United Details Its 2014 United Adventure Bear Program

united bear adventure programUnited Airlines says it hopes to bring smiles to the faces of children in need through its 2014 United Adventure Bear program for customers and co-workers. 

The airline designed a new, limited-edition GUND teddy bear to be delivered by pilots, flight attendants and other airline employees to children across the globe. More than 800 United employees submitted ideas for the new bear's name.

The winner? Rhonda Globe!

"Each year we are overwhelmed by the response from our generous customers and co-workers who participate in this beloved bear program," said Mark Anderson, United's senior vice president of corporate and government affairs. "This year we're especially excited to introduce this new program that extends the opportunities to brighten a child's day to our customers and co-workers not just in the U.S., but all over the world."

From May 1 through June 30, 2013, United is inviting customers and co-workers from around the globe to participate in the program in one of two ways:

  • Make a $50 'Give a Bear, Get a Bear' contribution, in which a donor will receive their own limited-edition 2014 Adventure Bear (delivered in December 2013), send a second bear to a child in need and make a contribution to the program through the United Airlines Foundation.
  • Make a 100 percent tax-deductible contribution to the United Airlines Foundation in support of the Adventure Bear Program.

Proceeds from the program will benefit organizations that help children and their families during health struggles or economic hardship, including the American Cancer Society and Make-A-Wish America. A portion of the funds raised will also benefit organizations within United's hub communities.

United employees and community partners will deliver Rhonda Globe bears to children in hospitals and communities around the globe in winter 2014.

For more information on United's Adventure Bear program and to make a donation, purchase a bear and brighten a child's day, visit www.united.com/adventurebear.