All hands on ice. That’s what was needed after the American Hockey League’s Hershey Bears held their annual teddy bear toss on Sunday.
Fans “made it rain” after Garrett Mitchell scored the team’s first goal in the first period. The franchise broke their own record with 20,662 bears, which will be donated to the Battered Women and Children’s Center, a 40-year-old organization that has assisted victims of domestic abuse break free from that cycle and move toward self sufficiency.
“Knowing they have something a little close to their hearts like a toy or stuffed animal, that’s a little bit more warm and inviting,” one employee said. “It means the world to them, and knowing that there’s people out there that care.”
The @TheHersheyBears teddy bear toss was incredible to watch! Just awesome! #HBH #DefendTheDen @HersheyPA pic.twitter.com/DRoxgLsO1g
— Ali Lanyon (@AliLanyon) December 4, 2016
Here are some great photos from the toss from Chocolate Hockey:
The count is on! Thanks volunteers & fans for support of the Teddy Bear Toss! #TeddyBearTossHershey pic.twitter.com/hS5kaBift0
— Hershey Bears (@TheHersheyBears) December 4, 2016