A Little Brown Bear for a Great Big Cause

In 2009, Bloomingdale’s became the Child Mind Institute’s first corporate sponsor, marking the beginning of their long standing relationship of using art and design to create change and raise money. The Child Mind Institute is a nationwide nonprofit that supports children, young people, and families struggling with mental health challenges and learning disorders. They train educators in underserved communities, and conduct research that is helping to develop breakthrough treatments. 

The most popular fundraising item for the Child Mind Institute that Bloomingdale’s offers is the annual Bloomingdale’s Little Brown Bear. Manufactured by Gund and now in its fourteenth year, this soft and cozy collectible is exclusive to Bloomingdale’s and changes design every year. In years past, bears have been dressed as astronauts, in varsity jackets, and in holiday sweaters. The 2023 bear is a celebration of two icons: the Gund bear and Bloomingdale's Little Brown Bag. Specially designed for the bag’s 50 year anniversary, the bear wears a “Little Brown Bear” shirt, and is holding a “Big Brown Bag at 50” tote, which holds another bear inside. 

Other Bloomingdale’s CMI campaigns have featured Christmas tree ornaments designed by celebrities including Brooklyn Decker, Matt Lauer, Cyndi Lauper, Kellan Lutz, Kelly Ripa, Milly, Meryl Streep, DVF, and Rachel Zoe. Designer Michael Aram has also produced pieces for the cause, including this beautiful snowglobe, depicting an “expression of the joyful spirit of childhood.”

With each purchase of the 2023 bear, a $5 donation to the Child Mind Institute is given. Additionally, shoppers have the option to add up to a $50 donation to their Bloomingdale’s cart, which goes directly to the Child Mind Institute. 

In 2022, Bloomingdale’s also partnered with children served by the Child Mind Institute aged 5-10. Bloomingdale's created a unique brown bag that featured the artwork of children served by the Child Mind Institute. They called it the "Little Good Bag." While not a direct fundraiser, this project also uses art and design to both raise awareness of child mental health and the CMI, and also empower the children who get to have their art featured on the bag. 

The Child Mind Institute is also Pieces with Purpose’ Fall 2023 campaign recipient! The Fall 2023 project provides blankets to members in CMI’s group workshops, the Brave Buddies Program for Selective Mutism and the Social Anxiety Program. Each purchase of a blanket on behalf of a child also includes a financial donation to CMI. This means that when you buy a blanket for $45, a blanket is given to a child in a group session, and $25 also goes directly to The Child Mind Institute.

Check out our Fall 2023 Campaign