Mattel Donates $1.85 Million to Otis

Bryan Stockton, president of Mattel International and a trustee at Otis College of Art and Design, presented the Los Angeles college with a $1.85 million gift from the toymaker. Stockton made the presentation Nov. 10 at the school’s annual “Report on the Creative Economy of the Los Angeles Region.”

The gift was accepted by Samuel Hoi, Otis’ president, who noted that the money will go to support student scholarships, the art and design curriculum and facility enhancement.

Mattel, which has worked closely with Otis for 15 years, has made a commitment to donate 2 percent of its pre-tax profits toward philanthropic efforts.

The toymaker is the biggest single employer of Otis graduates, Stockton said. “We see this financial contribution as an investment in the future. While some companies hold back their charitable giving, Mattel feels strongly about investing now in the next generation of creative leaders, in the health of our economy, in the strength of our communities and in innovations in the art and design industry,” he said.

Mattel has contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to Otis through event sponsorships, classroom collaborations and funding of student visits to Hong Kong toy manufacturers.

Stockton also presented Otis with a one-of-a-kind Barbie doll designed by Mattel designers who had attended Otis. The Otis Barbie wore a cape emblazoned with the Otis trademark, an “O.”—Erin Barajas