Builda Bear Work Shop

Rujul Zaparde Among 10 Named 2011 Huggable Heroes

ST. LOUIS, Missouri — Rujul Zaparde, a 16-year-old Indian American from Plainsboro, New Jersey, is among 10 youths demonstrating kindness, compassion and leadership from the United States and Canada who were named 2011 Huggable Heroes in a nationwide program sponsored by Build-A-Bear Workshop.

These youngsters, ranging in age from 10 to 18, are honored and celebrated by Build-A-Bear Workshop for their dedication in making their communities and the world a better place.

Zaparde co-started Drinking Water for India to build tube-wells in rural India. He speaks across the country to encourage involvement and support. Now, 23 schools support Drinking Water for India and, to date, the organization has raised more than $35,000 and built 31 wells in India, providing access to clean water for 55,000 villagers.

Each Huggable Hero receives $10,000 (a $7500 educational scholarship and $2500 from the Build-A-Bear Workshop Foundation to be donated to the 501(c)(3) charity or Canadian cause of the Huggable Hero's choice).

In addition, the Huggable Heroes win a trip for themselves and a parent or guardian to St. Louis, home of the Build-A-Bear Workshop World Bearquarters. During their visit, they have the opportunity to meet each other, participate in leadership opportunities and be honored for their good deeds. They also will be featured in the 2012 Build-A-Bear Workshop Huggable Heroes calendar.

Build-A-Bear Workshop received nearly 1,200 entries for its eighth annual search rewarding youth for their outstanding acts of generosity, volunteerism and leadership.

Zaparde earlier was named one of 10 national winners of the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards for outstanding volunteer community service in 2011 (I-W, May 13).

Copyright 2011 India-West Publications Inc. This article may not be reproduced in any form without written permission of the publisher.