ST. LOUIS, MO--(Marketwire - May 4, 2011) - Twenty-five youths from the United States and Canada who demonstrate kindness, compassion and leadership have advanced to the finalist round of the 2011 search for Huggable Heroes® sponsored by Build-A-Bear Workshop® (
Ultimately, 10 Huggable Heroes from this group of 25 will be named this summer. Each will receive $10,000 (a $7,500 educational scholarship and $2,500 from the Build-A-Bear Workshop Foundation to be donated to the 501(c)(3) charity or Canadian cause of the Huggable Hero's choice). In addition, the Huggable Heroes will win a trip for themselves and a parent or guardian to St. Louis, home of the Build-A-Bear Workshop World Bearquarters. During their visit, they will have the opportunity to meet each other, participate in leadership opportunities and be honored for their good deeds. They also will be featured in the 2012 Build-A-Bear Workshop Huggable Heroes calendar.
The finalists are involved in a variety of charitable causes that are making a difference in their communities and beyond. Examples include: spearheading environmental programs, raising funds to help eradicate diseases, building homes for the homeless, helping underprivileged children in the United States and abroad by donating books and school supplies, building soccer fields, providing fresh produce to local food shelters and helping homeless animals.
Build-A-Bear Workshop received nearly 1,200 entries for its eighth annual search rewarding youth for their outstanding acts of generosity, volunteerism and leadership. Nominations were accepted from January 14 through February 28. Entries were narrowed down to a field of 75 semifinalists in April and now 25 finalists have been announced.
Following are the 2011 Huggable Heroes finalists and their stories. Information also is available online at