Lots Of Love In South Florida
Nov 27, 2008 9:16 pm US/Eastern
A "Beary" Special Spirit Of Thanksgiving
MIAMI (CBS4) ―
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The spirit of "giving thanks" drew an impassioned crowd to help abused children and honor the judges in our community who fight every day to protect them. It all came together at the first ever Neighbors for Neighbors
Adopt-A-Bear Thanksgiving party.
Hundreds of people turned out and thousands of dollars were donated at this "beary" special night. The Capital Grille restaurant opened its doors and kitchen to help raise funds for the CBS4 Neighbors 4 Neighbors
Adopt-A-Bear program.
In addition, Miami-Dade juvenile court judges, including Judge Cindy Lederman, were toasted and honored at the Adopt-A-Bear Thanksgiving party, spearheaded by
CBS4's Michele Gillen.
As Judge Lederman explained, "They need a second chance. They need a chance to trust and love that the world is a safe place."
The little teddy bears were donated by young bear ambassadors who have been raising money across the community. Several of them assisted the judges during National Adoption Day where they personally handed them to the former children of the court as they were being adopted.
"When I would give them the bears, they would have a huge smile on their face and they would say this is really for me?" said Julieta Dalmau.
A huge thank you and applause went out to Miami-Dade Commissioner Joe Martinez. Upon learning of the Adopt-A-Bear campaign and cuts to the program that originally supplied the teddy bears to the courts, he committed the largest contribution to date from a foundation set up in behalf of his mother. He donated $5,000, which is a donation that will put one thousand teddy bears into the hands of the children.
"One child, one child that we are able to turn around and give him a little bit of comfort, that 'Charlie Brown blanket', it's definitely worth it," Martinez told Gillen.
With a dancing bear and smiling children, it was a magical night made possible by the compassion of the Capital Grille restaurant and their friends at Bacardi who donated the entire event. Capital Grille Manager Mercy Iglesias beamed as hundreds of dollars were donated for bears by guests joining in the fun.
"Thanks for accepting, we are here for you", said Iglesias.
The teddy bears go to neglected and abused children throughout the county. They put smiles on the faces of many of these children and makes the intimidating process of going to family court a bit more bear-able.
The Adopt-A-Bear team sends a thank you out to everyone who has donated a bear and wishes everyone holiday blessings and a most Happy Thanksgiving.
If you would like to donate or learn more, go to
adoptabear.org.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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