ADVISORY/Children of Local ALS Patients To Extend 'Beary Happy Holiday Wishes' To Residents Of The Phila. Zoo's Bear Country This Thursday Morning.

News/Assignment Editors

ADVISORY...for Thurs. (Dec. 12)

--(BUSINESS WIRE)

ALS Association, Greater Philadelphia Chapter

WHO:        The furry residents of Bear Country

WHAT:       Will be presented with "Lou Bearig" teddy bears by
            children of patients with ALS (amyotrophic lateral
            sclerosis, also known as Lou Gerhrig's disease)

WHEN:       This Thursday (December 12th) at 10:30 a.m.

WHERE:      At the Philadelphia Zoo's Bear Country Exhibit (please
            note: media should enter the Zoo at Gate H, off Zoological
            Drive)

WHY:        To extend wishes for a "beary happy holiday season" in
            conjunction with the 100th anniversary of the teddy bear
            and the 25th anniversary of the ALS Association's Greater
            Philadelphia Chapter

VISUAL:     The children will mark the two anniversaries by
            "presenting" the Zoo's bears and their keepers with
            handmade teddy bears attired in a baseball uniform to
            symbolize the fight to strike out ALS.

DETAILS:    Available exclusively at all Clemens Family Markets
            through the holiday season and on the Internet at
            www.als-phila.org, Lou Bearig (a collectible Vermont Teddy
            Bear) retails for $75. All proceeds go to help researchers
            find a cure for ALS, a fatal neuromuscular disease, and
            provide services to ALS patients and their families
            throughout Eastern Pennsylvania, Central & South Jersey
            and Delaware. The fundraising effort is dedicated to
            Veronica Robbins, a 17-year employee of Clemens who was
            diagnosed with the disease early this year.

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