Georgia Southwestern’s fourth annual “Teddy Bear Toss” sees record-breaking turnout

AMERICUS, GA – The “Teddy Bear Toss” is the annual event at Georgia Southwestern where the men’s basketball team only needs to score their first basket before thousands of stuffed animals rain down on the court.

“It’s been a very positive event and it provides us with the opportunity to bring a little cheer to children in our hospital,” said Phoebe-Sumter President Carlyle Walton. “We share these bears with our first responders and they use them to also bring some cheer and comfort to children and young people.”

And while it was the fourth teddy toss for some, for Georgia Southwestern President, Michelle Johnston, it was her first, but she knew the importance of this event.

“Really, everybody on campus is aware of it and supports it,” Johnston said. “Our students, how they get behind it and are excited to be here and part of it. And I think it’s a real important opportunity as an educational institution to really emphasize with our students how important it is to give back.”

Wednesday night saw more than 2000 stuffed animals making their way to the women and children’s unit at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center in Americus.

“It’s a fun event, but also it has meaning,” Johnston said.  “That partnership with Phoebe to make sure that these animals have all teddy bears and then some others are in the hands of children who need them and can get some pleasure and support. And joy out of that is exciting.”