Blackie's Grand Adventure

Linda Ray, President of Infants In Need/Linda Ray Children's Center sells
and auctions beanie babies on the IIN website to raise money for the abused
children at the Center. She thought it would be educational and fun for the children
at the Center to learn more about our country and the wonderful families all over
America. Linda conceived the idea of sending Blackie, a beanie bear, as and
ambassador representing the Linda Ray Children's Center on a Grand Adventure
traveling, visiting host families for a few days before continuing his journey to the
next host family.

We have a Children's Center for abused children and like all kids, they love beanies!!
We would like to send Blackie out on a trip across this great nation and have him come
back with greetings and hugs for the children!! Would you like to "host" Blackie
email us and send along a little information about you and your state for the children to enjoy?
We are planning his travel itinerary now. The children are really looking forward to theirgeography lesson!!

Thank you,
Linda
What happened is history as the Adventure is over, however,
the many host and friends still like to visit this page and read
about Blackie's Adventures. Who knows, Linda may send Blackie
out on a new adventure some time in the future.

Here is what happened after Linda's announcement
on the web.

Linda was overwhelmed when she received over 1500 request to host Blackie.
Not only did the request come from every state in the USA, but from many foreign
countries. She has received many gifts on Blackie's behalf for the children at the
Center and they are all being saved for a grand celebration when he returns. As
you can imagine Blackie has a rather extensive itinerary and will busy for the rest
of the year.

Linda waved good bye to Blackie with mixed emotions as he begins
his GRAND ADVENTURE traveling around the world. She is happy
Blackie can travel and be with so many loving families, but she was
sad to see one of her babies go for such a long time.

Blackie has been to the Olympics in Japan, but he has returned to America
and is now traveling to each state in the United States. He will, however,
from time to time go back overseas to take care of some commitments.

Blackie has attended a wedding in Madison, WI with Laura, visited a children's hospital
in Lexington, KY, walked in the white sand in Destin, FL, had his teeth cleaned and checked
by Dr. John in Perryville, MO, picked up a traveling companion, Scoop & some hand made
chocolate from Anne in Allenton, Pa, had a special present sent directly to the children from
Alice in Wichita, KS. Blackie also attended a medieval fair in Sarasota, FL with Beth, the
Mardi Gras with Barbara in Baton Rouge, LA, went fishing with Colton in Grand Haven, MI,
attended a dance class with Susan and her children in Lexington, VA and received a necklace
from Michael Ann in Bullock, TX. You can see that Blackie has a busy schedule and having
a great time.

As Blackie continued his journey he went to the beach on the Gulf of Mexico and the Teddy
Bear Museum with Cordette in Naples, FL, went to visit the Myan Ruins and Marida, a rain
forest in Mexico. He also sang and danced with a Mexican band and got a Sombrero from
Patricia.

LINDA WITH SOME OF HER KIDS AT GRADUATION IN JUNE
JUNE OF 1998 AT THE LINDA RAY INTERVENTION CENTER

WE WILL SHARE E-MAILS FROM HOST FAMILIES WITH ITEMS
OF INTEREST AND TIDBITS REGARDING BLACKIES VISIT WITH
THEM. OF COURSE, WE HAVE TO REMOVE EMAIL ADDRESS AND
IN SOME CASES EDIT TO CONSERVE SPACE.

Blackie's Grand Adventure
with the Hobday family
in England

click on this lin
Blackie's adventure in England

Blackie has been visiting the
Lamberts in
Plano, TX

I will send Blackie on to the next Host Family on Monday. We have really
enjoyed him and have done sooooooooooooooo many things. We went to
Galveston beach, explored the World War II submarine and ships, went on an
Easter Egg hunt in Austin where the capital of TX is, had Lindsey's birthday
party which was also on Easter Sunday, she turned 5, went and played games
and went to two parties, went to Lake Texoma and camped out overnight in some
cabins, went to the zoo and took all of first grade at Blakes school, volunteered at
the library at his school. I think all of Texas knows all about Blackie now! :o) We
have done so many things with him so I guess this really worked out for the best
considering we have done everything there is to do! Get with Wendell and read the
letters. The first one was to the children and it just let them know the day Blackie
arrived and his condition and everything. He is, by the way, in great condition, tag
and all. People have really taken good care of him as well as us! Let me know his
next destination stop. Thanks again for the great time we have had with him!

It's me, Blackie! I just arrived at the Lambert's house here in Plano, TX. Whew,
what a trip! Melissa wanted me to let you all know of my condition so you can know
I've been well taken care of. My tag is protected with a tag protector and my tag is
in great shape! A tiny crease but hardly noticeable. I got a t-shirt that I wear all the
time and that has kept my fur nice and clean. On the front it says, "You're special"
and you know what? You kids are SPECIAL! :o) My journal and all the information
about the children's center is all in tact. :o)

Now to the important stuff......
Melissa works at Hallmark where there are bunches of beanies! I can't wait to go
with her and see all of my friends! We're leaving in about 30 minutes.

Melissa's children, Blake age 6 almost 7 in May, and Lindsey age 4 who will be 5
on Easter Sunday (April 4th) are both taking a nap right now. Guess I'll meet them
tonight when she gets off of work! Sure do miss you all but I am having a blast!

Oh, I almost forgot to tell you....I am going to a party tonight after Melissa gets off
work! I wonder if it's for me.....Oh, Melissa just told me that it's a party where we
are going to play some games with people she goes to church with. Don (Melissa's
husband) and the kids will be there too. We are going to play some cards and dominoes.
What fun! We will have Mexican food and German chocolate cake. MMMMMMM
MMMMM!! I can already tell that this is going to be a great weekend!
Well, better go so Melissa can make it to work on time. Love you all and will see you
soon! Oh, one more thing....Melissa needs to know where I will be going next. I'm
kind of curious too!