The annual Martha’s Vineyard Teddy Bear Suite presented by Point B Realty starts next Thursday, Dec. 6, and runs through Sunday, Dec. 9. It’s a family-favorite holiday tradition, and proceeds go to the Martha’s Vineyard Boys & Girls Club’s Healthy Happy Kids, an afterschool food program that helps feed hundreds of Island kids with nutritious options.
The annual event has a new home this year. It’s usually hosted at the Harbor View Hotel, but due to winter construction, hundreds of teddy bears will instead occupy 17 Winter St. in Nevin Square, Edgartown. This four-day downtown celebration puts bears at the center of Christmas in Edgartown. Families and kids can have their photos taken with teddy bears in full-on holiday splendor.
Suggested donation is $5. If you can’t come to the event, but would like to support the cause, visit mvteddybearsuite.com to make a donation. Teddy Bear Suite hours are Thursday, Dec. 6, from 12 to 6 pm, Friday, Dec. 7, from 12 to 8 pm, Saturday, Dec. 8, from 10 am to 6 pm, and Sunday, Dec. 9, from 10 am to 4 pm.
The four-day event ends on Dec. 9, but not without another special holiday tradition. The annual Teddy Bear Trot and Holiday 5K Run and Walk steps off from Nevin Square at 10 am, and the fun run starts at 9:45 am. Registration starts at 8:30 am.
The annual race is hosted by the Martha’s Vineyard Hurricanes Youth Running Club, coached by Kimberly Kirk and Reaan Steenkamp. The club hopes to continue to grow the festive holiday race while providing running opportunities and healthy lifestyle choices for Island children. Student volunteers at the holiday race will be able to earn required community service hours for school.
Proceeds benefit the MV Boys and Girls Club. The fundraising goal this year is $45,000.
Runners of all ages and skill levels are encouraged to participate. The running route is all new, and takes participants through the historic village of Edgartown. Festive dress is encouraged. Entrance fee is $25 the day of, or $20 ahead of time. First 100 to register get a Teddy Bear Suite T shirt. You can register at bit.ly/TBTrot2018.
