Ms Janie- Halloween Show

Beanie Show: Not just Beanies!

On Saturday October 31^st and November 1^st l998 I appeared as a special guest at the Beanie Symposium show in Durham NC. www.gannglobal.com

The 1998 Beanie Symposium show held many exciting features. I commend Mr. Chris Gann for a well thought out show. The facilities were more than accommodating. This show offered an enormous amount of give-a-ways, raffles, kid only raffles, kids contest, treat bags for the kids, kids games, Halloween parade, which was judged by venders and St. Nick made a grand old entrance.

Renee from beaniemonium www.beaniemonium.com graced the show with a surprise visit.

Some of the items that were raffled off at very reasonable prices included the following.

Clubby with case - $2.00
Pumkin - $2.00
Princess - $2.00
Gordon - Limited Treasures Racing Bear - $1.00
KIDS ONLY - Included the following.
Special Halloween Movie.
Kids had the opportunity to decorate their own Trick or Treat Bags.
Raffle for Kids only - Fortune $1.00
Beanie Draw - Kids designed their own Beanie want-to-be.
All drawings will be mailed to Ty, Inc.
Costume show and much more.

Dealer prices were competitive and amazingly reasonable!
A large majority of dealers were very satisfied with the event and had indicated that they would return for future shows.

The number one question asked by ALL collectors was as follows:

Have Beanies run their course? Many collectors felt that Ty’s new policies would destroy Beanies as a collectible. Many Ty retailers attending the show were concerned about continuing their Ty accounts.
I literally talked so much that by the end of the day I was hoarse. I patiently answered all questions and tried to calm fears and put to rest MANY unfounded rumors.

My position was stated as follows:

Ty's new polices can be viewed in two ways. Either way, they benefit the consumer.

Beanie Babies were manufactured for kids. Ty is desperately trying to control the retailers who sell Beanies as Ty account holders. Ty realizes that many of these account holders were not following guidelines. I personally have witnessed MANY retailers who overcharge for Beanie Babies. Many of these same stores require you to purchase additional products just to obtain your favorite Beanie. Ty had to implement his new policies in order for children to have the opportunity to purchase a product they love, at a fair price.
Many of you would rebut and say that these new polices are not favorable.
Others would not agree with Ty's policy asking Ty retailers not to sell via the Internet.
While you may have valid points, the bottom line is as follows:
Ty's pricing for Beanie Babies has always remained the same: $2.50 plus shipping. Many collectors are concerned about the large amount of currents and newly retired Beanies found everywhere. One lady told me that she started her collection in May of 1998. She also informed me that her collection was now up to date minus the 1996 retirees and October's new releases. In my opinion, in order to keep the Beanie spirit alive, Ty will have to borrow some of Santa's Elves to help meet the new demand. MANY collectors are only interested in new releases.
I commend Ty for not being GREEDY in regards to his pricing of Beanies. His initial thought has always remain the same, $2.50 and for KIDS.
Sometimes all we need is a good dose of reality and the facts to help us view situations more clearly. Maybe now we will have a better opportunity to finally find Beanie Babies at Ty's price and not retailers prices.

During this show I ran into a woman who occasionally sells Beanies at shows. Ann and I have enjoyed many conversations regarding the Beanie market. Ann's awareness of Beanies came in 1995 during a night of babysitting. Ann only attends kid friendly shows and enjoys working and helping kids.

Three years ago Ann was diagnosed with Lupus. Ann's condition has worsened and has taken its toll on her ability to perform everyday activities. Ann had purchased a table for Lupus awareness, which was the month of October. Ann has raised over $10,000 for the Lupus foundation.

Due to Ann's condition she was unable to efficiently operate her table. I felt compelled to help her and this organization. I visited each dealer handing out FREE copies of "Beanie Update Trader" www.beanieupdate.com and making them aware of Ann's situation. I then asked for donations for a raffle, which I was putting together on behalf of Ann and Lupus. Please bear in mind that this raffle would be incorporated into the show four hours before closing time.

Many dealers were extremely generous and offered some outstanding Beanies. One dealer in particular brought tears to my eyes. I approached Mr. Don Hyatt of "The Beanie Station" www.beaniestation.com and informed him of my raffle for Lupus. Mr. Hyatt inquired as to whom I was. When I informed him that I was Janie Daniels, he smiled and handed me a Britannia. All I could do was say thank you and walk away. I remember going back to my table with tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat. This man had truly made my day and the Lupus raffle a huge success.
I would also like to thank all dealers who contributed to this worthy cause. It's people like them who make shows more enjoyable.

Don Hyatt - Britannia
Lynn Creech of CLW Collectibles & More - Lynn donated Lizzy and Twigs in a case.
Tony Scarpa - TJ's Baseball Cards - Tony donated a Princess.
Sal and Ellen Scarcello - The Scarcello's donated Disney Snowman Pooh
Eli & Steve - donated a Fetch
Ellie Keils - donated a Beanie Chase board game
Janie Daniels - 1 signed copy of "The Beanie Invasion" and 1 signed copy of "Beanie Update Trader"
There was also a beautiful color artist print donated for the raffle.
Raffle tickets sold for $3.00 each and we divided the raffle into two segments. The first drawing was at 2:30 and the second drawing was held at 2:45 just minutes before the show ended.
I am very proud to announce that we successfully collected over $285.00 in a four-hour period. Ann was extremely touched and stated that she had never collected that amount of money at a show before. Ann publicly thanked everyone who participated.

For those of you interested in contributing to the Lupus Foundation, please send your questions or donations to the following location:
Lupus Foundation Of America
1300 Piccard Drive
Suite 200
Rockville, MD 20850

The good news does not stop there! We had two very distinguished visitors make a guest appearance.
Santa, the jolly old elf showed up for holiday cheer and a brief introduction about Santa history. Santa handed out treats to the children and Mrs. Claus read stories. Needless to say, Santa was a big hit!

Mr. Charles Durning is considered one of the best actors of our time.
While visiting the hotel lounge with some friends, we spotted Mr. Durning and asked if he would allow us to take a few pictures. Mr. Durning obliged and we shared a few minutes of conversation. During our conversation it was disclosed that Mr. Durning was a guest at our hotel and was appearing in a play in the auditorium. I asked Mr. Durning if he would consider attending our show. He replied by stating that he had a matinee to perform on Saturday and he would see what Sunday would bring.

Imagine my surprise when Mr. Durning made an appearance on Sunday! Many collectors were just as surprised as I was. Mr. Durnings presence brought new life into the show. He graciously allows photos to be taken and shook hands with many fans.
For those of you who may be unfamiliar with Mr. Durning, please allow me to capture your memories.

Mr. Charles Durning - Mr. Durning played the role of Doctor Harlan Elldridge in "Evening Shade". This show also featured Burt Reynolds as a high school coach. Mr. Durning has spent the last four decades in film and television. He has also been awarded four Emmy awards and a Tony award for his role in "Cat On A Hot Tin Roof"
Mr. Durning has appeared in the following productions. "The Gin Game" Jerry and Tom" with Ted Danson, "The High Life" with Darryl Hannah. Film credits include "The Sting" "Tootsie" Dick Tracy" "Home For The Holidays".
Mr. Durning has always been one of my all time favorite actors and I am truly blessed to have had the opportunity to meet him. It's a life experience I will never forget.

It's a given that Beanies will always be offered at Beanie shows, but the mystery of the unknown will not be disclosed until the show unveils.

I always enjoy attending shows and look forward to answering questions from collectors. I also appreciate the time and effort promoters take to launch their show. I truly believe that they help to contribute to the Beanie awareness and the phenomena.

This article was written by:
Janie Daniels
Commonly known as Ms. Janie

Santa alert:
Call Al for your Santa needs!
Professional and closest to the real thing you will ever get.
Al Capehart
Pittsboro, NC
919-542-0022
Personal attention to small jobs.