The gift was made in memory of her daughter Mendy Jo Trissel who died in 2008 at the age of 33. “Maybe this will prompt someone else to make a donation like this,” she explained as she presented the bears to Ryan Gathard, Director of Fund Development for State of the Heart. The Beanie babies and bears are considered collector’s items and have value. “State of the Heart can use these for whatever purpose they want,” Ross explained. It is possible the items can be sold to collectors and the funds directed to needs of the nonprofit agency which cares for patients and families confronting a life limiting illness. There is a story behind each of the many collectibles donated, Ross said. The Ty Beanie babies and bears, all wearing colorful outfits, were collected by Ross, her mother, and her daughter Mendy. “This gift is special to us since it is given in memory of someone who was definitely special to the person making the donation,” stated Gathard. “I know it means a lot to Bonnie and it means a lot to us that she wanted to contribute to our agency.” Several weeks ago, a collection of Boyd Bears was donated to the agency.
For more information about the services provided by State of the Heart, visit the agency web site at www.stateoftheheartcare.org Ross and Gathard are pictured with the collection.