photos
Yesterday we posted photos shared by Marilyn of the 'Hocus' threesome ... Beanie Baby, Buddy, and Halloweenie Beanie. Additional photos have been posted of the 'Hocus' Buddy today. which can be viewed by clicking here.

.... 'SpongeBob' Beanie Photos
Marilyn has also kindly shared photos of 'SpongeBob FrankenStein' and 'SpongeBobPumpkinmask'. Included are the hang tags for both of these Beanie Babies. (Did someone say "Frankendoodle"?? :)
Click here to view the photos

.... 'Hocus' Photos
Marilyn shares photos of the different styles of 'Hocus' recently released by Ty ... what a great threesome! Shown in the photo are Hocus Beanie Baby, Beanie Buddy, and Halloweenie Beanie. The Hocus Beanie Baby, along with its hang tag, is also shown.
... Thanks for sharing, Marilyn
Click here to view the Hocus 'grouping' and more

.... Ty Newsflash - New Hallmark Exclusive
Ty announces the new Hallmark Gold Crown Exclusive Beanie Baby ... 'Prunella', a cute Halloween-themed bear.

.... Jimbo Photos (from Abbey Press)
Marilyn kindly shares photos of her recently acquired 'Jimbo' the Beanie Baby. It was ordered from Abbey Press. It only took about a week after ordering to receive this cute elephant. (When visiting the Abbey Press website, just type in 'elephant' and it will bring up 'Jimbo'. It, however, currently reads "This item is temporarily out of stock.")
Click here to view the photos (includes the hang tag and the card that accompanied it)
... Thanks for sharing, Marilyn

.... M.C. Anniversary 4th Edition Beanie Baby
On August 2, 2005, Ty introduced the M.C. Anniversary 4th Edition Beanie Baby, a Ty MasterCard Exclusive. Click here to view the announcement Our friend Sakurako of Japan (Bottega Beanies) shares photos below of this new Bear. (Thanks for sharing, Sakurako!)

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO YOU !

Can you believe how time has passed since you received and began using your
Ty MasterCard ? As a special reward for your loyalty, you have qualified for
the newest exclusive Beanie Baby... TA DAH...
it's M.C. Anniversary 4th Edition !

It's just our way of saying

THANK YOU

for your support of the
Ty MasterCard over the past year.
I appreciate your welcoming me into your Ty collection !
Thank you again for choosing the Ty MasterCard.

.... New Asia-Pacific Exclusives Introduced
Today Ty has announced six new Asia-Pacific Exclusive Beanie Babies:

.... British Columbia Pacific Dogwood (Silently) Introduced
The Vancouver Gift Show begins today (September 11-13), and is the last on the '2005 Summer Trade Show' list. Today Ty has silently posted the Beanie Baby 'British Columbia Pacific Dogwood' Flower Bear. To view on Ty's site, click on the link below. This makes 16 bears in the 'State Flower' series, including the Canadian Flower bears. (This info has been added to our State Flower series page, which can be viewed by clicking here)

OFFICIAL (STATE) FLOWER SINCE 1956
Pacific dogwood is a tree
That really grows quite tall you see
With unique flowers; berries, too
No other simple bloom will do !

.... CHERISH Auction Update
Sue Owen shares the following:
The silent auction in aid of the American Red Cross Hurricane 2005 Relief closed at a heartwarming final bid amount of £125.50. MANY thanks to those who opened their hearts and their wallets to help it get to this amount - and of course to Pat whose generous bid won the auction. As soon as payment has cleared I will make the donation online to the Red Cross and post the confirmation email on the website at www.cherishonline.co.uk.

Two further silent auctions have started on the CHERISH website, in aid of the American Red Cross, to commemorate the 4th anniversary of September 11th. These special limited edition sets have been produced and donated by Beanie Tenjishitsu of Japan and are very imaginative and beautifully made. 'I Love NY' Ty Beanie (the NY Show Exclusive version) is dressed as the Statue of Liberty and works as a guide in Battery Park where he shows tourists to the pier where they can take the boat to see the Statue of Liberty. The guide takes a break in Battery Park, Manhattan and exchanges his torch for an ice cream cone.

He enjoys relaxing in the park with his ice cream. As he gazes at the Manhattan skyline he is saddened as he looks at the space where the Twin Towers once stood. His ear tag (serially numbered /2) has a poem expressing his feelings:
"I'm here in my territory, Battery Park.
I'm busy acting as a guide to the Statue.
When tired, I prefer eating ice-cream at this bench.
I remember the pair of skyscrapers that soared over there.
When I see the beautiful sky, tears sparkle in my eyes."

CHERISH also has new auctions in aid of Cancer Research UK listed on eBay under seller ID sue_owen.
http://search.ebay.co.uk/_W0QQsassZsueQ5fowen

As well as some Boyds plush, there are two new 'Memories of Summer' auctions featuring more 'Boglin's Knitwear' with a summer theme. Detailed photographs are on the website.

NEW Auctions
on the theme of 'Memories of Summer'
'I LOVE HAWAII' and 'SUN, SEA, SAND'

Once again, some of the items have been donated by friends around the world. Many thanks to all who support CHERISH fundraising!

Best wishes, Sue

.... 'Massachusetts Mayflower' Silently Introduced
The Boston Gift Show begins today (September 10-13). Today Ty has silently posted the Beanie Baby 'Massachusetts Mayflower' State Flower Bear. To view on Ty's site, click on the link below. This makes 15 bears in the 'State Flower' series, including the Canadian Flower bears. (This info has been added to our State Flower series page, which can be viewed by clicking here)

OFFICIAL FLOWER SINCE 1918
I grow around the towering pines
Small flowers on long, trailing vines
Five simple petals, soft, and white
Are Massachusetts' spring delight !

Click here to view on Ty's website

.... Now Available at Retailers
On September 6th, Ty announced the introduction of (I Love) Alabama, (I Love) Louisiana, and (I Love) Mississippit, available through Ty Store. A special Ty Store link was posted. These Beanies were announced in support of the Disaster Relief Fund, with Ty donating $2 for each item sold to the American Red Cross. Ty has now posted an additional newsflash on the main page, announcing that these Bears will be available at your local retailer, with Ty donating $1 for each item sold to the American Red Cross
Click here to view the Retailer announcement
Click here to order from Ty Store (separate Ty Store link)

.... Pirouette Beanie Baby
Although it has preliminarily appeared to be a bit elusive, Pirouette is slowly making an appearance at retailers. From reports, apparently this is at least true for Canada and Japan. This Beanie definitely has a different look than the 'traditional' bear, as seen below. Our special thanks to Sakurako of Japan (Bottega Beanies) for sharing the photos.

.... Flower Bear Photos
Marilyn kindly shares photos of two State Flower Bears ... 'California Poppy' and 'Ohio Scarlet Carnation'. Photos of the hang tag of both of these Beanies are also posted. This information has been added to our State Flower Bears.page.
... Thanks for sharing, Marilyn

.... Halloween Punkies
As you know, along with the September releases, two Halloween Punkies were also introduced (August 31st). I've always had a fondness for the Punkies ... it's just something about their unique look. The ghosts 'Shriekers' and 'Screamers' definitely are two at the top of my favorites' list. Marilyn shows photos (with hangs tags) of both of these new Punkies.
Click here to view 'Shriekers' and 'Screamers'

.... Photos of September Releases
Marilyn kindly shares photos of 'Happy Birthday', as well as 'Ghoul' and 'Ghoulianne' Beanie Babies. She was also lucky in finding the four new Halloweenie Beanies ... Ghosters, Hocus, Pocus, and Merlin.
,,, Thanks for sharing, Marilyn. Viewing these photos can quickly get one in the fall spirit.

Marilyn also adds:
Just read an email sent by Abbey Press stating that they shipped my order of 2 Jimbo the elephant with special card beanie today (Sept 7). That was very fast. Marilyn

.... Hurricane Donations
Laura kindly shares the following:

This the first time I am writing to you about your website although I have visited it many times throughout the years! Thank you for all the info you have on it-I love it!! I just wanted to share the news I heard tonight as I am sending this to all my friends and beanie friends. In case you didn't hear the World News Tonight, tonight-they said there are scam artists out there with very convincing emails to donate to the Red Cross by donating through a website that looks like the Red Cross website with even a secure lock on the page for your credit card----PLEASE be advised-the Red Cross does not send out emails to donate--if you feel to do so you are the one to go to their website or donation center or mail out your donations. I am writing as I received one of those very email tonight....they also said on the news that it can take months before you even notice your credit card statement..and your credit compromised these fund are going overseas to other countries, they said (the authorities) that they noticed as soon as Katrina was spotted and known to be a big hurricane they had a large amount of new websites with the Katrina name...most presumed scammers...so beware-I am sending this to everyone I know in case they missed the news tonight. Take care all, Laura (Beaniefan2)

Note: Last week we posted Red Cross information on how you can help the hurricane victims. The link is located on the main page of our site You can also, of course, check local organizations in your area for ways you can assist. Ty also posted a banner on the Ty website with information on how you can support these victims through the Red Cross. As usual, just be aware of scam artists who will try to penetrate into your wallet.

.... New 'Ask Ty' Q & A
A new 'Ask Ty' question and answer has been posted on Ty's website:
Q: Did you have a collection of some sort as a kid? (submitted by luckyturtle)
A: I had all kinds of collections . . . . rocks, feathers, some baseball cards and pennies !
Click here to visit 'Ask Ty'

.... 'Aware' Beanie Baby - Photos
Marilyn was a bit lucky in her finds today, and sends along photos - the first being the Beanie Baby 'Aware'. This Beanie was introduced by Ty on August 31st. A portion of the profits from the original sale of this Beanie Baby will aid in the fight against breast cancer.
(... More photos will follow. Thanks for sharing, Marilyn)
Click here to view photos (with hang tag)

.... CHERISH Auction - Update
Sue Owen shares the following:

Please note that the 'Summer Time Blues' Bear (Light Blue Decade Beanie with custom-designed sweater and coordinating sleeping bag) is now being offered on silent auction on www.cherishonline.co.uk.

All of the proceeds of the sale will go to the American Red Cross Hurricane 2005 Relief Fund (less any PayPal fees unless the buyer chooses to donate these).

After investigating a couple of other possibilities this seems the most direct way to get the much-needed money to the American Red Cross Hurricane 2005 Relief. I am very grateful to those people who offered other solutions. Those of you who have read the CHERISH website regularly will have seen that I always post photographs or scans of letters and certificates of receipt as I receive them from the charities that CHERISH supports. The main charity supported by CHERISH is Cancer Research UK. At times like this it is impossible to sit by and do nothing to help the needy and the desperate, which is why CHERISH is doing a little fundraising. I never cease to be amazed at the caring and supportive attitude of the Beanie Collecting Community. I hope that people will support this auction and bid generously in the spirit in which it was intended.

Bids will be accepted until midnight this Saturday (British Summer Time). The winner's bidding ID and amount raised will be posted on the CHERISH website at www.cherishonline.co.uk on Sunday 11th September.

Two further silent auctions will start on Sunday (in aid of the American Red Cross) and these special items have been made by Beanie Tenjishitsu, in memory of the victims of September 11th. Photographs will be posted on the CHERISH website on Sunday.

In the meantime, eBay auctions continue this month in aid of Cancer Research UK.

Many thanks for your support and understanding.

Best wishes, Sue Owen
www.cherishonline.co.uk

.... In Support of the American Red Cross Hurricane Relief Fund
Ty announces three Beanie Babies today ...
I Love Alabama
I Love Mississippi
I Love Louisiana
Ty will donate $2 from each item sold to the American Red Cross.

Have a safe and happy Labor Day!
Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.
The History of Labor Day

.... A Happy Birthday ... and a Belated Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday, Sly the Beanie Guy!
Our best wishes are sent to Sly on his special day! We hope it's an enjoyable one, with many more to come! Thanks for sharing all your news with collectors!

Happy Belated Birthday, Ms. Janie
We also wish Ms. Janie a Belated Happy Birthday (August 14th), Ms. Janie, we admire your dedication and treasure your friendship; and thank you for all you do in keeping collectors informed with the latest news. (My computer was down due to an electrical storm and I failed to post the news once everything was up and running. We hope it was an exciting and fun day .)
Click here to visit Ms. Janie's site

.... 'Fearless' Introduced
Following the silent introduction of the new UK Exclusive Beanie 'Fearless', Ty has posted an official announcement on the main page of the site.

.... Ty (Silent) Introduction
Ty has silently introduced the UK Exclusive Beanie Baby 'Fearless' today.

Poem:
"Never give in," a great man said
So we'll stand tall and look ahead
And as the masters of our fate
We'll show what makes this country great !

Click here to view 'Fearless' in Ty's current Beanie listing

.... Ooh-La-La Beanie Baby - Prototype
Sakurako shares photos of the prototype Beanie Baby 'Ooh-La-La' that she has recently acquired. What a nice Beanie to anyone's collection. Congratulations and thanks for sharing your photos, Sakurako

.... Ty Inc. Donates 150,000 Beanie Babies to Hurricane Katrina's Child Victims

CHICAGO, Sept. 2 /U.S. Newswire/
The children suffering through the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina need something to comfort them. Their homes and hopes dashed by nature's fury, the child refugees need something to help them cope.

Ty, in partnership with Children's Hunger Fund, is donating 150,000 Beanie Babies and plush toys to go directly to the children displaced by Katrina.

"The devastation and loss left in the path of Hurricane Katrina is unimaginable," said Ty Warner, Chairman and Founder of Ty Inc. "It is our hope that these small gifts bring some measure of comfort to the smallest victims. Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected by Katrina."

60,000 are slated for delivery at the Houston Astrodome to comfort the children living there.

"While so many children are agonizing through this tragedy," offers Dave Phillips, President of Children's Hunger Fund, "those who suffered through the nightmare in the Superdome draw strongly on our compassion."

125,000 more cuddly toys will be directed through agencies helping in Louisiana and Mississippi.

This isn't the first time Ty and Children's Hunger Fund have partnered to help children in need. "Ty has been an excellent supporter of our efforts to relieve the suffering of children," said Phillips. "In January, they gave us 1 million Beanie Babies to send to the children of Iraq as a goodwill gesture. They gave 90,000 for the victims of the Tsunami and they help us every year with toys for our holiday distributions."

"In times like these, when the suffering of children is immeasurable," Phillips continues, "it is encouraging to meet so many people who are willing to sacrifice for the sake of one little child.

Note: Several days ago, we posted Red Cross information on how you can also help the hurricane victims. The link is located on the main page of our site You can also, of course, check local organizations in your area for ways you can assist. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who are enduring this terrible disaster.

Ty also posted a banner on the Ty website yesterday with information on how you can support these victims through the Red Cross.

.... CHERISH - Auction Update
Sue Owen shares the following:
New auctions on the theme of 'Memories of Summer'
One item is in aid of the American Red Cross Hurricane 2005 Relief. These auctions will run for 10 days and close on 11th September. More auctions will begin on Sunday 4th September timed to end on 11th September. Please click here to view current auctions.

Each bear has a special 'Memories of Summer' ear tag and a commemorative card. The cards are similar; the only difference is in the charity which is named on the card   (The American Red Cross Hurricane 2005 Relief or Cancer Research UK). Please visit www.cherishonline.co.uk to view more detailed photographs.

Your support in terms of bidding and/or publicity are, as always, much appreciated.
Best wishes, Sue

***UPDATE***
I am so sorry to tell you that the CHERISH auction in aid of the American Red Cross Hurricane 2005 Relief has been removed by eBay. Apparently eBay require it to be listed through MissionFish, something that I am unable to do as I am not a US registered seller.   I imagine that eBay feels that they need to protect themselves from unscrupulous sellers; I certainly do not come into that category as you well know!

I have emailed eBay to ask them if there is a way that I can list auctions for this very needy cause. I will contact the American Red Cross although I feel that they are very busy and it could take a long time to get an answer.   Please accept my apologies for this and as soon as I have anything more to tell you I will do so. In the meantime the auctions will continue in aid of Cancer Research UK (for whom I am registered as an approved fundraiser with eBay UK).

Best wishes, Sue

.... New 'Ask Ty' Q & A
A new 'Ask Ty' question and answer has been posted on Ty's website.
Q: Do you have any Beanies sitting on the dashboard in your car? (submitted by DCP85)
A: I don't today . . . . but next week I think Speedy may take a ride with me !
Click here to visit 'Ask Ty'

.... September Desktop Wallpaper
Ty has posted the desktop wallpaper / calendar for September. To view and download from Ty's website, click on the link below.

.... September BBOTM
Ty has announced the September 2005 Beanie Baby of the Month ... 'Frisky'. If you are a BBOTM member, you should expect to see this new Beanie in your mailbox soon.

Click here to view the introduction
Poem:
I'm so eager to greet the day
Because I just can't wait to play
I'm full of life and energy
Guess that's why I'm named Frisky !

.... 'Smash' - U.S. Open Exclusive Version
Marilyn kindly shares photos of her recently acquired "on-line" U.S. Open Exclusive Beanie Baby 'Smash'. The photos include a close-up of the inside of the hang tag and a side-by-side comparison of both 'Smash' Beanie Baby versions.
Click here to view the photos