Today I’m rolling out my first VLog because every now and then, I just want to talk. Things pop into my mind and I need to get them out. Having said all of that, today’s “Friday Fab Gab” topic is:
Why do people hate on celebrities who are doing charitable deeds?
Listen to my rant and then tell me your thoughts…I want to honestly know “What’s up with that?”
-kb
The beauty brand with sexy product names like Pillow Talk, Striptease, and more want you to have a safe and beautiful “orgasm.” Yes, that is a very intentional pun. The NARS Safer Multiple Orgasm kit contains the creamy Multiple in Orgasm along with two condoms. The Multiple is a creamy stick of color which can be applied to eyes, cheeks, and lips.
A portion of the sales from each kit benefit the global safe sex initiatives of American Foundation for AIDS Research (amFAR). The price of the kit is $37, and can be purchased on the NARS website or at your local Sephora.
-kb
Queen Bey has partnered with Hamburger Helper and Feeding America to help fight childhood hunger in America. The goal of the “Show Your Helping Hand” campaign is to help Feeding America deliver 3.5 million meals to food banks across the country.
According to Feeding America, one in eight Americans struggles with hunger. And, here are some additional statistics:
You can help in three ways:
1. Enter codes found on specially marked boxes of Hamburger Helper. For every code entered, Hamburger Helper will make a donation to a local food bank…enough to provide one meal.
2. Bring non-perishable food items to Beyoncé’s “I Am Sasha Fierce” tour dates. (Chicago – July 17th)
3. Donate funds directly to Feeding America.
In addition to the concert dates, Show Your Helping Hand has hosted several retail events at grocers in select tour stops. The events allow people to donate canned goods, learn more about hunger, watch a multi-media tribute to Beyoncé’s philanthropic/career achievements, and record a testimonial about what you are personally doing to fight hunger. The remaining retail events are:
July 10 – Safeway
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
5130 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94611
July 12 – Vons
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
500 E. Manchester Blvd, Inglewood, CA 90301
July 15 – Cub Foods
4:30 PM – 7:30 PM
7555 West Broadway Ave, Brooklyn Park, MN 55428
July 15 – Dominick’s
4:30 PM – 7:30 PM
2550 N. Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
July 17 – Jewel-Osco
4:30 PM – 7:30 PM
103 South Randall Road, Algonquin, IL, 60102
To learn more about the campaign and related news, please visit www.showyourhelpinghand.com. Here is the beautifully shot commercial. Bey looks gorgeous by the way…
-kb
On Sunday, July 19th, The 900 Shops Mall will host a MAJOR charity shopping day all to benefit Bright Pink, a national non-profit providing support and education to young women at risk for breast and ovarian cancer. When you purchase a $20 ticket, you receive access to tons of amazing deals and treats.
Shopping discounts include:
• 30% off Adidas, Original Penguin
• 25% off Banana Republic
• 20% off Caché, Frankie’s Neighborhood Italian Restaurant, Ootra
• 15% off other participating retailers including, J.Crew, Club Monaco, and UGG Australia
Attendees will also enjoy treats such as:
• Bloomingdale’s: Laura Mercier mini-facials, Bobbi Brown make-up applications, small pink frozen yogurt from b. Café
• Mario Tricoci: Pink mini-manicures
• Lululemon Athletica: Yoga classes at 11 am & 2pm
• Williams-Sonoma: Pink mini-cupcakes
For all more details and to purchase your ticket, please click on the flyer below. Don’t miss out on this AMAZING opportunity to be bright pink!
-kb
Happy Wednesday! Here are a couple great Chicago service opportunities that I’ve come across!
7/11: From 10:45-2p, be part of an unique grocery shopping experience! Vital Bridges runs four grocery centers across Chicago that cater to the specific dietary needs of people living with HIV. Clients fill out their grocery menu and you shop the food pantry for the items. For the details, click here.
7/25-7/27: If you speak fluent Spanish and have great communication skills, then the National MS Society could use your assistance at the Latino Expo USA and Health Fair. They will be providing information about the disease and programs and services offered by the Society. Training will be provided prior to the actual event dates. Interested? Email sarah.gross@ild.nmss.org. (Not this week, but training needs to be scheduled soon)
As always, these are a verrrry small sample of the opportunities that are out there! If you’re stuck and don’t know where to start, I would check out the following sites:
I also have some tips on jumpstarting your volunteer experience in my post “Just Volunteer. Period.“
If you have a summer volunteer opportunity that you would like for me to include, shoot an email over to kb@thefabulousgiver.com! I will post them every Tuesday (or Wednesday) at the latest!
-kb
Gratitude Ball Bracelet, $130
I’ve always wanted a sterling silver charm bracelet. Something about the style whispers classic femininity with a sense of individuality. Charity Charms is a company that not only offers beautiful styles, but they allow you to raise awareness and funds for a charity of your choice.
Charity Charms has created logos in recognition of over 40 nonprofit organizations, ranging from the Best Friends Animal Society to the American Lung Association. When you purchase a logo charm and a corresponding item of jewelry, the company will donate 25% to that specific organization.
Here are some of my favorite picks:
Women Heart Charm, $50
WH Freshwater Pearl Bracelet, $115
Phoenix Children's Hospital, $50
PCH Bracelet, $145
Of course, you can choose other items besides the bracelets. Charity charms sells necklaces, keychains, earrings, cufflinks, and more! You can browse the entire charity collection at www.charitycharms.com!
-kb
Most of us volunteer just for the sake of giving back to our communities. However, that doesn’t mean that we wouldn’t also enjoy a “tangible” reward. Well, how about this?
When you volunteer for eight hours with a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit, you qualify for either a complimentary night stay or 50% discount on hotel rooms at Sage hotels nationwide. Once you’ve completed your service, contact the hotel nearest you to use the “Give a Day, Get a Night” special rate. This promotion will run until December 20, 2009!
The Blackstone Hotel on Michigan Avenue is one of the participating hotels, so if you have yet to visit Chicago…*wink, wink* Now would be the time.
My summer of service post will be up shortly so maybe you’ll find an opportunity this week. To learn more about the promotion and the terms/conditions, click here.
-kb
About a week ago, I mentioned that I would be in attendance as ULTA treated its inaugural scholarship recipients to an afternoon of pampering at the 18,000 sq. ft store and salon on Chicago’s State Street. I did and I had an absolute blast meeting some of the young ladies as well as ULTA President and CEO, Lyn Kirby.
Award recipient enjoying her makeover
First of all, if you’ve never been to the ULTA store, then you do not know what you are missing. It’s like a giant candy store, but obviously for beauty. The first floor is all about makeup and as you move upstairs, you pass through hair products and more, before ultimately arriving on the top floor at the ULTA Salon.
The girls were so energetic and in awe of their awards! It was really great to be around such positive energy, especially coming from gals who are already leaders in their community. I had an opportunity to talk with 5-6 girls and they discussed their community involvement. These high school gals volunteer with pediatric cancer patients, teach children in wheelchair how to “ice skate,” teach dance classes, and much more. And, all of this is in addition to their educational achievements.
They most certainly earned the spoils provided by ULTA. Spoils which included a trip to Chicago, lunch on the 96th floor of the Hancock Building, a $100 ULTA gift card, and a hair/makeup makeover! Whew…So much! Next year, ULTA plans to expand the program in order to award more young women across the country. Applications for the 2009-2010 scholarship program will be available this month on ulta.com!
You can read my official take on the celebration in my Examiner article.
-kb
We all have something in our closets that we should consider giving away. You know which item that I’m talking about! If you’re in DC, then consider bringing your stash to Fashion Fights Poverty’s ReUse: 2009 Fashion Swap. This event will give you the chance to do one of the following:
Consign Your Former Favorites w/Current Boutique
Swap for “New to You” Fashions
Donate Directly to Covenant House Washington
The fashion swap will take place on Sat, 7/18, at the Renaissance Mayflower Hotel (1127 Connecticut Ave NW) from 12-5p. For entry, all guests must bring an item of clothing/accessories or a pair of shoes. To attend, please RSVP to rsvp@fashionfightspoverty.org.
-kb
Hot Dots Note Cube, $30
Every adult should have a set of stationary for sending notes, Thank You cards, etc. As I get older, I find myself spending hours in Papyrus or the stationary section at Borders and Target. I’m now the proud owner of 3 sets of Thank You cards, 2 boxes of note cards, and some cute invitations. I’ve tried to curb this habit, but I fear that it’s only going to get worse!
While researching the Junior League of Chicago, I saw a little icon in the bottom right corner that caught my eye. All I remember seeing was “SoLuxe store.” With a name like SoLUXE, I figured that there had to be some goodies in store. *nods head* I was absolutely correct!
SoLUXE carries stationary, gift tags, coasters, plates and more! The best part is that you have the option to customize your design to best fit your style. Some items can even be monogrammed. I’ve always wanted something with my initials on it!
After doing some digging (read: Googling), it appears that SoLUXE is in cahoots with Junior League chapters across the country to help raise funds for the great work being done in the respective communities! To shop and support your local Junior League, just visit the webpage of the JL nearest and there should be a link to the SoLUXE site!
-kb
I strive to live a fabulous lifestyle while doing my part to volunteer and recognize charitable causes.
I don't believe that philanthropy has to be boring so I decided to launch The Fabulous Giver to give like-minded individuals a central place to find out about the best events around town that benefit great causes!
KB
