Have a Heart, Help Induct Raggedy Andy into the National Toy Hall of Fame

Over 800 Fans Signed the Raggedy Andy Petition at the FAO Schwarz Valentine's Day Party

ARCOLA, Ill. -- February 13, 2007 -- Why does Raggedy Andy have a broken heart you ask? Because he's not with Raggedy Ann! Five years ago Raggedy Ann received 30,000 signatures in a petition drive from fans worldwide and was inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame separating the rag doll duo, breaking Raggedy Andy's "I love you" heart and leaving him to spend Valentines Day all alone!

With the help of the Raggedy Ann & Andy museum, Raggedy Ann & Andy have hatched a plan that will help reunite them. On February 10th, FAO Schwarz threw a Valentine's Day bash in New York City, kicking off a campaign that will lead hopefully to the induction of Raggedy Andy into the National Toy Hall of Fame, located in Rochester, N.Y. The red-headed duo was the first on hand to sign a petition in support of the effort, followed by Joni Gruelle, granddaughter and namesake of Raggedy Ann & Andy creator, Johnny Gruelle, and scores of inveterate Raggedy Ann & Andy fans. Over 800 signatures were collected at the event.

How To Sign the Petition:

If you'd like to support Raggedy Ann & Andy's Toy Hall of Fame petition, log onto www.raggedyann-museum.org to sign the petition or you can mail letters urging the National Toy Hall of Fame to include Raggedy Andy to the following address: Petition for Raggedy Andy c/o The Johnny Gruelle Raggedy Ann and Andy Museum, P.O. Box 183, Arcola, IL 61910.

About Raggedy Andy:

Created in 1920 by Johnny Gruelle to appeal to boys and girls and to bring a central male character into the Raggedy storyline, Raggedy Andy became a popular companion for Raggedy Ann. The dolls were produced in separate locations, so Andy's hands and feet were bigger than Ann's, a clever technique to make him appeal to boys. In addition, Andy's first patent focuses on his floppier limbs and his mischievous ways.

RAGGEDY ANN & ANDY is licensed by United Media on behalf of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.