EVHS Basketball Collects 244 Stuffed Animals for Patients at Dell Children’s Hospital

Earlier this month, a Teddy Bear Toss took place at an East View High School (EVHS) varsity boys basketball game for the second year in a row. The purpose of the Teddy Bear Toss is to collect new stuffed animals from fans that will then be donated to children and their families that are spending their holidays at Dell Children’s Hospital.

“The Teddy Bear Toss is an event that I took from a coaching friend of mine where I previously worked,” EVHS Head Basketball Boys Coach Andrew McDorman said. “When I came to East View, the Teddy Bear Toss was a tradition I wanted to bring to our school and community…just something that our team does to spread a little hope during the holidays.” 

The first recorded Teddy Bear Toss took place in 1993 at a Western Hockey League (WHL) junior ice hockey game and inspired Teddy Bear Toss events around the world.

On the night of the Teddy Bear Toss last year, admission to the basketball game was free to students who brought stuffed animals to donate. The EVHS boys basketball team collected around 150 stuffed animals for Dell Children’s.

This year, EVHS boys basketball collaborated with the girls basketball team to bring in more fans on Teddy Bear Toss night. Admission was free for anyone — not just students — who brought stuffed animals to donate.

“We were excited to see so many students and sponsors from multiple programs come out and support the cause,” Coach McDorman said. “Even our opponents, Liberty Hill High School, had staff, players and fans show up ready to donate some bears.”  

A total of 244 stuffed animals were collected and will be distributed to patients at Dell Children’s Hospital.

“The reward in all of this for me, is that maybe we inspired someone in that gym, child or adult, to be thankful for what they have and to continue to help those in need,” Coach McDorman said.