Sparking Hope, One Bear at a Time: 2025 Be A Friend Program Recap
- Victoria Muhlbach
- Jul 24
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 25
The 2025 Be A Friend Program took kindness to new heights—bringing together foster and kinship youth for a day of connection, courage, and compassion at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. From building bears for hospitalized children to making unforgettable memories on the field, this event celebrated the power of kids helping kids.
Children facing disruptions, trauma, or hospital stays in their everyday lives are carrying more than most of us can imagine.
For many of them, fear, isolation, and uncertainty have become the new normal.
But with the Be A Friend Program, our goal is to interrupt that narrative.
To jolt the system with kindness.
To bring connection where there’s been distance.
To offer comfort where it’s needed most.
And this year, we got to do just that in a bigger, more impactful way than ever before.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Difference-Makers
At the heart of this initiative is the belief that all children—regardless of what they’re facing—have the power to make a difference.
The Be A Friend Program invites children and teens from our partner organizations to create not just one furry friend to take home, but another to be gifted to a child or teen in need.
This hands-on experience is rooted in empathy, empowering youth as givers of comfort, while letting other children know they’re not alone.
A Day of Joy and Impact
This year, through working closely with Project KARE, we had the joy and privilege of inviting foster and kinship youth along with their families to the Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium for a day filled with fun, smiles, and, most importantly, the chance to make an impact through kindness.
For the first time, our event took place directly on the field and inside the locker rooms of Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. This change in location marked a major milestone for the program.
In previous years, we were honored to host it within the bounds of the Hall of Fame Village Build-A-Bear store—but this year, we aimed to grow, not just in size, but in significance.
The change of venue allowed us to welcome more families and make the experience even more immersive. The locker rooms weren’t filled with athletes—they were lined with bears, each nestled in what Build-A-Bear lovingly called their “choose me” lockers,” waiting to be picked with care.
It was a powerful shift, and there truly was no better place to create memories that will last a lifetime.
Building Bears—and Connection
From the moment participants arrived, we met them at their level—kneeling down, smiling, asking, “Do you know why you’re here today?”
And then, we got to share the heart of the day:
They weren’t just building one friend—but two.
One bear would go home with them, ready for all of their life’s adventures.
And the other?
It would be delivered to a child at Akron Children’s Hospital who needed a little extra love and encouragement.
We wanted every part of this experience to feel personal—from kid to kid. That’s why each participant also took time to color a get-well card.
It may seem small, but it’s their way of saying, “You matter. I made this for you.”
Because these bears aren’t built by a company—they’re built by young hearts, for other young hearts. And that’s what makes them so powerful.
Play, Encouragement, and Courage
Outside, kids participated in football drills and field games led by the Pro Football Hall of Fame Youth Department. Their team generously donated their time—and their energy made all the difference.
We watched the kids try things they were afraid of.
Some hesitated.
Some didn’t think they could do it.
But with encouragement, they tried again.
And when they did—their faces lit up.
It was a powerful reminder that when differences are embraced and encouragement is present, something stronger is built.
Mascots like Goldy the G.O.A.T. and Bearemy from Build-A-Bear Workshop brought extra excitement, while families enjoyed delicious food from Pizza Oven, Smoosh Cookies, and Heggy’s Nut Shop.
From start to finish, it was a celebration of courage, joy, and community coming together for the benefit of local youth facing difficult situations.
Delivering the Love
After the event, we had the incredible honor of hand-delivering the bears to Akron Children’s Hospital—each one carrying care, compassion, and the spirit of a child who wanted to help someone else smile.
Among them were special bears made by Hall of Famer Ronde Barber and his wife. We made sure those bears went to children and families who love football—because those thoughtful, personal touches matter.
We’re deeply grateful to Akron Children’s Media Team for capturing and sharing the heart of those special moments.
Built on Partnership, Powered by Love
Behind the scenes, this event is built on connections.
From early planning to final logistics, every detail came together through countless conversations and the shared efforts of our partners.
This event is so much bigger than just us—and we are truly grateful to every organization and individual who walked with us to make it happen.
We are so thankful to the individuals and organizations who helped make it happen:
Project KARE for their incredible partnership and logistics
Build-A-Bear Workshop, for their generous preparation and support
The Pro Football Hall of Fame Youth Department, for their time and energy
Goldy the GOAT and Bearemy, for bringing smiles all morning
Hall of Fame Village, for helping us access the field and locker rooms
Ronde Barber and his wife, for their time and meaningful bear contributions
Akron Children’s Volunteer Services
Pizza Oven, Smoosh Cookies, and Heggy’s, for fueling the fun
Our incredible sponsors, staff, and volunteers
And of course, our faithful Bingo patrons—your year-round support makes this possible.
Looking Ahead with Gratitude
As we close out this year’s Be A Friend Program and look ahead to the future, we’re still in awe that we get to do this.
It’s not something we take lightly.
In our daily work, we often serve as a support—helping other organizations bring joy into hard places. But this program lets us step into that work, side-by-side with youth, creating memories, building courage, and showing that kindness really does make a difference.
It’s our dream that the youth who participate leave knowing this:
👉 You matter.
👉 You can make a difference.
👉 No matter where you find yourself, kindness is always an option.
And on the other side, for the children receiving bears at the hospital, we hope—if only for a moment—they feel seen, cared for, and not alone.
Because those moments?
Those quiet sparks of hope?
They matter.
Join Us in Making a Difference
We’re always looking for meaningful ways to grow the Be A Friend Program.
As we look ahead to 2026, we’re actively seeking sponsors and business partners who want to help create real impact for local youth.
If your organization is passionate about spreading kindness, we’d love to connect.
Together, we can build something unforgettable.
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