Good News Bears Welcomes New Chairbear, Celebrates Decades of Comfort and Community

We all know a teddy bear. Most of us had one, and many of us still do! Good News Bears (GNB), a Livermore-based nonprofit, understands the teddy bear’s timeless comfort for people of all ages. Founded in 1996, this all-volunteer charity has one mission: to make sure those in need of comfort get a hug—in the form of a teddy bear or stuffie.
With a special focus on partnering with first responders and healthcare agencies, GNB members work year-round to supply teddy bears to children and adults facing crises or challenges.
Good News Bears is delighted to announce that Lisa Kitzmann has stepped up as the organization’s new Chairbear. Lisa has been a dedicated member for years—even while living outside the area—and is now back in town, ready to lead with energy, compassion, and her lifelong love of teddy bears.
A teacher by profession, Lisa uses teddy bears extensively in her classroom as reading buddies, rewards, and sources of comfort. Students can borrow them to take home or keep them nearby during class for extra hugs. “Teddy bears have a special way of making people feel safe,” Lisa shared. “I’m excited to bring that same comfort to our community through Good News Bears.”
Lisa succeeds Jeanie Haigh, who served as Chairbear for more than 20 years. Under Jeanie’s leadership, GNB members fundraised and gifted an average of 12,000 stuffed animals annually to people in need. Jeanie, a devoted teddy bear lover, recently moved out of state and will now serve as Vice Chairbear, helping guide GNB during this leadership transition. “It’s hard for me to step down as gifting stuffed love was my passion, but Lisa has energy and passion for the mission and is doing a great job of rebuilding the organization. It’s in good hands and will continue to share stuffed love for many years to come,” says Jeanie.
Several other long-serving board membears are also stepping down, including Vice Chairbear Martha Espinoza, Secrebeary Joan Dickinson, Treasurebear Michelle Jess, and bookkeeper Bill Haag. Each has given countless hours to ensure GNB’s mission thrives, and their dedication has been key to the group’s success.
Joining the board are Secrebeary Angie Suttles, Treasurebear Tuan Tran, and Gifting Bear Jen Wilner, who bring fresh energy and valuable skills to help GNB continue its mission of delivering “stuffed love” to the community.
Like many nonprofits, Good News Bears faced challenges during the pandemic, but they never stopped delivering bears. Today, the group is working hard to return to pre-pandemic gifting levels, ensuring that thousands more people each year receive the comfort of a teddy bear hug.
You can follow Good News of Livermore on Facebook, where you get news about the group and notice of events and fundraisers.