In each “On Leadership” column, Allen Lima Leadership Executive Director Matt Childers talks with a regional business leader. This week, he profiles Chad King, president of the Teddy Bear Fund and vice president at Chase Bank.
Matt: How would you describe the Teddy Bear Fund, and how did you get involved?
Chad: The Teddy Bear Fund is all about comforting kids in their time of need. When a child has to go to the hospital, they are usually really sick or injured. They are in pain and in a place that is probably really unfamiliar to them and scary. By giving those children a teddy bear, we hope that it helps to ease their fears and bring them a little comfort. I’d also like to think that it can help build a bridge of trust between the child and their caregiver (doctor, nurse, etc.) making it a little easier for that caregiver to deliver the treatment the child needs.
I became involved with the Teddy Bear Fund as part of the class project for the Allen Lima Leadership Class of 2005. At the time the Teddy Bear Fund was being carried on by Dick Smallwood and a small group of people. They were looking for an organization to carry on this tradition in the community and we picked up the torch.
Matt: Why does our area have this resource?
Chad: The Teddy Bear Fund was started almost 70 years ago by Russel McLean and has been continued through the efforts of individuals and organizations like Easter Straker, Dick Smallwood and the Lima Jaycees. That said, without donations, we would not be able to function. The Teddy Bear Fund has endured for almost 70 years in this area because of the generosity and caring nature of the people in Lima and the surrounding communities. I hate to try to name them all because I’m sure to leave some out, but we receive donations from individuals and organizations in Lima, Delphos, Ada, Harrod, St. Marys, Wapakoneta, Ottoville and Fort Jennings. Our donors are the ones that make it all happen.
Matt: How can one get involved in giving or donating to TBF?
Chad: Those interested in helping can support our annual golf outing, which is our major fundraiser each year, or we accept donations any time at ALL Teddy Bear Fund Inc.; P.O. Box 613; Lima, OH 45802.
Matt: Final thoughts on this vital organization?
Chad: I think that anyone who has had a son or daughter, niece or nephew or grandchild that has been sick or injured and in the hospital can appreciate how stressful those situations are. We just try to do a little something to make it better. The fact that the Teddy Bear Fund has existed for almost 70 years makes me think that it does make these situations a little better. My hope is that we are able to keep this tradition alive in the community and continue to bring comfort to children for at least another 70 years.
Matt: How did Allen Lima Leadership impact your professional and personal development?
Chad: My experience with Allen Lima Leadership has been amazing. Not only did I learn more about my community, the resources it has and the issues it faces, but I was able to forge relationships with other professionals in the Lima area that have become a valuable network for me. I’ve had many personal and business opportunities come from this network. The Allen Lima Leadership program was also a springboard for me to get more involved in the community with organizations like ALL Teddy Bear Fund, Habitat for Humanity and Family Resource Center. Not only has it been a resource for me, but I think that it is such an important organization for the community at large. Developing networks and creating leadership opportunities are part of the backbone of a strong community and that is what Allen Lima Leadership provides.
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