Meet Ivan! He has been a fixture in our family since the summer of 2004. I know this because he is named after Hurricane Ivan who forced us to evacuate to Houston (a drive that took 24hrs instead of 6 with a 2 y.o. and 2 dogs). To avoid watching the weather channel 24/7 we spent a day at the Galleria in Houston and “GC” had his first Build-A-Bear experience. He carefully picked out his monkey, stuffed him with love, and named him (with the help of Dad). He’s dragged Ivan everywhere ever since and I have been a nervous wreck about not losing him. He’s got that crooked smile that just screams, “Somebody loves me!”

Ivan is a LSU fan!!!

Build-A-Bear Workshop is teaming up with the Audubon Nature Institute to assist the Louisiana Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Rescue Program (LMMSTRP). All guest are invited to add $1 to their purchases between now and June 27, 2010. Build-A-Bear workshop will donate a corporate donation in addition to the funds collected. Proceeds will help provide intensive care to endangered wildlife affected by the oil spill. Thank you Build-A-Bear for helping Louisiana and the Gulf’s wildlife.  

Click here to learn of others ways to support the Audubon Nature Institute and see the work they are doing to protect endangered animals.

Some other Build-A-Bear items a New Orleans Mommy might like.

*The velvet puppy meets the standards of the American Academy of Asthma and Allergy Foundation.