NAPLES, Fla. – The YMCA of the Palms is currently conducting ongoing eBay auctions of collectible teddy bears to benefit the new YMCA Gaynor Child Development center, the former site of the Naples Teddy Bear Museum. The Museum, founded by local resident and philanthropist Frances Pew Hayes, closed its doors in 2005 after Mrs. Hayes passed away. In 2007, the YMCA of the Palms purchased the property to build a much-needed day care center.

All proceeds from the auction will be donated to the YMCA. In addition, the Naples Children and Education Foundation will match all purchases dollar for dollar in a donation to the Gaynor Child Development Center. “This collection of teddy bears is special in two ways, as they are bears that were hand picked for the Naples Teddy Bear Museum and now they will help fund a new children’s center,” said Lisa Morse, VP of Development for the YMCA of the Palms. “Purchasing one or more of these bears for your collection will help bring a wonderful new center to needy children in Collier County.”

The Teddy Bear Museum was founded by Frances Pew Hayes after she received a gift from her grandson, David. Mrs. Hayes had never had a teddy bear when she was growing up, and the gift delighted her. From that point on, everyone gave Mrs. Hayes a teddy bear for the holidays and for her birthday, or any time they saw a bear they knew she would love.

The collection eventually grew so much that she had to build a home for the bears. That is when the Naples Teddy Bear Museum was born. Her love of the bears, her passion for sharing and her generous nature inspired her and those around her. Jay and Mary Black and Sandra Palon, friends of the Museum, decided after the museum closed to donate the bears to the YMCA Gaynor Child Development Center.

According to Tim Luke of Treasure Quest Appraisal Group, “The collection from the Naples Teddy Bear Museum showcases the creativity and craftsmanship of teddy bear artists and manufacturers from around the world. The collection spans time periods of manufacturing but has a high concentration in contemporary bears and overall is in excellent condition. It is very appropriate that the proceeds of this auction will provide children with the needed facility and services, proving once again teddy bears can make a difference in a child’s life.”

The auction of the teddy bears is being handled by the Naples iSOLD It eBay Store. The best way to find these teddy bears on eBay is to search using the phrase NAPLES TEDDY BEAR. You can also find the collection through eBay using the seller's id: isoldit.fl0121 or through the seller's website at www.isolditswfl.com (click on the Naples stores eBay auctions). The bears will be added to eBay at 10-20 lots per day until the entire museum collection is sold.

The YMCA of the Palms offers quality, affordable programs and services to benefit all people. Ever-changing to serve community needs, the YMCA provides a values-based environment and quality programs for children, teens, adults, seniors, and families. The YMCA of the Palms is committed to building strong kids, strong families and strong communities.

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