ST. LOUIS -- Oct. 11, 2002 -- Build-A-Bear Workshop® stores announced they are partnering with the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation to support the Foundation's mission to eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease by advancing research, education, screening and treatment. This month, during October's National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a special bear, Hopeful Wishes Teddy®, is being sold in all Build-A-Bear Workshop stores across the country. $1 from the sale of each Hopeful Wishes Teddy benefits the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

In September 2001, Build-A-Bear Workshop® launched this special bear to help support breast cancer awareness, research and community outreach programs across the country. The teddy bear was an immediate success among Build-A-Bear Workshop Guests. It quickly sold out by the end of October with a demand by Guests to bring it back again. Hopeful Wishes Teddy has continued as an item on the Build-A-Bear Workshop web site since October 2001.

Maxine Clark, Build-A-Bear Workshop founder and Chief Executive Bear said, "One of our goals as a company is to support causes that affect families and children wherever and whenever we can. Our commitment to breast cancer awareness and education began in the hearts of our own Build-A-Bear Workshop family members who have been touched by the disease either personally or through family and friends. Hopeful Wishes Teddy was actually inspired by one of our own Associates who battled this disease and it is our way to do something special to honor her and others like her. We are very pleased to be able to participate this year with the Komen Foundation, an organization that has a great reputation and has helped so many in their battle with breast cancer."

This is one of many charitable causes that Build-A-Bear Workshop has supported since the company's inception in l997. Build-A-Bear Workshop works with many other organizations including World Wildlife Fund, The Humane Society of the United States, and a national literacy organization called First Book. Build-A-Bear Workshop also works with many local charities that benefit schools and children's charities throughout the country.

About Hopeful Wishes Teddy®

Hopeful Wishes Teddy® is a special bear that has pink-tipped fur with a pink breast cancer awareness ribbon embroidered on its paw. Each bear comes with a special pink enamel commemorative pin attached to a card that states the support for the cause.

About Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation

The Susan G. Komen Foundation was founded in 1982 on a promise made between two sisters - Nancy Brinker and her dying sister, Susan G. Komen. Twenty years later, the Komen Foundation's a global leader in the fight against breast cancer through its support of innovative research, meritorious awards and community-based outreach programs. Together with its Affiliate Network, corporate partners and generous donors, the Susan G. Komen Foundation has raised $450 million for the fight against breast cancer. For more information, visit www.komen.org.

About Build-A-Bear Workshop®

Build-A-Bear Workshop is an interactive, entertainment mall based retailer that invites Guests of all ages to make their own customized stuffed animals. The company is proud to be a part of the Teddy Bear Centennial(TM) celebrating 100 years of this endearing huggable friend. Build-A-Bear Workshop will operate 109 stores nationwide by end of 2002. For more information visit the company's award-winning web site at www.buildabear.com.