“Every child deserves a loving family and a place where they belong. The expansion of the Heart Gallery of Greater Houston is not just about spreading awareness; it’s about igniting action and fostering connections that can change lives forever.” 

– Tammy Hetmaniak, Executive Director of BEAR

We are excited to share that our newest program, Heart Gallery of Greater Houston, is growing exponentially, now reaching 12 additional counties. The Heart Gallery is a powerful, traveling photographic exhibit created to ignite awareness and help find forever families for children in foster care.

In Texas alone, over 30,000 children are under the care of Child Protective Services (CPS), with more than 6,000 eligible for adoption. Many of these children, particularly those of color, older youths, sibling groups, and those with special needs, face steeper odds and graver futures. Without families, their prospects are bleak, with high risks of homelessness, substance abuse, and incarceration post-emancipation.

The successful expansion of The Heart Gallery of Greater Houston is possible in no small part to BEAR’s valued donors and partners, including key contributors Jim and Cathy Anderson, Spindletop Community Impact Partners, and Brookfield Properties, who were just recently named BEAR Champions due to their commitment and support of the Heart Gallery program.

Nationally, the implementation of a Heart Gallery in other cities has increased the adoption rate for these children from a mere 1% to over 60%. Locally, the expansion to additional counties, which include Harris, Fort Bend, Galveston, Brazoria, Matagorda, Wharton, Colorado, Austin, Waller, Montgomery, Walker, Liberty, and Chambers counties, is a call to action for residents to engage, host exhibits, and change lives of children in foster care in our communities.

Event organizers, businesses and other organizations in the 13 counties are encouraged to participate by hosting a Heart Gallery exhibit – whether there’s space for just one photo or to fill an entire room. BEAR delivers the photos and assists in setup for either temporary or long-term displays. In turn, each Heart Gallery provides invaluable support in raising awareness and assisting in the search for families for these deserving children.

Here’s how you can help:

● Visit a Gallery 
● Host a Gallery 

CLICK HERE TO DONATE

We’re excited to share our participation in an incredible fundraising event – Birdies for Charity®. This unique program is part of the Texas Children’s Houston Open, and it presents a fantastic opportunity for us to make a significant impact in the lives of children we serve.

What is Birdies for Charity?

Birdies for Charity® is more than just a fundraising campaign; it’s a community effort uniting various charities and schools with the common goal of supporting local causes. The program operates by encouraging one-time donations, and here’s the best part – 100% of these donations go directly back to the participating organizations.

Why BEAR is Participating

At BEAR, our mission has always been about making a tangible difference in the lives of children, especially those in the foster care system. By joining Birdies for Charity, we are not only raising essential funds but also increasing awareness about our cause. It’s a chance to connect with the broader community and share the importance of our work.

There’s an exciting element to this campaign: If BEAR becomes one of the top six charities in terms of donations or is selected in a random draw, we’ll get a day in the Birdies for Charity® booth at the Texas Children’s Houston Open.

How You Can Help

Participating is simple! Visit this link, click on “donate now,” and make your contribution. No amount is too small, and every donation we receive through Birdies for Charity goes straight to supporting our programs and initiatives. Whether it’s providing essentials for children in care, supporting educational and recreational activities, or facilitating the adoption process, your contributions play a vital role.

The Deadline

We have until February 8, 2024 to make our mark on the leaderboard and until March 31 to raise funds. So, we encourage you to act fast and spread the word. Remember, your support is not just a donation; it’s a lifeline to the children who need it most!

As we start a new year, we are taking a moment to reflect on the incredible outpouring of support and generosity that made BEARing Gifts 2023 a resounding success over the holiday season. With the help of our dedicated volunteers, generous donors, and compassionate community, we were able to make a significant impact on the lives of children in the Greater Houston area.

BEARing Gifts: A Season of Giving

BEARing Gifts is one of BEAR’s flagship programs, and it embodies the true spirit of the holiday season. Our mission is simple yet profound: to provide brand-new holiday gifts to at-risk and CPS-involved children who may not experience the joy of the holidays otherwise. We believe that every child deserves to feel special and loved, especially during this magical time of year.

To see the full scale of our impact, just look at the numbers:

• Children Served: This year, BEARing Gifts reached an astounding 26,623 children in the Greater Houston area. Each of these children received the gift of hope and happiness, thanks to your support.
• Volunteers: A total of 1,214 volunteers generously gave their time and energy to make this program a reality. These dedicated volunteers worked tirelessly to ensure that every child felt valued and cherished.
• Toy Drives: A total of 307 registered Toy Drives added an extra layer of generosity to our program. These drives, organized by businesses, schools, and individuals, collected an abundance of gifts to brighten the holidays for countless children.

Looking Forward to the Future

While BEARing Gifts is a seasonal program, our commitment to supporting at-risk and CPS-involved children is year-round. We are deeply grateful for the trust you place in us and the unwavering support you provide.

Looking ahead, we are excited about the opportunities and initiatives that lie on the horizon. BEAR remains dedicated to improving the lives of the most vulnerable in our community, and with your continued support, we can achieve great things together.

Thank you for sharing in our mission, and we can’t wait to see the positive changes we’ll make in the year ahead. Stay tuned for more updates and opportunities to get involved.

To learn more about BEAR and our programs, including BEARing Gifts, please visit the BEARing Gifts webpage.

The holiday season is a time for giving, and this year, BEAR had the privilege of working with an incredible army of volunteers who dedicated their time, energy, and hearts to make BEARing Gifts a phenomenal success!

From individuals and community groups to corporate teams, we’ve been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and kindness. Our gratitude knows no bounds, and we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all our holiday heroes!

Our Holiday Heroes: 

Special shout-outs to some remarkable partners who joined us in spreading joy this holiday season:

KSBJ – Your unwavering commitment to our mission and the countless volunteer hours you’ve put in have made a world of difference for the kids we serve.

Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center – Thank you for sharing your spirit of giving and for the amazing support you’ve shown throughout our BEARing Gifts program.

Kinetik – Your partnership, both in terms of financial contributions and volunteer dedication, has truly touched the lives of many.

Tide Cleaners – Your generous offer of drop-off locations and the incredible staff who have championed our cause have played a crucial role in the success of BEARing Gifts.

But the support doesn’t end there! We’d also like to express our deepest appreciation to all the other partners who have been part of our BEARing Gifts journey:

• IKEA
• Coca-Cola
• PO&G Resources
• JJO Charities
• Rotary Club
• Cactus Wellhead
• Colliers
• Primeway Foundation
• UH Law
• And many more, whose contributions, big and small, have collectively made a tremendous impact.

The Volunteer Tree 🌳

One of the most heartwarming moments this season was our Volunteer Tree. Here, our dedicated volunteers had the opportunity to write their names, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts and our mission.

Every name on that tree represents an individual or group who chose to make a difference in the lives of children in need. It’s a symbol of love, compassion, and the power of community coming together.

Our Photo Gallery 📸

We invite you to explore our photo gallery showcasing the incredible volunteers who dedicated their time and passion to make this holiday season unforgettable for more than 23,000 children. These photos capture the joy, camaraderie, and the true spirit of giving.

CLICK HERE to Explore our full Volunteer Photo Gallery.

Get Involved!

As we close this incredible chapter of BEARing Gifts, remember that BEAR’s mission expands beyond the holidays, helping children every single day of the year through our four key programs:

• BEAR Necessities
• BEAR Back-to-School
• BEARing Gifts
• Heart Gallery Houston

Thank you, our amazing BEARing Gifts volunteers, for being the holiday heroes these children deserve. Your kindness has made the season brighter for so many, and we are deeply grateful.

This Giving Tuesday, you have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children in need. Join BEAR in spreading love, hope, and joy to at-risk and CPS-involved children and their caretakers in the greater Houston area.

One of the most heartwarming traditions at BEAR is our BEARing Gifts program. Last holiday season, we served over 23,000 children, and this year, we aim to make an even bigger difference. Here are several ways you can participate:

• Sponsor a Child: Make a child’s holiday dreams come true by becoming their sponsor. Your support provides essentials and holiday magic.
• Shop the Amazon Wish List: Shopping for gifts has never been easier. Visit our Amazon wish list and choose gifts that will bring smiles to little faces.
• Donate: Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us provide essentials and holiday joy to thousands of children. Your kindness goes a long way.
• Host a Toy Drive: Rally your community, coworkers, or friends to collect toys. Together, we can make a significant impact.
• Volunteer: Give the gift of your time and witness the magic unfold as you help us prepare for this heartwarming program. Join our volunteer team.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE!

While Giving Tuesday is a significant day for philanthropy, our commitment to making a difference doesn’t end there. BEAR works tirelessly throughout the year to improve the lives of children in need. Whether you choose to sponsor a child, shop our Amazon wish list, make a donation, host a toy drive, or volunteer your time, your contribution matters and can brighten the lives of those who need it most in the greater Houston area.

We are excited to share the news of BEAR’s collaboration with IKEA during National Adoption Month!

Throughout the month of November, IKEA (7810 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77024) is stepping up to make a real difference by accepting donations of new toys, books, games, and other items that can light up a child’s world. These gifts do more than bring momentary joy; they offer a sense of normalcy, hope, and the warmth of community support.

As you wrap up your shopping at IKEA, look for the enchanting rocket ship situated at the exit. This unique setup isn’t just for show – it serves as a collection point where you can place any new donations or items purchased in the store. This simple act of donating is like sending a rocket of joy and discovery to a child in need.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to IKEA for championing every child’s right to play, and we invite everyone in the Houston area to join in this wonderful cause. Your contribution, no matter the size, can have an immense impact. In the spirit of National Adoption Month, let’s come together to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children in need!

Cowboy boots met designer heels at The Rustic, Uptown Park on October 22nd, where over 500 Houstonians rallied for BEAR’s annual evening event, Stetsons & Stilettos. The event was nothing short of spectacular, smashing records with an impressive $500,000 raised to support at-risk and CPS-involved kids in the greater Houston area.

Chaired by the dynamic duo Mike and Kelli Bridges, emceed by Johnny Bravo and presented by Amspec, the night was a whirlwind of live music, auctions and great food. Attendees rocked rodeo glam, flaunting everything from turquoise bling to chic cowboy boots.

Tammy Hetmaniak, Executive Director at BEAR, reminded us why we were all there – to provide “a beacon of hope” for children in need. The Heart Gallery program got a shoutout for boosting local adoption rates from 1% to a whopping 60%.

From a 50/50 raffle to a live auction featuring Madonna concert tickets and a personal chef dinner, the crowd was all in. Sponsors like LALO Tequila, Sysco, and I W Marks brought their A-game, ensuring the night was one for the books.

As the night wrapped up, it was clear – Stetsons & Stilettos was more than just a party; it was a community coming together to make real change for children in the greater Houston area. See y’all again next year!

Check out the photo gallery HERE:

The Day of Caring: Better Together event, held September 12, brought together local nonprofits and community members in Houston and provided a stage for organizations like BEAR to showcase their crucial mission and create connections with individuals eager to make a difference.

Day of Caring: Better Together provided BEAR with an invaluable platform to shine a spotlight on their vital work. Here’s why this collaboration was so impactful:

1. Awareness and Visibility: The event’s attendees had the opportunity to learn about BEAR’s mission, raising awareness about the organization’s essential role in the community.

2. Networking and Support: BEAR connected with like-minded individuals and organizations, fostering potential collaborations and support networks that will benefit the children they serve.

3. Unity and Collective Action: The event’s theme, “Better Together,” underscored the strength of unity. It showcased how, when the community bands together, they can make a collective impact that goes beyond what any individual or organization can achieve alone.

Every act of kindness, every donation, and every moment you spend advocating for BEAR brings us one step closer to a community where all children feel safe, loved, and valued. Learn more about our programs by CLICKING HERE.