Like so many superheroes, Puck the African Penguin and Penelope the Giant Panda will make a quick entrance and exit during the 2007 NeoCon World’s Trade Fair. But the good works they do will long be remembered.

On June 11, office furniture maker izzydesign will introduce these noble izzyCritters at The Merchandise Mart in Chicago as limited-edition ambassadors for children at risk. To mark the occasion, izzydesign will contribute to The Children’s Place Association of Chicago, which provides innovative programs aimed at assisting HIV/AIDS-affected children and families in the greater Chicago area.

izzy will sell izzyCritters at a future date, with proceeds designed to raise funds for a variety of children’s charities.

“izzyCritters is an idea born through collaboration, of leveraging the capabilities of other like-minded people like Anna Zaharakos and the team at Studio Z, who also have a passion about making a difference,” says Chuck Saylor, president and founder of izzydesign. “Together, we are helping children at risk and raising awareness about endangered species, and the responsibility we have as businesses and individuals to help save and sustain our world.”

izzyCritters are made using Studio Z’s patented Jacqform™ woven textile technology. Minimizing sewing, Jacqform creates resilient, tightly woven textile parts with built-in seams that allow patterned fabrics to wrap a chair or furniture frame with perfect registration.