FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date:       November 12, 2007

Contact: Gina M. Maramag,

                Community Marketing and Design Specialist

                (716) 686-8325, email: gmaramag@palliativecare.org

                Katie Whiting, Special Events Associate

                (716) 686-8039, email: kwhiting@palliativecare.org

 HOLIDAY TEDDY BEARS FUND PROGRAM

FOR SERIOUSLY ILL CHILDREN

   The Hospice Foundation of Western New York is getting ready for the sixth annual Share the Bear Holiday Promotion. The promotion begins Friday, Nov. 23 and will end on Friday, Dec. 21.

   This year's Share the Bears are Dean and Dena. Dean is a soft cuddly brown bear and Dena is an adorable white bear. Both bears also come with tags that can be personalized. They are available for purchase throughout the month of December at Hospice Buffalo, 225 Como Park Boulevard in Cheektowaga. The bears will also be available at the Galleria Mall, lower level near Lord & Taylor, and at all Fantastic Sams locations. The cost is $ 10 for each bear.

   Proceeds from Share the Bear will benefit Essential Care for Children, a pediatric home care program of Hospice Buffalo. Essential Care for Children provides medical, emotional, psychosocial and spiritual care to children and their families who are living with a life-threatening illness. The program currently cares for 30 children in the WNY area.

   For more information about Share the Bear, please call the Hospice Foundation at (716) 686-8090 or email info@palliativecare.org.