The History of Legacy Bears
The Legacy Bears project began in 2008 in an unexpected way.
During Legacy DeMolay's annual planning meeting, the youth members were brainstorming ideas for the coming year. They were asked to come up with a variety of activities—a membership event, a fun event, and a charity project. Under the "fun event" category, one member jokingly wrote, "Go to Build-A-Bear."
The idea was met with laughter. After all, what could be more amusing than a group of teenage boys filling a Build-A-Bear Workshop and making teddy bears? When someone asked what they would do with all of the bears afterward, the response was simple:
"I guess we could donate them somewhere."
What began as a joke quickly became something much bigger.
A Foundation of Love
Just a few months later, a trip was organized to the Build-A-Bear Workshop in Arlington, Texas. A group of Legacy DeMolay members spent the day creating 86 teddy bears, each one built with care and intended to bring comfort to a child in need.
Those first 86 bears were donated to the Texas Baptist Children's Home, where they were given to children entering the foster care system—many of whom were leaving everything familiar behind. For those children, a simple teddy bear became something far more meaningful: a source of comfort, security, and hope during one of the most difficult moments of their lives.
No one at that planning meeting could have imagined what would come next.
Building Resilience Together
Over the following decade, the project grew far beyond anyone's expectations; more than 10,000 bears have been donated to children throughout Texas and beyond. Bears found new homes at the Texas Baptist Children's Home, Scottish Rite Hospital in Dallas, Cook Children's hospital in Fort Worth, countless police and fire departments, EMS agencies, hospitals, foster care organizations, and countless other places where children experience fear, uncertainty, or trauma.
The project has also expanded to support special events such as the Transplant Games, where bears were shared with transplant recipients and donor families alike.
Today, the project also serves as a lasting tribute to Ashley Walters, whose life was tragically cut short in 2013. After Ashley's passing, her parents, both employees of Southwest Airlines, were approached by a Legacy DeMolay advisor and asked them if the bear project could carry Ashley's name in her honor. With their blessing, the project became known as Ashley Bears, ensuring that Ashley's legacy of kindness and generosity would continue through.
As the organization grows into an independent nonprofit, the name has evolved once again to Legacy Bears—a tribute to the Legacy DeMolay organization where the idea was born nearly two decades ago. While the organization's name has changed, Ashley's story remains at the heart of its mission. Through the special Ashley Bear program and annual tributes, her legacy will continue to remind us that one act of compassion can have a lasting impact.
What started as a joke at a youth planning meeting has become a movement that has comforted thousands of children during some of the hardest moments of their lives.
Sometimes the smallest ideas create the greatest legacy.
Get Involved
Ashley's story is still being written, and you can be a part of it. Whether you choose to donate, share our mission with your family, or volunteer your time, your support helps us bring a smile to a child who needs it most. Join our family and help us continue this legacy of comfort.
Get Involved
Join the Mission
The story of Legacy Bears is one of love and resilience. Now that you know our history, we invite you to be a part of our future. Your support helps us deliver hope and comfort to children navigating their most difficult moments. Whether you donate, share our story, or offer your time, you are helping honor Ashley's legacy.