Media Contacts:
Roberta Grove or Maria Elena Smith
MediaHound
Office: 504-483-6330
Roberta@m-hound.com / Maria@m-hound.com
 

New Orleans, Louisiana (October 27, 2014) - The Royal Sonesta New Orleans, in collaboration with Children's Hospital of New Orleans, is proud to announce the 2014 "Royal Teddy Bear" artist. The landmark French Quarter hotel has commissioned local artist Jason Michael Mullan to create this year's commemorative holiday ornament. Mullan, who is represented by Hyph3n-Art Gallery, was drawn towards the project due to the scope of the philanthropic initiative and because of a deep personal connection. His father, Dr. Fitzhugh Mullan, is a pediatric oncologist at Children's National Medical Center. Dr. Mullan is also a founder of Project HOPE, an initiative that provides medical training, health education and humanitarian assistance to more than 35 countries worldwide.

A native of Washington D.C., Jason Mullan is an accomplished and well-respected artist whose primary medium is the art of screen-printing and painting. Mullan will be utilizing his strengths to produce 400 screen-printed images of the iconic Royal Teddy Bear. The artist will then hand-paint each piece to create unique one-of-a-kind works of collectible art. Adding to the exclusivity and value of the artwork, each limited-edition bear will be numbered, dated and signed by the artist. The best part about this art project is that 100% of the net proceeds generated from sales go directly to Children's Hospital.

Sonesta is committed to a corporate "Culture of Caring" and the Teddy Bear initiative is a fine example of the hotel's commitment to the local community. This is the 7th consecutive year that the Royal Sonesta has embraced art as a medium of goodwill during the holidays. "This is a very special project that showcases the creativity and talents of a New Orleans-based artist while supporting the vital services that Children's Hospital provides to our region. Each year we are humbled and inspired by the courage of the children who receive such loving care from this outstanding institution," explains Royal Sonesta President and General Manager Alfred L. Groos.

On Wednesday, November 12th from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Hyph3n-Art Gallery located at 1901 Royal Street will host a reception to celebrate the release of the official 2014 Royal Teddy Bear Ornament. Artist Jason Michael Mullan will be attending the event as well as representatives from both Children's Hospital and the Royal Sonesta hotel. The event marks the very first opportunity to purchase these precious keepsakes that are limited in number and sell for only $25 each. The bears will remain on sale at Hyph3n Art Gallery and may also be purchased at the Royal Sonesta hotel and in the gift shop at Children's Hospital. Besides supporting a wonderful cause, each piece is a beautiful reminder of the true spirit of the holiday season.

###



About Royal Sonesta New Orleans
Create lasting holiday memories at the Royal Sonesta New Orleans. Located at 300 Bourbon Street and just steps away from some of the finest shopping and popular visitor attractions, the Royal Sonesta New Orleans always looks forward to welcoming you and your guests especially during the holidays. With special performances presented nightly at Irvin Mayfield's Jazz Playhouse, fine dining at Restaurant R'evolution,and seasonal beverages created especially for you at PJ's Coffee Café, there are always plenty of exciting new offerings to enjoy at this luxurious hotel. We invite you to make the Royal Sonesta your holiday destination. For more information all festive happenings at the Royal Sonesta New Orleans, please visit www.sonesta.com/RoyalNewOrleans or call the hotel directly at 504-586-0300.

About Children's Hospital New Orleans
Children's Hospital, located Uptown at 200 Henry Clay Avenue, has continually offered the most advanced pediatric care since it's opening in 1955. With more than 40 specialties, 247 beds and nearly 400 physicians, it is the only full-service hospital exclusively for children in Louisiana and the Gulf South. As a not-for-profit medical center, the hospital has no stockholders or dividends to pay. An independent board of trustees made up of community volunteers governs Children's Hospital. Revenue generated is used to operate the hospital and to expand and advance its services. In 2012, Children's Hospital recorded 200,834 patient visits with children coming to us from all 64 Louisiana parishes, 37 states and 6 foreign countries. In all, the hospital provided care for 60,557 children just last year.