If You Build It, They Should Come

With the economy what it is these days, people are rethinking their shopping plans.  The stock market is a roller coaster and everyone is feeling the pinch.  Despite the havoc, some people are still finding a way to give back to those who have less or are living in an unfortunate circumstance.

Swing over to the charity section on eBay. The Game Factory is auctioning off several Build-a-Bears that have been designed (and autographed) by celebrities.  There are currently 51 auctions by celebrities such as James Gandolfini, Bonnie Hunt, the Jonas brothers, cast members from shows such as High School Musical 3, Baby G, The Clique and much more.  To top it off, included with each auction is a “Build-A-Bear Workshop – A Friend Fur All Seasons” for the Wii!  100% of the proceeds of these auctions will be donated to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern California.

Now I have to be honest, I have NOT reviewed this game.  I pride myself in not just regurgitating things you can read everywhere else.  The sponsor was gracious enough to provide one for my readers, so I can’t complain.  Of course I want to give one away – especially since it’s promotion a worthwhile charity.  Since I haven’t actually reviewed it, I can’t personally tell you anything about it.  I did notice that the target age is 3 and that’s the lowest I’ve ever seen a Wii game.  Here’s some of the scoop from The Game Factory’s site:

•Explore the four season-themed islands in the Adventure mode and play lots of fun mini games in the Playground mode
•Enhanced interactive experience with 20 fun mini-games, including ice skating, build a snowman, a croquet party, a cool ride on a ladybug, throwing a Frisbee, and jumping on a jump stick. Some mini games even include surprises!
•Fun for the whole family in single or multiplayer party games with up to four players.
•Discover six secret treasure spots hidden around the islands and dig up a magic chest with a hidden surprise just for each player.
•Collect bear medals, rewards and exciting items to use in players very own Build-A-Bear Workshop® experience. Choose from more than 80 items available for your furry friend!
•Natural and innovative game play takes full advantage of the unique features of the revolutionary Nintendo Wii.

I will say that the game is available at Amazon.  These auctions have a starting bid of $10.  If you are considering buying this game any time in the near future, be sure to check out the auctions because the winning bid lands you a copy of the Build-a-Bear game, a Build-A-Bear designed by a celebrity and an autograph.  (From checking out the auction, it seems that sometimes the animal is autographed and sometimes the game.)  And the proceeds go to charity.  What’s not to love about that?  The auctions close on December 3rd!

The Prize:

Build-A-Bear Workshop A Friend Fur All Seasons – for the Wii (approx value $39.99).

Participants –
…must provide a US or Canadian mailing address.

…must provide an email in the first comment, email me directly with an email address or have email accessible from their profile. Winner has 72 hours from posting/notification to respond.  If winner cannot be contacted, I will move on to the second random selection.

Sometime on December 3, 2008, a winner will be chosen at random (using random.org) from all comments left.

How to enter:  <GIVEAWAY CLOSED>