Build-A-Bear Workshop and National Alliance for Autism Research Unite

Build-A-Bear Workshop and National Alliance for Autism Research Unite During Autism Awareness Month

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    Business Editors/Toy Industry Writers
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    ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 29, 2005--As part of National Autism Awareness Month, Build-A-Bear Workshop(R) (NYSE: BBW) is joining forces with the National Alliance for Autism Research (NAAR). Throughout the month of April, Build-A-Bear Workshop will donate a portion of the proceeds from the sale of Nikki's Bear II, 2nd in series, to NAAR for autism research. Additionally, Guests can purchase special Huggable Hero satin hearts for $1. The money raised from the sale of these hearts will also be donated to NAAR.
    Throughout the year a portion of the proceeds from the sale of Nikki's Bear II is distributed through the Build-A-Bear Workshop Foundation to children's health and wellness programs, including autism during the month of April. Nikki's Bear II and the Huggable Hero hearts are currently available in all Build-A-Bear Workshop stores and on the company website at www.buildabear.com. "Based on feedback we have received from our Guests, we know that autism is a growing concern and that many families are affected by the disease," said Maxine Clark, founder and chief executive bear of Build-A-Bear Workshop. "We are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of children. Our partnership with the National Alliance for Autism Research is a wonderful way for Build-A-Bear Workshop and our Guests to support this cause."
    "We are thrilled that Build-A-Bear Workshop has decided to support NAAR and autism research this April," said Glenn R. Tringali, NAAR's chief executive officer. "The support of Build-A-Bear Workshop(R) during National Autism Awareness Month will help NAAR continue to fund research aimed at unraveling the mysteries of autism and helping families whose lives are directly touched by this devastating disorder."
    Since the first store opened in 1997, Build-A-Bear Workshop has supported programs that positively impact families and children. Build-A-Bear Workshop was inspired to create Nikki's Bear by Nikki Giampolo, a young girl who loved life, loved children and loved teddy bears. She expressed that love by giving bears and their hugs to all those around her. In 2002, at the age of 15, Nikki lost her life to cancer. Moved by Nikki's life and the way she lived it, a special bear, Nikki's Bear, was created in her honor to support children's cancer research and other children's health and wellness programs.

    About the National Alliance for Autism Research

    Established in 1994, the National Alliance for Autism Research (NAAR) is the first non-profit organization in the country dedicated to funding and accelerating biomedical research for autism spectrum disorders. The organization was established by parents of children with autism concerned about the limited amount of funding for autism research. To date, NAAR has committed $21.1 million in grants for biomedical research projects worldwide that seek to find the causes, effective treatments and a cure for autism spectrum disorders - more than any other non-governmental entity. Walk F.A.R. for NAAR is the organization's signature fundraising and autism awareness event, which is held annually in numerous communities across the United States. Additionally, NAAR was instrumental in establishing the Autism Tissue Program, a parent-led brain tissue donation program for autism research. NAAR's national office is located at 99 Wall Street, Research Park, Princeton, NJ 08540. www.naar.org

    About Build-A-Bear Workshop

    Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (NYSE: BBW), with fiscal 2004 total revenue of $301.7 million, is the only national company that offers Guests an interactive make-your-own-stuffed animal retail-entertainment experience. The first store opened in St. Louis in 1997; at the end of 2004 the company operated 170 stores in 40 states and Canada. With the opening of its store in Sheffield, England, in the fall of 2003 and the addition of international stores in Japan, Denmark and Australia in 2004, Build-A-Bear Workshop(R) has become the global leader in the teddy bear business. In November 2004, the company opened two friends 2B made(R) stores, the newest concept based on the doll-making experience. For more information about the company and its products, call 888.560.BEAR (2327) or visit the company's award-winning website at www.buildabear.com.

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--30--JC/na*

CONTACT: Build-A-Bear Workshop, St. Louis Shawn Bertani, 314-423-8000, Ext. 5366 Cell: 314-452-6391 shawnb@buildabear.com or Jennifer Mansell, 314-423-8000, Ext. 5402 Cell: 414-801-1146 jenniferm@buildabear.com www.buildabear.com

KEYWORD: MISSOURI INDUSTRY KEYWORD: MEDICAL CONSUMER/HOUSEHOLD RETAIL ADVERTISING/MARKETING PHOTO PHOTOWIRE PRODUCT SOURCE: Build-A-Bear Workshop PHOTO: 42407

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