EVENTS
2023 EVENTS
The 6th Annual OktoBEARfest Fun Run & Walk was held on October 22, 2023 (in-person and virtually) and raised over $32,000, which is an all-time record! An event recap is coming soon!
past events
OktoBEARfest 5K Fun Run & Walk
October 23, 2022
The 5th Annual OktoBEARfest Fun Run/Walk & Festival had over 500 participants (in person and virtually). The live entertainment featured Emmy award-winning actor, Eric Martsolf, and more than $25,000 was raised to help children in need, which is a record!
OktoBEARfest 5K Fun Run & Festival
October 23, 2021
The fourth annual OktoBEARfest 5K Fun Run was the first sold out event in our history with 529 participants (in-person and virtual)! Over $21,000 was raised to provide new teddy bears and books to children in need!
OktoBEARfest Virtual 5K Fun Run
October 18 - 31, 2020
The third annual OktoBEARfest 5K Fun Run became a virtual event with 365 participants from around the world, including Canada and the UK! Despite the challenges of the pandemic, almost $24,000 was raised for Bears Who Care!
OktoBEARfest 5K Fun Run & Festival
October 20, 2019
The second annual OktoBEARfest 5K Fun Run brought the community together and raised over $23,000 for Bears Who Care! 466 participants experienced the event, which featured a kid's race, a beer garden, an authentic German band, raffles and more!
OktoBEARfest 5K Fun Run & Festival
October 20, 2018
The first annual OktoBEARfest 5K Fun Run was a major success and raised over $21,000 for Bears Who Care! 300 participants enjoyed a morning of fun activities, including a Scholastic Book Fair, silent auction, food stands, raffles and games.
Kari's 50th "BEARthday" Celebration
November 5, 2016
In honor of the 50th birthday of co-founder, Kari Schmitz, a golden celebration was held with special appearances by Emmy award-winning actor Eric Martsolf ("Days of of Lives") and the Orlando Ballet dancers. Over $25,000 was earned for Bears Who Care and a portion of the proceeds was given to PULSE Orlando victims.
Gary's Let's Dance! II:
Under the Sea
November 8, 2014
At Gary's Let's Dance II: Under the Sea, over $50,000 was raised for Bears Who Care and the dancers of the Orlando Ballet. As a result, Bears Who Care donated over 2,500 teddy bears and books to children in Central Florida. Thanks to everyone who supported the event!
Gary's Let's Dance!
November 16, 2013
To celebrate Gary Lambert's 60th year, he generously made Bears Who Care (and the Orlando Youth Alliance) beneficiaries of his amazing fundraising celebration! More than $35,000 was raised to help diadvantaged children and GLBTA youth.