CONTACT: Elaine Kollias, Folkmanis, Inc.

800.654-8922

elaine @ folkmanis.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Folkmanis^Ò Puppets Teams With Canine Companions

New Golden Retriever proceeds to be donated to non-profit

(EMERYVILLE, CA, January 7, 2000)—As its New Year’s resolution, Folkmanis^Ò Pupppets—Handle With Fun! will support the non-profit organization Canine Companions for Independence by donating a percentage of the proceeds from every new Golden Retriever puppet sold.  CCI, which receives no government funding and is supported 100 percent by private donations and corporate contributions, provides people with disabilities and their professional caregivers specially trained Golden Retrievers and other service dogs free of charge.

“We love what CCI stands for, and it is a cause that’s dear to our hearts,” says Judy Folkmanis, company co-founder.  “The Folkmanis design staff has created a magnificent Golden Retriever that people around the world will instantly fall in love with and buy.  We’re delighted those sales will be benefiting the hundreds of people nationwide who rely on service dogs each year.”

 “CCI is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals with disabilities through the development of a human/canine partnership,” says Corey Hudson, CCI executive director.  “Folkmanis has created a wonderful Golden Retriever that we feel will touch people’s hearts.  By generously promoting our organization along with this puppet, Folkmanis is supporting CCI directly through sales and indirectly through building awareness of our organization.  The results will improve the quality of life for our clients and make a lot of people happier.”

FolkmanisÒ Puppets

The Golden Retriever is the latest in the collection of nearly 200 amazing Folkmanis^® puppets, many of which win awards every year.  The delightful, 30-inch long Golden Retriever is a fascinating creation, with its super-soft golden-and-yellow coat, stunning eyes, and sweet facial expression.  This cuddly puppet comes “alive” when an arm is inserted into the underside of the dog and up to its mouth for easy manipulation.

The Golden Retriever will be unveiled at Folkmanis Booth #749 during the American International Toy Fair in New York in February 2000, along with an exciting line-up of new, true-to-life line of animal and character puppets.  Representatives from Folkmanis and CCI, with their real live service dogs, will be on hand to demonstrate these remarkable canine companions.

Folkmanis^® Puppets are recommended for ages 3 and up and are available at specialty toy and gift stores, including Imaginarium, FAO Schwarz, Discovery Channel Store, Natural Wonders, science/nature museums, zoo and aquarium gift shops, and thousands of independent toy and gift stores and specialty retailers nationwide and in over 15 countries around the world.  You can also find Folkmanis^® Puppets online at Amazon.com, eToys.com and ToySmart.com. For more information call Folkmanis at 800.654-8922 or go to www.folkmanis.com.

Canine Companions for Independence is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly trained assistance dogs and on-going support to ensure quality partnerships.   For more information, call or write, CCI, P.O. Box 446, Santa Rosa, CA 95402-0446; (707) 577-1700; or go to www.caninecompanions.org.