Ken Yenke

Teddy bear expert Ken Yenke received an Ambassador Award at the 2008 Doll & Teddy Bear EXPO. His expertise and promotion of the teddy bear made him an obvious choice for the award, as he frequently gives teddy bear seminars, appraises vintage bears at several leading bear shows throughout the year and writes Teddy Bear Review's "Teddies Reviewed," a popular column in which people send in pictures of their bears for him to identify and appraise. In addition, Ken is the author of three books and the curator of the new Chelsea Toy Museum at Chelsea Teddy Bear Co. in Chelsea, Mich.

Bev White

Bev White of Happy Tymes Collectibles received the Theodore Society Ambassador Award in early November 2007 at the Teddy Bears on Vacation Christmas Show and Sale in Hunt Valley, Md. White has been in the bear industry for more than 20 years, creating her first original pattern in 1986. Since then, the award-winning artist had gone on to create numerous bruins in her signature style, including the Theodore Society’s first member bear, “Alfie,” in 2004. She consistently shows her support for the industry by attending bear shows, partnering with teddy bear magazines and creating teddies for charitable organizations and individuals. Additionally, White has been instrumental in fostering budding collectors and future bear artists with her Teddies to Go workshops and kits, which offer the opportunity to enjoy the hands-on process of stuffing and finishing a bear, panda or bunny. “These inexpensive manufactured designs bring a lot of happiness and enjoyment everywhere they go. I know it’s because I am reaching folks of all backgrounds and age groups through this simple, hands-on bear-making process,” she noted in the October 2006 issue of Teddy Bear Review.

Mark and Susan Mckay

Mark and Susan Mckay of Bears of the Abbey received their awards at the 2007 Kohler Doll and Teddy Bear Show. The Mckays have consistently promoted bear artists over the years and continually look for new opportunities to further the bear industry, including through Teddy Bears on Vacation (TBOV), an event management company that produces teddy bear collectible shows in Niagara Falls, Toronto, Ottawa and Hunt Valley, Md. TBOV events, which feature work from soft-sculpture creators, are a highlight for collectors and artists alike. Additionally, Susan is an award-winning artist who makes diverse critters—from antique reproduction bears to more whimsical creations—for Bears of the Abbey.

Jane Monroe

Jane Monroe of C. Riffenberg Bears received an Ambassador Award at the 2007 Doll & Teddy Bear Expo. For the past 25 years, Monroe has brought her award-winning artistry to the bear world and has often donated her creations to auctions to benefit those in need. She is also an outstanding supporter of the industry, attending bear shows throughout the year, sharing her love for the teddy bear and offering advice to aspiring bear artists. “Go to shows, talk to artists and read all you can about bear making. Look for inspiration, and be persistent. Don’t be afraid to experiment, but most of all, have fun and enjoy what you’re doing,” she enthused in an issue of Teddy Bear Review. “One of the greatest benefits of this industry is the incredibly wonderful individuals I have had the privilege of meeting over the years—collectors and artists.”

Donna Harrison West

Donna Harrison West was presented with the Ambassador Award at the 2006 Merry Beary Christmas Show and Sale opening reception in Hunt Valley, Md. Known as the creator of the Baltimore teddy bear shows, Donna was an obvious choice. More than 20 years ago, the avid collector realized the best way to fund her love of Teddy and teddy bear-collecting trips was to open her own shop. Her store soon branched into the “Magic of Teddy Bears” convention. The Baltimore teddy bear shows and teddy bear collectors are still strong today thanks to her work.

Dianne Blencoe

On April 29, 2006, at the Teddy Bears on Vacation show in Toronto, Canadian bear artist Dianne Blencoe of Forever Loved Bears and Camp Whanamakeabear joined the ranks of ambassadors. After receiving the Ambassador Award, Blencoe admitted that she “was in a state of shock over receiving the award.” Fiancé Steven Sager noted, “Dianne has been an RN for 35 years, working most of her career with children. Her love of teddy bears and the people involved in the bear industry led her to work with the Hospital for Sick Children’s ‘Brain Child Research Charity.’ She then became involved with the Children’s Aid Foundations of Canada. Dianne has always made teddy bears and other creatures, which she refers to as ‘Stuffys.’ She takes the time to encourage many young bear makers to make the leap required to exhibit at shows. She truly believes that teddy bears bring out a feeling of safety that allows people to feel love and security in a harsh world.”

Martha Burch

Martha Burch of Martha’s Bears received her Ambassador Award at ABC Unlimited Productions’ 2006 Festival of Fiber Arts. The Wisconsin-based bear artist began making teddy bears in 1984. Known for her beautifully costumed and styled bears, Martha has been a fixture on the bear show scene for many years, continually supporting events throughout the country by exhibiting her creations, teaching workshops and hosting auctions. She was also the designer of “Teedy,” the 2006 Theodore Society bear.

Beverly Port

Known as the mother of teddy bear artistry, Beverly Port has made, collected and promoted teddy bears for several decades and is well-known in the teddy bear community. Beverly coined the term “teddy bear artist,” and her designs would become the bridge between bears manufactured only as toys for children and the modern-age of soft-sculpture bears created as originals for collectors. In 1976, Beverly became the first journalist to devote an entire column to teddy bears. The stories were written with the help of her little companion bear, Theodore B. Bear.

Connie Brouillette

A Theodore Society Ambassador was named during the Gala Awards Banquet at the 2005 Doll & Teddy Bear Expo on August 20. Connie Brouillette of ABC Unlimited Productions graciously accepted the award from Joe Jones, publisher of Teddy Bear Review. Brouillette, along with Amber Beeler, produces teddy bear shows throughout the United States and has made a significant contribution to the promotion and preservation of the teddy bear. She and Beeler worked with Linda Mullins and the International Teddy Bear Relief Fund to organize a teddy bear auction, in January 2006, supporting the Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.

Millie Gage (posthumously)

An August Theodore Ambassador award went posthumously to Millie Gage, the heart and soul behind the Teddy Bear Artist Invitational (TBAI) in Binghamton, New York. Teddy Bear Review Editor Trina Laube-Oltmann presented the award in Millie’s name to Millie’s husband, Larry, at the TBAI Feast on August 5, 2005. “Whether you met her once or knew her for many years, Millie was someone you would never forget,” Laube-Oltmann says. “She did so much to promote teddy bear artistry and the Ross Park Zoo.” Gage, who passed away in May 2005, worked hard each year to support the Ross Park Zoo and endangered species through funds raised at TBAI.

William Boyd

Joe Jones, president of Jones Publishing, Inc., presented a Theodore Society Ambassador Award to Bill Boyd during the annual Good Bears of the World Banquet at the Kansas City Jubilee in Overland Park, Kansas, July 15, 2005. Sandi Russell, first vice president of GBW, shares her sentiments about the latest Theodore Society Ambassador:

“Bill Boyd has worn many hats through the years—teacher, antique dealer, writer, and collector of many things. But the most meaningful and rewarding one has been ‘Goodwill Ambassador’ for Good Bears of the World."

Dale Junker

Joined by Teddy Bear Review Editor Trina Laube-Oltmann, Connie Brouillette and Amber Beeler, of ABC Unlimited Productions, presented Dale Junker, of Bear Street/Intercal, with a Theodore Society Ambassador Award at the April 2005 Theodore Society banquet.

"Dale Junker has been in this teddy bear world longer than most anybody currently involved with
teddy bears,” Beeler and Brouillette shared. “He has staunchly supported not only ABC events, but also many other events across North America, riding the economic waves, and remaining a dedicated oracle."

Linda Mullins

At the West Coast Theodore Society Banquet in San Diego, January 8, Joe Jones presented Linda Mullins with a Theodore Society Ambassador Award. “It has always been my dream to be the teddy bear’s ambassador,” Linda said, “and it has become a reality.” As a collector, author, historian, show promoter and teddy bear expert, Linda has worked to spread the word about teddy bears for over two decades. She founded the International Teddy Bear Relief Fund in 2005, helping to raise funds for victims of natural disasters through teddy bear and doll auctions and raffles.

Amber Beeler

On Halloween 2004, Jones Publishing President Joe Jones had a special treat for show promoter Amber Beeler. While attending the ABC Unlimited Productions OctoBEARfaire in Schaumburg, Illinois, Jones surprised Amber by presenting her with a Theodore Society Ambassador Award. Amber, along with co-promoter Connie Brouillette, owns ABC Unlimited Productions, producing teddy bear shows throughout the United States. They produced their 100th show in January 2005.

“Amber is so deserving of this award,” Jones says. “She is truly dedicated to this industry and has worked hard for many years to promote the teddy bear.”

Dee Hockenberry

Another deserving Ambassador received her award at the 2004 Doll & Teddy Bear Expo in Washington, D.C. Jones Publishing President Joe Jones presented Dee Hockenberry with a Theodore Society Ambassador Award at the Golden Teddy Award Banquet on August 28th. Dee, a collector, author, historian, artist and lover of all things teddy bear, was truly honored and very deserving of the distinction.

Valerie Rogers

Valerie Rogers, owner of Bright Star Promotions, was the star of her own show in Ann Arbor, Michigan, July 18th. The show promoter from Louisville, Kentucky, was surprised and honored to receive a Theodore Society Ambassador Award presented by Teddy Bear Review's editor, Trina Laube-Oltmann, at the Ann Arbor Teddy Bear Show and Sale. "Valerie has been promoting the teddy bear for over two decades and is very deserving of this honor," Laube-Oltmann says. "She's a true cheerleader for the teddy bear."

Terrie Stong
Terrie Stong, “chairbear” and executive director of Good Bears of the World, was exemplified as knowing “firsthand the special power of the teddy bear.” Stong has served as head of the charitable organization for more than two decades and is well-known throughout the teddy bear community for her enthusiasm and dedication to spreading hugs throughout the world.

Marie Sparks
Marie Sparks of Indianapolis, Indiana, was awarded the honor for her involvement in the teddy bear collectible industry. She was nominated for embodying the qualities of devotion to the hobby through participating in worldwide events “as a collector, a volunteer to exhibiting artists, a seminar leader and a workshop participant.”