Wine Enthusiasts Can Benefit Charity

One thing I decided to do in 2013 was attend wine education classes. Fortunately, there were wine 101, 102 and 103 classes being taught in my area. I signed up and enjoyed learning how wines are made, the types of wines, wine terminology, how to pair wines with food, and more. This post comes by way of CharityBuzz. 

 

Caldwell Vineyards, Napa Valley, is auctioning 56 Cases (672 bottles) of Society of Smugglers Syrah Rose' 2010.

[Image: CharityBuzz]

 

 

"Vintage Summary (which I can now understand): The 2010 vintage was marked by late spring rains. The growing season was quite cool. Late heat spikes towards the end of red verasion further added an unexpected twist to the already challenging harvest. A roller coaster of alternating heat and rain spells marked the ripening period. Berry sizes were normal with good flavor and strong skins. Winemaker's A bouquet of red fruits dominate the raspberry.Tasting Notes: focused nose. An explosion of strawberries and raspberries highlight this full, juicy refreshing mouth. Notes of cinnamon and citrus are weaved throughout the experience" (charitybuzz).

• Legal Terms

  Additional shipping charges will apply based on winner's location. Includes 56 cases of Society of Smugglers Syrah Rose' 2010 - There are 12 bottles of wine per case (672 bottles of wine in total). Wine will ship from Irvine, CA. In condition as donated. Cannot be resold or re-auctioned. All wine purchased on Charitybuzz will be shipped according to the applicable Federal or State laws and regulations of the origin and destination states. Our site remains in compliance with aggregate shipping limits for the State of New York. Please note wine cannot be shipped internationally and direct shipping of alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited to Massachusetts, Delaware, Montana, Utah, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Alabama, and Kentucky. Recipient must be of legal drinking age. All wine will be insured for a full purchase value, shipped via certified courier only.

• Shipping

  Shipping and handling charges will be determined based upon the winning bidder’s shipping address. These charges are based on several factors including, but not limited to:
  
  • Oversized packaging
  • Physical weight
  • Fragile packaging
  • Warehousing fees
  • Customs fee for shipments outside the U.S.
  • Additional domestic, and international insurance.
  Additional shipping fees will appear as a separate charge after the final cost has been determined. Merchandise is insured for the winning amount and is typically shipped with signature required, unless otherwise specified, via professional carrier.
  For more information, email shipping@charitybuzz.com

Proceeds Benefit: Orangewood Children's Foundation
Estimated Value:$20,160

This is every wine lovers dream and to have the opportunity to have your purchase of wine benefit charity is even better. Cheers!

Visit the auction here.

Kiehl's Rare Earth Pore Cleansing Masque Celebrates Earth Month

Kiehl’s Gives Back program celebrates Earth Day with their Limited Edition Label Art series with Mark Ruffalo, Rosario Dawson, Florence Welch, Spike, Satchel and Jackson Lee. Their skin care product, Rare Earth Pore Cleansing Masque, "helps purify and detoxify skin while minimizing the appearance of enlarged pores. Formulated with Amazonian White Clay to gently draw out oil, dirt and toxins that can clog pores. The addition of Oatmeal and Aloe Vera will help soothe, hydrate and protect sensitive skin." 

During Earth Month, 100% of Kiehl’s Rare Earth Pore Cleansing Masque net profits benefits RECYCLE ACROSS AMERICA, up to $100,000. Recyle Across America is a non-profit organization dedicated to making recycling more simple and effective with the introduction of national standardized labels for recycling bins.

Shop Kiehl’s Rare Earth Limited Edition for your Limited Edition Label Art Series.

LA Fashion 2010 Pre-Emmy Fashion Show "Caring with Style"

Local and national fashion designers will unite for a charitable cause with the LA Fashion Corner.

PRLog (Press Release) – Aug 23, 2010 – LOS ANGELES, California - Local and national fashion designers will unite for a charitable cause with the LA Fashion Corner's "Caring with Style" Fashion Show. This exclusive fashion event will take place Tuesday, August 24th, 2010 at LEVEL 3 located at the Hollywood and Highland shopping complex, 6801 Hollywood Blvd, 3rd Floor, Hollywood, CA. Red Carpet arrivals 7pm – 9pm. Fashion show starts at 9pm.

Confirmed celebrity list: Jaimie Hilfiger, Model, Actress and Host, Igal Dahan, Celebrity Jewelry “Cuffs of Love”, Ayinde Alakoye, Millionaire Matchmaker and CEO of Hitch Radio, Marjorie DeHey Daleo, CEO of Mediavix, Sara Cohen, Silver Medal Winner Ice Skater, Maria Kanellis, Celebrity Apprentice, Gunner Wright, Actor, Joslyn Pennywell, Model, Dave Shelton, Writer, Cartoonist, Actor, Miro Gladovic former pro soccer player in Australia and creator of American Footy Star, and Claire Sinclair, Actress to name a few.

The event will raise funds and awareness on behalf of the communities affected by the oil spill earlier this year in Louisiana’s Gulf of Mexico. While many designers have supported their individual causes in the past, this event marks the first time a group of designers have joined together in the name of one cause. The Gulf spill has devastated the long-term livelihood of thousands of Gulf residents – fisherman, restaurant and resort owners/workers, sport fishing operators, shop owners and business owners and workers at large - leaving them all at dire risk for their economic future. Additionally, the sea life of the area has suffered greatly; turtles, fish, birds, alligators, and vital plant life are all victims of this tragic event. The leak grew far faster than the original estimate of 5,000 barrels a day. The oil spill is a catastrophe, a declared a state of emergency with no easy solutions and no end in sight.

Charity Lives, LA Fashion Corner and F.A.M.E have come together to provide this star-studded fashion show set to cap off the 62nd annual Emmy Awards by showcasing some of the country's most exciting new fashion designers. The fashion industry's top models, wardrobe stylists and hair and make-up artists have donated their time and talent to the cause.

"LA Fashion Corner is committed to the cause and while continuing to work to help make a difference in a variety of communities,” says London Moore, President/CEO of LA Fashion Corner, Inc. "Through our fashion shows alone we have raised thousands of dollars for HIV/AIDS research, aid for victims of domestic violence and financial support for needy children. We anticipate a huge turnout for this Gulf disaster event and fully expect LA Fashion Corner’s charitable outreach programs to continue to grow and expand beyond this inception year. The support for our previous LA Fashion Corner events has been immeasurable and only reinforces our belief that LA Fashion Corner will have the opportunity to continue to help make a difference in the lives of many communities that could benefit from our help.”

The highly anticipated red carpet charity event will also feature a luxury fashion show with music, fashion industry exhibits, gourmet appetizers and complimentary gift bags. A VIP reception featuring celebrities from the worlds of entertainment and fashion will be held for special sponsors and donors. An Opening Gala will kick off the event with a vendor's marketplace, music, and VIP reception.

In addition to its fundraising goal, LA Fashion Corner's "Caring with Style" Fashion Show will create major exposure for local and national brands, retailers, boutiques, department stores, manufacturers, distributors, marketers, artists, celebrities, designers as well as acclaimed fashion photographers and fashion stylists.

For Interview, Talent and Media please contact:
Yvette Morales
YM & Associates PR Marketing Business Development
949-244-9769 or YMoralesY@aol.com

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How One Woman is Using World Cup to Help South African Children

Alethea Gold, a children's fashion stylist, has been traveling South Africa in the weeks approaching the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Ms. Gold is documenting the country's children and their love of soccer. The sport has become a positive force in the children's lives, keeping them off the street and away from negative influences.

The book Gold is producing will raise money for MaAfrika Tikkun, a nonprofit supported by Nelson Mandela, that aids South Africa's vulnerable children and orphans.

Watch the amazing video about this story here.

Oscar de La Renta Auctions Couture for Charity

Oscar de La Renta has been one of my favorite fashion designers of all time and he is donating an incredible fashion experience to benefit The Black Alumni of Pratt.

As one of the world’s leading fashion designers, Oscar de La Renta has been the winner of nearly every fashion award imaginable, and revered for his lifetime achievement. His fashion is adorned by celebrities, socialites and world leaders.

Oscar de la Renta is auctioning two front row ticket to his Spring 2011 Fashion Show to benefit The Black Alumni of Pratt. And he’ll meet the winner back stage and give them one of the dresses from the 2011 spring collection.

To bid on this fabulous expereince click this link to Charity Buzz. http://www.charitybuzz.com/categories/3/catalog_items/210602

Esprit 'Love it and Leave it' campaign for Charity

I have loved Esprit for years. To this day, I still own a pair of Esprit beach sandals and sweaters from the 80's. Some things are just too good to ever let go of.

Esprit launched their Love it and Leave it campaign which benefits the Salvation Army - an organization helping families and individuals in need. Check out the video:

Fashion Brands Making Charity a Way to Market for Greater Good

Today, I stumbled across a really good article, Charity Gives Shoe Brand Extra Shine by Christina Brinkley of the WSJ. Christina highlights Tom's Shoes, Judith Ripka and others who have been tieing their brands to charities. I love the spirit of Tom's Shoes and I love Judith Ripka jewelry as she has been very committed to the Alzheimer's Association. It's not that they set out their business with cause marketing in mind. It just evolved out of a passion and commitment to raise awareness and funds for charity.

I find that the newer or smaller fashion and beauty companies don't quite feel they are "at the point" to do anything charitable oriented like bigger brands. One shoe designer said to me that one day they hope to be and to emulate Tom's Shoes. What is great about this is the designer is already socially minded and feels it's important to make a difference. On the other side is the notion that they feel like they need to be in 'some place of success' to give back. Well, success is relative and once you arrived a 'the place' there will always be another level of success they'll desire to achieve.

The beauty of cause marketing is that it is not a donation! That's right. No check writing for the sake of helping out. Well, not exactly. Cause marketing offers different types of campaigns for fashion companies. One of them is a percentage of sales going to a cause. So, ideally that percentage can be 5% or $5 of an item sold. In addition, campaigns do not go on forever. You can run one for 1 week or 1 month.

Nothing thrills me more than to work with entrepreneurs in the fashion and beauty industry. They are true creatives, risk-takers and passionate. If people are buying your product anyway, why not take a week or 1 month to make the purchase matter. Consumers l-o-v-e knowing their purchase is connected to a cause.

You can catch Christina's article here and read more about why cause marketing is appealing to consumers and how it is benefiting the companies and the causes they give to.

Jimmy Choo's funky line for the Elton John AIDS Foundation

When I find something good, something I really like, I share it. The Brand Philanthropy blog is one of them. Holly Wesselhoft blogs about luxury brands that do good with style. Since, givingadvice works with women owned, small-medium size businesses in the fitness, fashion, beauty and health industries; and professional women entrepreneurs, Holly's blog is a fabulous read. It's even better if you love luxury brands. So, if you are going to buy them, you may as well shop with those who are socially conscious and charitable minded.

Here is a how one luxury shoe brand partnered up with a celebrity to make a difference.

Jimmy Choo, the third member of the luxury shoe triumverent (Jimmy, Manolo & Christian) has joined the others in creating a line for charity. Read the story here at Brand Philanthropy blog.

Cause Marketing is Important to Women Consumers

Self Magazine recently released their GOOD 1.5 Study which taps into the desires of what women really want from companies.

So, what do women consumers really want? They want companies to be 'good'. It's as simple as that. According to the study, women want companies stand up for a cause, even if the product or service costs them a little more--73% said they would pay more for a "good" product. Get the full scoop on this here.

Companies that engage in giving back and take a stand for something beyond the bottom line always benefit, as well as the cause. Giving back, whether it's through volunteer time, outright contributions, cause marketing or some other way, is a good thing to do because it improves the social fabric of communities. And you've heard me say and it's plain as day on the home page of my website, giving is a force for social change. Companies are still learning about the positive impact it has for them. We know for sure that it benefits charities. Yet there is a benefit for businesses, it's employees and customers. The key, however, to reaping the rewards of giving back lies squarely in the "how" a company gives back and not in the "what" a company gives back. And, as important in "how" the giving is communicated. It takes more than just adding a blurb to your company website.

If you are a business whose services or products are targeted directly to women, the Self Magazine Study GOOD 1.5 is a must read. Then, because I work primarily with women-owned business that have a desire to make giving an important part of the business, I'd love to hear from you and help you be a force for good.

What to Do with Unused Dollars on Gift Cards? Give it to Charity!

Did you ever get a gift card to a department store, grocery store or some other big retailer and after you made purchases you had $5.17 left on the card or some other small amount? Not enough to really buy anything you need, just enough for a pack of gum, a few light bulbs, or other trivial stuff. So what do you do with the extra sum of small change left over? I admit, I have purchased stuff on the shelves by the check-out like $1 bags of candy, key chains with small light on the end of it (actually handy at night), a map for the glove compartment or other items. It's stuff I really don't need but might. Hey, you never know.

Well, the New York Times recently ran the article, Doing Good with Unused Gift Cards and helps you actually find a way to donate the extra change on the card to charity. Brilliant! Read the full article here and learn how small change can make a difference.

The Science Behind Our Generosity

In Newsweek, 3/9/09 Issue, Peter Singer's article, "The Science Behind Our Generosity", highlights how psychology affect what we give to charities. I don't know if it's science or just basic humanity. In his article, Peter states that "according to UNICEF, 10 million children under the age of 5 die each year from causes that are preventable." They die of diseases from unsafe drinking water, sanitation and malnutrition. These are things that we can take for granted. Most of us buy bottled water because we don't like the taste of tap water, and that wouldn't even be a decision for some children and families. They just want clean water. They struggle with some of the most basic needs to sustain life.

So, why do we give? Peter says that we give because even though in the toughest of economic times most people realize that they are better off than others in this world and it's about making a choice to do what is right for others and our planet. Maybe it's because anyone would lend a hand to someone who is in danger, dying, as it maybe just a part of our human instinct and respect for humanity, life.

On a lighter note, in the article it indicates a survey of Americans found that those who gave to charity were happy people. Now we don't know if giving made people happy or if happy people are more likely to give. From my experience, I'd say it's a balance of both. I've met very wealthy people who are just unhappy folks and actually are not very giving. Unbelievable, but true.

So, here is what you can walk away with from this post and Peter's article, people give because we have instincts to care. When we give, it makes us feel really good.

Twitter hosts Twestival to raise donations worldwide

Okay, I am a Twitterer, Pinger, Ninger and Facebooker. The reality is these social media sites offer many benefits. For me, social media networking allows me to connect and build relationships with other professionals, small businesses, entrepreneurs, and nonprofit executives, offer advice, connect people, share my expertise and crack a funny at times. And you can connect instantly. Zero lag time.

Twitterers Worldwide are Gathering for Twesitval too...

"On Feb. 12, more than 200 cities worldwide will hold events to foster networking within local Twitter communities as well as raise funds for charity: water, a nonprofit that installs wells and rainwater harvesting systems in developing countries. Amanda Rose, the architect behind the multicity Twitter festivities, said Twestival grew out of a smaller get-together held in London last September to benefit a local soup kitchen. “Originally, I thought it was going to be 30 people in a pub doing karaoke,” she said. “But we ended up having 250 people show up.” Ms. Rose said the London event brought in about £1,000 and several boxes of canned goods, and planted the seeds for a much larger event, spanning several international cities.".... "Since then, Twestival has taken off: The London event is expecting upwards of 800 guests, and Ms. Rose estimated there were a dozen satellite events being hosted around Britain. Scott Harrison, founder of charity: water, who is also helping organize the New York event, expects attendance numbers nearing 1,200. In addition, Twestival events have sprung up around the globe from Cape Town to Beijing, Peru, Tokyo and Bangladesh."


Read more about Twestival here

Loads of Hope by TIDE

Do you wash with Tide? I do and have for years. Personally, it gets the stains out best. Now here is another reason you should use Tide... No, no, not because they sponsor good-looking, NASCAR drivers. But because they travel city to city by washing the clothes of victims of natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina, California wildfires, Iowa floods, and other places.

Tide's Loads of Hope helps for days, weeks and years after a natural disaster by providing clean clothes and a sense of comfort to families in need. They travel with the Tide CleanStart truck, which is their free mobile laundry facility. With 32 high-efficiency washers and dryers, the Tide CleanStart truck:

- Can do 300 wash and dry cycles a day - equal to one year's worth of laundry for a single family.
- Will wash about 9,000 loads of laundry over a four-week period.

- Has washed more than 20,000 loads of laundry for New Orleans families.
Most importantly, the Tide CleanStart truck means we're equipped to take action whenever and wherever there is a need in our country.

They have been doing this for three years. This program is perfectly aligned with their brand, it such a great thing to do and captures the spirit of the Tide family and employees. We all know that when hit with a natural disaster, most families are left with only the clothes on their back. Through floods, fire, and dirt, etc... I am sure the opportunity to put on clean clothes is welcomed.

Way to go Tide. Great program for you and the families and individuals you help! Who ever thought washing clothes could be such a great thing to do!

PS: Next time you are walking down the laundry detergent aisle at the super-market, go ahead and grab Tide. You'll not only have clean clothes but support a great program.

Wear the Cause

There is a gem of an online store called Wear the Cause. Here is what they are about...

"Wear The Cause is clothing that raises awareness. Our fashionable clothing contains cause related substance within the imagery. Each shirt represents a different cause, health, animal rights, education, society, and the environment. Our mission is to educate and entertain the world, and a percentage of proceeds will donate to charities. Wearthecause.com is our main home for shopping our store, learning about causes, discovering artists, and being part of the team. Our apparel is available for men, women, and children. We have short sleeve, and long sleeve graphic T-shirts, tanks, camisoles, hoody's, collards, as well as baby clothes. On our cause page you can learn about current issues occurring around the world, and link to charity sites to help get involved. Our cause clothing is created from artist online submissions. Artist involved get a bio of themselves and there art, with a link to their website....Join our community and support a unique blend of fashionable clothing, with cause related substance, plus an online artist collective, as well as charity involvement. Through our clothing we can create a visual spread of cause related information to viewers, with hopes of sparking interest, and raising awareness. We need artist to submit their cause related designs. So shop, learn, create, spread, and love cause."

How cool is this! Wear the Cause has creatively and successfully blended cause awareness, artists with a desire to share their message and work, and attire that is so very hip. I know what I want for Christmas! You?