Groups To Benefit From Beanie Babies Auction In Valley
Kevin Olson held the plush multi-colored toy in his palm.
“It’s the Peace Bear Beanie Baby,” said the manager of the Super Save Drug Center in Argonne Village.
The toy sells for $5.50.
“Before Christmas,” he said, “I was offered $250 for him.”
Olson is no longer surprised by outrageous offers, requests for special favors or faxes sent from businesses willing to pay big bucks to buy his Beanies.
On Monday, a fax from the Detroit Baseball Card Co. in Michigan offered him $1,200 for Humphrey the Camel, $1,000 for Chilly the Polar Bear and $900 for Trap the Mouse. All three are rare, retired Beanie styles.
“We get probably 15 to 20 calls a day,” Olson said. At one time, his store had a list of more than 100 customers who wanted to be notified whenever a new shipment came in.
“New styles sell out in 15 minutes,” he said, running his hands through a pile of doggies, bunnies and bears. “It’s a cute little $5 toy for kids. And it’s a craze.”
It’s also become a vehicle for helping worthy causes.
A growing number of businesses and community groups are using the much-fought-for Beanie Babies for charity fund-raising. Donated bears are being auctioned off, sometimes for hundreds of dollars each.
Garcia Bears sold for up to $70 at the Spokane Valley Rotary Club’s Festival of Trees in December. Proceeds benefited the Valley Center of Sharing and several other causes.
Last week, a dozen Princess Di bears sold for $370 each at Yoke’s food store in Airway Heights. That auction benefited Ogden Hall, a Spokane shelter for battered women and children.
Olson hopes his five purple Princess Di bears will do just as well next week, at a silent auction to benefit two local church programs, an orphanage and two high school senior all-nighters.
It’s hard to pin down why the palm-sized stuffed animals have become so valuable. There are more than 150 styles of Beanies, from the inexpensive Pugsly the Pug to the costly Peking the Panda. Pekings, which are no longer being produced, can go for more than $2,000.
Adults have been known to push, shove and fight to get their hands on new or rare styles. Some view the toys as investments. Others, such as 57-year-old Wes Crosby, collect them for the fun of it.
The Valley man began collecting Beanies last April, after his 8-year-old granddaughter asked for one for her birthday.
“I just got hooked,” he admitted.
Crosby is now the proud owner of 105 Beanie Babies. They line the upstairs handrail in his home, overlooking the living room below.
“It’s the diversion that takes you away from the stress of everyday life,” said the builder and developer, who admits he’s stood in line as early as 6 a.m. to buy new Beanies.
He buys them for himself, his granddaughter and his 7-year-old grandson. Both children live in Michigan, so every week or two, he sends a pair of new ones over to them.
“It’s been a fun thing,” he said - and a good way to stay in touch with the grandkids.
But Crosby probably won’t be lining up to bid on the Princess Di Beanies next week. He isn’t the type of collector willing to pay more than the standard $5 or $6.
But Olson isn’t worried about attracting bids.
His Princess Di Beanie Babies have drawn many admiring glances already. They’re now displayed under glass at the store, along with a picture of the princess.
Already, he’s gotten offers from Beanie lovers wondering if he would hand one over for $100.
“That’s how crazy it is,” he said.
, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Photo
MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: BEANIE BENEFIT Super Save Drug Center will auction off five Princess Di Beanie Babies next week in a benefit for the Hutton Settlement, St. John Vianney School, Millwood Presbyterian Church’s Mission Outreach Program and West Valley and East Valley high schools’ senior all-nighter parties. Silent bids will be taken March 27-29 at the store, 9221 E. Montgomery. The five winning bids will be announced on March 30.