Thank You Matt for the donation of $50.00 to Hugs Across America. You did a terrific job with your lemonade stand. It is so great to see a youngster thinking of others the way you are.

Know that your money will go to purchase teddy bears for children in crisis, yes children with cancer and children whose homes were burned or who were in auto accidents or who suffered a loss. We know that the teddies bring them comfort and knowing that others are thinking about them matters too.

Thank you again, to Matt of Rockville, Maryland.

Benefit for Hugs Across America…

Helping us comfort children in crisis through the hugs of teddy bears.

WE REMEMBER” Concert on 9/11/15

We honor our dear friend and avid supporter, Dr. Angelo Dispenzieri, who died peacefully at home in Manhasset, NY surrounded by his family on February 8, 2015 at age 85 after a long struggle with post-polio syndrome. Beloved by his wife of 32 years, Eileen Stegman Dispenzieri, his daughters, Elizabeth Mutlu of Bay Terrace, NY and Dr. Angela Dispenzieri of Rochester, MN, and his grandsons, Michael Mutlu and James Mutlu.

He lived a full life; a Professor of Psychology at Baruch College where he also served as Dean of Evening and Extension Division; a psychotherapist in private practice; and a consultant/lecturer in industrial/organizational psychology. In his private life, he enjoyed his family, music, fine art, and things of beauty. He lived for love, knowledge and compassion for others, and often said that there is no problem in life that could not be solved. His brand of knowledge, optimism, and storytelling was a source of solace, hope and transformation for many. We will miss his presence but he will be with us as he touched us with his love and wisdom.

Angie was a charter member of Hugs Board of Directors and an unending source of encouragement to me personally. He will be sorely missed.

Port Washington, NY Fire Department went to three military bases just before Christmas, visiting wounded soldiers at Camp Lejeune, FortBragg, Bethesda Hospital, and the Fisher Houses associated with these facilities. (The Fisher Houses are like Ronald Mc Donald Houses at local hospitals. They provide a comfortable place for families to stay while their wounded soldiers recover from war injuries.) The Fire Dept members brought over 180 teddy bears to soldiers and their family members from Hugs Across America. “It was great to see the reaction of the children and their parents when given such special hugs, “ said James Pemrose, a Port fireman. We called our effort “The Red Line”, because it was made up of 41 different FD from across Nassau County in Long Island, NY.

We are so grateful to you and your organization for the great stuffed animals that you provide for the children during the Holidays.

They are a God sent for the kids here. They have helped foster a sense of love and safety for our children especially during the challenging holiday times (when some of the kids don’t have family come to visit them while they are in the hospital)

Kings County Hospital Child and Adolescent Psychiatry has used your gifts for patients who suffer from PTSD and depression due to trauma (sexual, physical abuse or neglect or domestic violence) They have been a GREAT source of self soothing and comfort for these patients who often times use self- mutilation or other forms of self-harm to express their pain and suffering. The stuffed animals help them relax and feel cared for and loved.

We do so appreciate your effort to bring these children some hope.