Teddy bear fund-raiser on display at Seeliger

Dressed in costumes ranging from Albert Einstein, ballerinas and cheerleaders to a wizard and a graduate, 55 teddy bears wait in anticipation of finding an owner by Christmas.

"They're fabulous," said Shelly Fritz, mother of a Seeliger student and classroom aid at the school. "This is a fun fund-raiser."

Teachers, administrators, aids and tutors at Seeliger Elementary took home teddy bears to dress up.

The bears will be auctioned off in a silent auction that will run until Dec. 20. The decorated bears were put on display Friday morning and each bear was assigned a number.

Parents and members of the community can place a minimum bid of $10 on the bear of their choice.

The profits will be divided by all who participated to be used for classroom projects.

Cathy Wendell, a combined second- and third-grade teacher, brought the idea with her from a previous teaching job in Incline Village.

"I think it's a great way for us all to work together in a creative way," Wendell said. "It's healthy competition."

Wendell said the teachers hope to continue the fund-raiser in the future and expects the competition to create the best bear will heat up.

"Everyone will be trying to out-do each other," she joked.

Christine Edwards, a reading tutor, made her bear into an angel.

"It was fun," she said. "I didn't have a pattern so I got to make it up as I went. I copied my costume from Halloween."

Fifth-grade teacher Karen Collier made a jumpsuit for her bear and a miniature teddy bear as its toy.

"I just have boys so I thought I would have a boy bear," she said. "I dressed him like I dressed my boys when they were little."

Wendell said the fund-raiser benefits all involved.

"It's a nice way for parents to make a donation and still have something valuable for their children," Wendell said. "They are so cute."

YOU CAN HELP

To make a bid on one of the teddy bears, stop by Seeliger Elementary School's display in the front entrance. Those who do not have children attending the school should leave their phone number in place of their child's name on the form.