AOL MOBSTERS
CELEBRATE GARY’S BIRTHDAY
Gary Lowenthal, the Head Bean Hisself, turned 50 on the 9th of February, 1999, and the AOL MOBsters  wanted to do something extra special for him. Since he's got more money than God and the IRS, we decided to do something humanitarian (or animalitarian as the case may be!)  The Washington National Zoo has an Adopt A Species program and as a gift from the MOBsters, we can gave Gary his very own adoption of the Panda Hsing Hsing, the symbol of the Zoo. Sadly, Hsing Hsing passed away later in 1999, so we were so happy to be able to do something nice for him during his last days.

As part of his gift, Gary received a number of fun things in his adoption package from the Zoo including an 8 x 10 photograph of Hsing Hsing, a personalized adoption certificate with his name, a gift card from us, a Fact Sheet about the pandas, a subscription to Adopt News, a tote bag, etc.  Since the donations added up to almost $1,000, Gary's name will be placed on the Adopt A Species recognition board in the Zoo's Visitor Center.

We also created a lovely certificate that was sent to him as well. Since Barbara is a volunteer in the Elephant House at the Zoo, if Gary and his family wanted to visit the Zoo when he is next in Washington, there is a good likelihood that she is able to arrange some sort of special behind-the-scenes tour for him.  (This is normally given at the $1,000 contribution level.)  We thought it would be great if we could arrange for Gary to have his picture taken by the panda and maybe send it to some of the bear magazines! 

Well, the MOBsters, in traditional MOBster fashion, did band together, and we did raise a ton of money (that we didn't even send to Gary directly, despite his pleas to "send money!").  The certificates and the photo of Hsing Hsing  were beautifully framed and were presented to Gary at the "annual we-did-good-this-year" party that Boyds has for their employees. 

The site of this auspicious event, held Saturday, Feb. 6, 1999, was held at a bowling alley near the famous Boyds company.   After, or maybe during the festivities, the presentation was made to THB. He was told, "Ok, Mr. L, we have something special for you from a few of your most ardent fans, the AOL MOBsters!" "Oh, no!!! Not the MOBsters," he replied.... yep! It was true. First, he was told to open the little package (the photo of Hsing
Hsing). "Oh, my - a bear! How appropriate!" he laughed. Then, it was explained to him exactly what the MOBsters did and the amount of money that was raised in his honor.  

In true Gary--fashion, he quipped, "Oh, sure... they raised THAT much?? They could have sent it to ME!!"  But then, he opened the certificates, and sources say he got really, really quiet (we'd all pay to see that one!) and a tear could be seen forming in his eye (He'll tell you it was the smoke in the bowling alley!). Sources tell us he was very, very touched, and certainly impressed that the AOL MOBsters (and those BWWS) thought enough of him to donate money in his name. He was especially excited when he found he and the family may be able to take a private tour of the Washington National Zoo, and he may just take us up on that.

We're not sure if anyone had cameras there, but if so, photos will be forthcoming!! All we can say is WELL DONE MOBSTERS!!!  You've remembered a fine man and benefited a fine panda! All in a day's work for the AOL MOBsters!!!!"

Graciously, Gary has named one of the plush Hsing Hsing Wongbruin in honor of the AOL MOBsters and Hsing.. what a wonderful and fitting tribute.