Joins Celebrity Artists to Sing Special Song That Benefits Save the Children and Celebrates the Love. Hugs. Peace. Movement

Eleven-year-old Itzel Figueroa Jacinto of San Juan, Puerto Rico delighted a panel of celebrity and music industry judges including Debbie Allen, Chaka Khan, Kevin Gore, executive vice president of Rhino Records, and Tena Clark, founder of DMI Music & Media Solutions, to win the “Let’s Talk About Love” Singing Contest sponsored by Build-A-Bear Workshop^® at the Hollywood & Highland Center in Los Angeles on Wednesday, June 24.

Impressing judges with her incredible voice and stage presence, Itzel wins $10,000 for her efforts and the opportunity of a lifetime to join the ranks of David Archuleta of “American Idol” fame, GRAMMY^® award winner Natalie Cole, Camp Rock’s Meaghan Martin, and Jamia Nash of “August Rush” acclaim by becoming the next artist to professionally record “Let’s Talk About Love,” the signature song for the Love. Hugs. Peace.^™ movement. Just like the singing sensations before her, Itzel is now part of the Love. Hugs. Peace.^™ campaign that encourages young people like herself to be kind and helps raise money for Save the Children, an international non-profit organization that works to promote a healthy environment and literacy among disadvantaged children.

“When I sing 'Let’s Talk About Love,' and record it, I am happy because I can help the Save the Children organization assist kids,” said Itzel. “It is really great to be able to help."

Itzel’s version of “Let’s Talk About Love” will be featured online at www.buildabear.com/lovehugspeace and buildabearville.com. Guests can visit either website or any participating Build-A-Bear Workshop store and receive a free download card of “Let’s Talk About Love” performed by Itzel or any one of the other artists as a thank you for a $1 donation to Save the Children. Each participating artist brings a unique style and rhythm to the song so, while the message of sharing, love and kindness remains the same, the tune appeals to fans of all ages and musical tastes. Additional artists are set to jump on board as the movement continues throughout the remainder of the year.

Itzel was one of five finalists selected by public vote on buildabear.com and buildabearville.com to advance to the live auditions in Los Angeles. Other contestants included Leah Kolchinsky, age 12, San Jose, California; Claire Piorkowski, age 11, Cincinnati, Ohio; Sean Sonego, age 16, Edmonton, Canada and Melissa Vega, age 18, Roosevelt, NY.