Tsunami Relief Doll and Bear Auction
The weekend kicks off with a trade-only day for doll shop owners and the press on Friday. Friday night, the International Teddy Bear Relief Fund (ITBRF)in conjunction with DOLLS magazine and Teddy Bear Review will hold an auction to benefit victims of the Southeast Asia tsunami. Over 80 one of a kind and limited dolls and bears have been donated by doll and bear artists to be auctioned at this event. The auction starts at 7pm (preview at 4:30) at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington D.C. The direct beneficiary of the auction will be the 4kali.org Foundation, founded by Dr. Stuart Breisch and his wife Dr. Sally Nelson in memory of their 15-year old daughter Kali who lost her life in the tsunami while the family was vacationing in Khao Lak, Thailand. The foundation is assisting the citizens of Khao Lak with rebuilding their town and their lives.
Expo Is Open To The Public; Special Doll Events
On Saturday and Sunday, the Expo is open from 9 to 5pm. There are many special meal events and presentations scheduled, from doll companies and artists including Maggie Iacono, Vogue Doll Co., Berdine Creedy, R. John Wright, Jack Johnston, Tonner Dolls, Alexander Doll Company, Helen Kish and many others. Some of the meal events require the purchase of separate tickets. The Expo itself has over 150 doll and bear exhibitors. All events as well as the Expo will be at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel
DOLLS Awards of Excellence; R. John Wright To Receive Lifetime Achievement Award
On Saturday night, the DOLLS Awards of Excellence and the Golden Teddy Awards will be presented at a banquet. Also at the awards ceremony, doll artist R. John Wright will be awarded the prestigious DOLLS Lifetime Achievement Award. Tickets for the banquet are $75, available by calling (800) 331-0038 or by e-mailing laura@jonespublishing.com.
If You Are On The East Coast, Don't Miss The Show!
If you love dolls, and if you are anywhere within driving distance of Washington D.C., you should not miss this event. For further information, including information on charity auction and the various special doll events as well as artist appearances and doll signings at Expo, visit the official Doll & Teddy Bear Expo web site at www.dollandteddyexpo.com.
