It was an ordinary day. Reading my latest edition of Reader's Digest when I came across a story on page 9 titled "The Fur Flies." Story was about the American Hockey League's Hershey Bears annual Teddy bear Toss. My home in Lancaster, Pennsylvania is about 28 miles from the small town of Hershey, PA. Most might recognize the name of Hershey as being the home of perhaps the best chocolate in the world. But for many, it is the home of the world record Teddy Bear Toss. The "toss" has been going on since 2001 when after the first Hershey goal, in a specified game at the Hershey Park Arena, those in attendance are asked to throw Teddy Bears onto the ice. 25 local organizations, including Dauphin County Children and Youth, Cocoa Packs, Boys & Girls Club of Harrisburg, Palmyra Lions Club, Autism Society of Greater Harrisburg Area and Children's Miracle Network Hershey, are given the stuffed animals that were thrown onto the ice during the hockey game. But...wait...for the 7th year, The Sweigart Family Foundation pledged $1 per plush item which in turn is also donated. Well, on January 19, 2022 the fans at the Hershey Park Arena threw 52,341 stuffed toys onto the ice after the Hershey Bear's player Jonsson-Fjällby scored the games first goal. The 52,341 stuffed animals broke the previous world record of 45,765 from 2019. This year's event was the first held since 2019 due to COVID-19. "Sweet, cuddly mayhem," Bear's broadcast announcer Zack. Fisch said. "It's Teddy Bear Toss time!"
It took over 30 minutes to collect all the Teddy Bears that were thrown onto the ice. Forward Gersich dove headfirst into the pile and disappeared into the mass collection. What a wonderful event the Teddy Bear Toss is each year. Can you imagine how many children will benefit from the event! It was another extraordinary day in the life an ordinary guy. And...thanks to Reader's Digest for writing about the event in their latest issue of their magazine...one of my favorites.
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