When we started The B. Quote of the Summer Contest we knew we were in for a treat, but we could never have guessed just how much joy it would bring.
As soon as we announced the contest, quotes came pouring in. Every day we laughed and learned. We learned what it feels like to be 2 and meet another with your same name.  Why little sisters should not go into big sisters' closets.  Or what’s really behind adult supervision.
Right up until the end it was a nail biter, but on the last day one quote pulled ahead.

Here it is. The B. Quote of the Summer!

Submitted by kindergarten teacher, Amy Cook, the quote actually came from a student she was working with years ago. Troy’s quote touched Amy because it was so honest. So childlike.
In Amy’s words, “He responded in a very honest, polite way as he seemed discouraged not to have the right color available. I believed then, as I do now, that children should be encouraged to problem solve, make choices and engage in creativity while making art. Troy's quote is the perfect proof of this!”
For her winning quote, Amy will receive $300 in B. toys for her family and $300 in B. toys for the charity of her choice. As for her family, B. toys will come to good use with her one year old daughter already showing a love of music. We have a few ideas that might put a smile on her face!
As for the charity to receive B. toys, Amy thought long and hard about her choice and finally decided to gift the West Virginia University Children’s Hospital where she has volunteered and is always amazed and inspired by the caring staff’s ability to maintain smiles on children's faces with a warm, uplifting atmosphere that includes a creatively painted facility, fun activities and a play center. We are looking forward to filling that play center with brand-new B. toys and hopefully even more smiles, even more warmth and even more fun.
So it all comes full circle. What started with the excitement of our very first contest soon led to the fun we had reading all the wonderful children’s quotes we received every day and, now, culminates in the joy we will have in putting smiles on children’s faces as they take a much needed break from their hospital rooms.
Thank you, Amy, for entering Troy’s quote and introducing us to this amazing hospital which has inspired you so.
And thank you to everyone who entered, voted in or just stood by and chuckled at The B. Quote of the Summer Contest. Every day our little community feels a little stronger.
We have one more announcement about The B. Quote of the Summer Contest coming later this week. Stay tuned!

- Amy