Paul Beard Classic

About Paul

Paul grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He attended the Rhode Island School of Design and majored in animation. His two loves were art and baseball. He worked for many years on the Emmy award-winning show Blues Clues and The Wonder Pets, among others. Paul was the artist behind Jack the Cuddly Dog, a baby video about the adventures of a cute yellow puppy who lives in Central Park. Paul loved New York City, and during his years working at Blues Clues, he ran a softball team of fellow co-workers in Central Park. Paul’s love of children and art continues through the establishment of The Paul Beard Memorial Fund at Studio in a School. A yearly fundraiser in the park brings together friends and family to play ball in his memory.

How You Can Help

Paul Beard always wanted to be an artist. Encouraged by inspirational teachers, Paul’s talents were realized at a very young age. As Paul grew up his passion for art evolved into his dedication to the creation of animation for children.

The many characters that Paul created embody his gentle spirit and keep his memory alive as they sing and dance into the lives of children and adults every day. Paul’s love of children and art continues through the establishment of The Paul Beard Memorial Fund at Studio in a School. Studio in a School is a not for profit organization dedicated to bringing the visual arts into New York City Schools. At the heart of all of Studio’s programs are in-depth collaborations with schools and community-based organizations. Studio provides funding, facilities, materials, and training that enable art making to become a part of each child’s school day as well as an ongoing part of the school curriculum. In 2007, Studio in a School will celebrate 30 years of providing New York City school children with dynamic arts programs. If you are interested in learning more about Studio in a School, please visit: www.studioinaschool.org.

Thanks to the generous support of family and friends, over $35,000 has been contributed to the Paul Beard Memorial Fund since its inception in the spring of 2005.

In celebration of Paul’s memory, and as tribute to his love of the game, in May of 2006 the First Annual Paul Beard Classic softball game was held in Central Park. The fabulous attendance and spirit of the day were the perfect tribute to Paul. This event has continued and grown into its third year and will be held this year on June 28th. As an annual event, this day is dedicated to ensuring that the Paul Beard Memorial Fund will continue to grow. In this spirit, we are approaching individuals and corporations for their support of this special event and the Paul Beard Memorial Fund. Our goal is to raise $20,000 for Paul’s fund this year, and the Paul Beard Classic is the primary component of this effort. Any support you can provide is greatly appreciated. Your contribution will assist in the bringing of art to the lives of as many New York City school children as possible.

Thank you for your consideration of supporting the Paul Beard Memorial Fund.

Paul’s unselfish spirit continues with the gift of life as his organs were donated to others in need. For more information on organ donation or to find out how to become a donor, please visit the following web site: www.donatelife.net.

The total number of registered donors in the United States is nearly 70 million. Still, only 35 percent of licensed drivers and ID card holders have committed themselves to donation by registering to be donors through their state registry or motor vehicle department – leaving the donor shortage a leading public health crisis.