Love. Hugs. Peace.™ Movement Harnesses Power Of Youth, Encourages Charitable Giving, Celebrates Volunteerism

Special song provides inspiration; benefits Save the Children First rendition by David Archuleta debuts Feb. 14

ST. LOUIS (Feb. 12, 2009) – A new movement is brewing and, even before the official kick-off this week, Love. Hugs. Peace.™ has already piqued the interest and support of more than 50,000 kids who want to make the world a better place. Cheyanne from the United States has pledged to tutor someone in a subject she knows well. John in the United Kingdom has promised to do something nice for friends or family and Aaliyah from Switzerland has vowed to volunteer time to a special cause. The movement and the pledges are growing daily as word spreads around the world to children from Oceania, Asia, Europe, North America and South America who understand that no matter how young or old they are, they can help make a difference one hug at a time.

The global giving movement being launched by Build-A-Bear Workshop® is designed to empower its young Guests to make the world a better place. The movement offers a variety of ways to engage Guests, including new avenues to give back, and builds on company programs that recognize, celebrate and reward community service. Kids can join the movement at www.buildabear.com/lovehugspeace and make a love, hugs or peace pledge to show how they will do their part. From Feb. 14 through March 4, they also can donate to Save the Children and receive a download of the movement’s new signature song as a thank you for their donation.

David Archuleta and Others Lend Their Voices to the Campaign
A special song, “Let’s Talk About Love,” was created to bring the Love. Hugs. Peace. movement to life and empower kids to spread the message of sharing and love. The song was written especially for  Build-A-Bear Workshop by award winning music producer, song writer and CEO/CCO of DMI Music & Media Solutions, Tena Clark. The powerful song will become the anthem of the movement, embodying the spirit of love, peace and giving.

Acclaimed artist David Archuleta of American Idol fame is the first artist to join the movement. His version of the song is available beginning Feb. 14 through March 4. During this timeframe, Guests will receive the song download as a thank you for their $1 donation to Save the Children made either online at www.buildabear.com/lovehugspeace or at any of the participating Build-A-Bear Workshop stores.
Love. Hugs. Peace. Movement – Add One

During this same time, Build-A-Bear Workshop will match each donation up to $50,000. Archuleta fans will also be able to purchase a tee featuring his photo for their furry friend available in stores and online. Archuleta is just the first of what is to be an all star line up of singers who will lend their vocal talents to sing, “Let’s Talk About Love.” Additional artists are set to jump on board to record the song with their own unique sounds and styles as the movement continues throughout the year.