CME Federal Credit Union built 42 teddy bears for Columbus kids during a charity teddy bear build on October 12, 2026. All 89 team members took part. CME Federal Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit credit union based in Columbus. It was chartered in 1935 to serve the city’s municipal employees. Today it serves anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in Franklin County and nearby counties.
A Charity Teddy Bear Build Gives CME Credit Union a Bear Hug in Columbus, Ohio
The group met at the credit union’s East Mound Street office. They came to review their year and plan for the next one. They had spent hours on spreadsheets before the event started. Nobody knew what to expect.
Toby Martini split the 89 team members into three teams. Each team completed challenges to earn the parts for its bears. Wins brought in bodies, stuffing, outfits, and carrying bags. The event started at 10 a.m. and wrapped up by 11:30 a.m.
The group played along and had fun. By the end, the teams had built 42 teddy bears. Each bear got an outfit and its own carrying bag. Devon Revels said Toby did a great job engaging the team and explaining the activity. Devon also heard positive feedback from all levels of the organization.
The team donated all 42 bears to the Columbus Fire Department. Firefighters give the bears to children who have been through trauma. The gift also tied back to the credit union’s roots. CME started out serving Columbus city employees, and the bears went to the city’s firefighters.
Planning a meeting in Columbus? A charity teddy bear build gives your team a break from the spreadsheets and a way to help local kids.
