For the Movember Men (and Women) in your life...

The 'Mo', slang for moustache, and November come together each year for Movember to raise awareness of cancers affecting men.  Help change the face of men’s health, in the exceptionally classy “Movember Classics” by TOMS.
Tom's has teamed up with the Movember Foundation to create some Limited Edition TOMS, available for men and women.

Not bad, basic black slip-ons for all those chores you have to do:

Go to http://www.toms.com/ for more information.

Funds raised benefit the Prostate Cancer Foundation and LIVESTRONG.

Gifts for St. Jude

West Elm has some cute holiday gifts that give $5 of every purchase to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.  Gifts are $25 each with free shipping. 

I really like the sequin animals:

For more information and to order, visit http://www.westelm.com/

Charity Pot

Lush has a lotion that gives 100% back to charity.  It is made with skin-softening cocoa butter and almond oil.  Every penny that you pay for a pot, excluding the tax, goes to grassroots charities all around the world.

For more information, visit http://www.lushusa.com/shop/products/body/hand-body-creams/charity-pot

Philanthropy Is Beautiful

In 2003, Joan B. Hornig, developed a way to combine her passion for jewelry, education and philanthropy through the creation of the Joan B. Hornig Foundation. Her site gives 100% of the profits on each piece of jewelry to the purchaser's charity of choice.  The foundation's mission is to provide support for registered charitable organizations throughout the world.

Check out some of the amazing pieces you can purchase:

 To find out more, visit http://www.joanhornig.com/

Soap for Charity

L'Occitane have shea butter soaps available called the African Tales Soap Set. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to ORBIS, a non-profit organization dedicated to fighting preventable blindness around the world.

These soaps are rich in shea butter, with softening and protective properties, they leave hands clean and delicately scented - all for $12. They also come in nice packaging so they are easy to give! 

For more information, visit http://usa.loccitane.com/FO/ORBIS-Soap-Duo,p960582.htm?cm_vc=SearchRes

Buy a Baby Blanket, Give a Baby Blanket

Ever want to purchase a good baby shower gift and just not know what to buy? If so, you should check out Happy Blankie. Happy Blankie donates a blankie for every blankies purchase to children in need all over the world. You even get to choose where you would like to give a blankie. The most amazing part about this company is that it was developed by a then seven year old boy! 

The current designs are a frog, dog, bear and pig.  Cute for the little one in your life!  I hope soon they will come out with some other designs too.

For more information, visit http://www.happyblankie.com/

Flip for Movember

Flip Video and Cisco are working with Movember to raise awareness and funds for men’s health. In addition to having the Cisco team participate in the campaign, each Movember Flip video camera sold will generate a $10 donation to the Movember Foundation.

To purchase, visit http://www.theflip.com/movember

What is Movember?

Movember is a month-long event involving the growing of moustaches during the month of November.  Since 2004, the Movember Foundation charity has run Movember events to raise awareness and funds for men's health issues, such as prostate cancer and depression, in Australia and New Zealand. Since 2007, events have been launched in Ireland, Canada, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

For more information, visit http://us.movember.com/

National Shine A Light on Lung Cancer Vigil

There is a new campaign taking place during Lung Cancer Awareness Month. It is the National Shine A Light on Lung Cancer Vigil on the evening of November 4th. The Lung Cancer Alliance's goal is to host 100 vigils nationwide reaching 1 million people! When we last talked, they had almost 70 vigils setup and were adding more every day!

You can learn more by visiting the website: http://www.shinealightonlungcancer.org/. Their philosophy is that the more people they bring together for the lung cancer movement, the more people are educated about the true facts of this disease and help dispel myths and long held stigmas. With this awareness comes understanding and then action and funding.

Do you know of a vigil in your area?  Are you planning to attend?

Bare Escentuals - Unforgettable Eyecolor

Bare Escentuals has created a special edition eyecolor named Unforgettable Eyecolor that gives proceeds to the Lung Cancer Alliance.  For more information, visit http://bareescentuals.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-BareEscentuals-Site/default/Experience-BECareDetail?cgid=CA_BE_BECARES_LCA_UNFORGETTABLE

Lung Cancer Alliance is the only national non-profit organization devoted solely to support and advocacy for all those living with or at risk for lung cancer. For more information, please visit http://www.lungcanceralliance.org/

Sunglasses for the Cure

The KBL and Leroy & Perry sunglass collaboration combines KBL's best selling styles with exclusive neutral colorways mixed with fresh pops of neon color that echo the Leroy & Perry Spring 2011 collection palette.  100% of the proceeds will be donated to Fashion Targets Breast Cancer, an initiative started and operated by the Council of Fashion Designers of America. Both frames are sold with an "upcycled" organic cotton fleece sweatshirt inspired drawstring pouch made from the excess of sweatshirt production.  Ships November 25th.

For more information, visit http://kbleyewear.com/shop/index2.php

Empowered Petites

In an effort to raise awareness and make a difference, Jessica Vartoughian, “the first lady of nails,” is pleased to announce the creation of a new collection designed especially to support the fight against Breast Cancer – the Empowered collection.  45% of the Empowered Petite Kit purchases will be donated to American Institute for Cancer Research. 

To purchase, visit http://www.jessicacosmetics.com/miva/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=BC807&Category_Code=

Ann Taylor Loft & Me&Ro Collab

Me&Ro designed a braclet for LOFT.  With each bracelet purchase, a $5 donation will be made to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

To purchase, visit http://www.anntaylorloft.com/home.jsp

Ann Taylor/Lisa Axelson Collab

Designer Lisa Axelson has made two pieces of jewlery for Ann Taylor.  She took inspiration from the pink breast cancer awareness ribbon and the iconic charm bracelet to create pieces that can be worn with both endless style and compassion.

Ann Taylor will donate 70% of full-price purchases of the ANN Cares necklace and bracelet to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

To purchase, visit http://www.anntaylor.com/home.jsp

Michael Kors - In the Pink

MICHAEL Michael Kors Island Breast Cancer Research Cosmetics Bag is available for $38 and 5% of the proceeds will go to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

To purchase, visit http://www.michaelkors.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod2260023&parentId=

Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl

The Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl is a post-season college football bowl game that Kraft Foods has became the sponsor of the bowl, which is part of a broader hunger relief program. The game will be known as the "Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl" and will be part of a broader hunger relief program Kraft Foods plans to kick off in September in collaboration with Feeding America, the nation's leading hunger-relief organization.

Tickets range from $40 to $75.  For every ticket sold, Kraft will donate a meal to those in need through Feeding America. Feeding America provides low-income individuals and families with meals. They are the nation's leading domestic hunger-relief charity.  Their network members supply food to more than 37 million Americans each year, including 14 million children and 3 million seniors. Serving the entire United States, more than 200 member food banks support 61,000 agencies that address hunger in all of its forms. For more information, visit http://www.feedingamerica.org.

For more information and tickets, visit http://www.kraftbowl.org

Good Read: Seeing Pink? Some breast cancer awareness products give more back

A Good Read from WKYC in Cleavland, Ohio - (http://www.wkyc.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=154215&catid=45)

We're in the heart of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but it's important to read the fine print on your pink purchase: some brands give more to the cause than others.

Stroll down any isle at your neighborhood grocery store -- paper products, dairy, produce, even pet supplies -- items on the shelf are accessorised with pink.

"When you look at the Velveeta box, you see the pink ribbon," Ashley Carson points out.

Ashley and her sister, Tenika Carson, shopped for groceries at Dave's Supermarket. The sisters support breast cancer awareness, and have noticed more and more companies are doing the same.

"I think it's good because not only does it get the customer's attention, it also shows you how many people and different companies are participating in the cause," said Tenika.

While each product raises awareness about the disease that will afflict more than 200,000 women this year alone, not all products do so in the same way.

"It's a very emotional cause, but not every pink product is necessarily bringing dollars to the cause," said Sophie Sureau.

Sureau is the executive director of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Northeast Ohio chapter.

She advises shoppers to look closely at what they're buying.

Some brands are specific about how they support breast cancer awareness.

Yoplait Yogurt, for example, lets shoppers know it will give 10 cents to Komen for every pink lid mailed in; at least a $500,000 gift.

Sureau says Yoplait and General Mills are two of Komen's biggest supporters. She says Komen does not lend its trademark to just any brand: the partnership requires a company pledge of at least $100,000.

Some brands, however, aren't as clear about where the money from a purchase goes.

A bag of Jonny Cat cat litter sports a pink ribbon sticker, but on the back, it says the purchase does not impact the corporate donation, and no charity is named.

A Google search for "Breast Cancer Awareness" pulls up hundreds of product results, from golf club covers to Christmas ornaments to kitchen utensils. Many of the item descriptions specify what kind of donation will be made, but some are pink to simply raise awareness.

"There's no control on how much 'pink noise' there is. We call this the 'pink washing,'" Sureau said.

She says Komen believes there can never be enough pink ribbon awareness, but she does encourage shoppers to be thorough. She says the "good buys" will often name a cause and a donation amount right on the product label.

"Just as we read the labels to see how much fat and sugar are in stuff, we need to be conscious about who it is supporting, what it is supporting," Sureau said.

The Better Business Bureau of Cleveland could not give examples of local organizations that have misleading pink campaigns, but the BBB recommends a few resources to help sift through the pink 'noise.'

CharityNavigator.org provides information on charity giving, and rates a non-profit's community impact.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure, for example, is a four-star rated charity that puts 75 percent of its donations back into the local community, with 25 percent invested in finding a cure.

The Cleveland BBB also has a charity review program that looks closely at the finances of local non-profits, in addition to local for-profits.

The Northern Ohio Breast Cancer Coalition Fund recommends considering products that support the following causes:
Avon Foundation
Susan G. Komen for the Cure
American Cancer Society

Rue La La - Shop for Good

Rue La La, the invitation-only online shopping site with private sale boutiques open for just a brief window of time, has a Shop for the Good boutique open today benefiting The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. They have all pink items on sale from designers and brands like Juicy Couture, Hervé Chapelier, Swarovski, Philosophy, and Betsey Johnson. 

Membership is free. It's also invitation-only. If you would like an invitation, feel free to use my link at http://www.ruelala.com/invite/dogoodgrp. 

Limited Edition Bobbi Brown Pink Shimmer Brick

In support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Bobbi Brown created a limited-edition Pink Shimmer Brick Compact. This product also has free standard shipping with purchase of this item the month of October.  This product does not specifically give a portion of the proceeds to a charity, instead, Bobbi Brown is giving $35,000 to the Breast Cancer Research Fund. 

For more information, visit http://www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com/

Jane Iredale for Rise Above with Love

Jane Iredale, mineral makeup specialist, have introduced a new version of their Sugar&Butter Lip Exfoliator and Plumper called Phoenix.  The soft, pink plumper is paired with an organic brown sugar exfoliator.  Jane Iredale will donate $2 from the sale of each Phoenix to Living Beyond Breast Cancer in support of all women who have risen above breast cancer and those who love them.

For more information, visit http://www.janeiredale.com/lips_sb_ph.html

Great Hair & a Great Cause

Conair, maker of all things hair, grooming, and spa related, has a line of pink products that give back to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.  They do not say how much of the proceeds will go to the foundation, but do mention that they will give a minimum of $100k to the cause.  If you're needing some new hair styling tools, this could be an easy way to give back.

For more information, visit http://www.conair.com/breast_cancer_month/

Shutterfly - Supports a Cause

Shutterfly, a photo publishing and printing service, has various photo cards available for the holidays where 10% of the proceeds go to a specific charity of your choice.  Charities include American Lung Association, Heifer International, and LIVESTRONG.

There are definitely some cute card layouts to choose from.  Also, if you order before Oct 27th, you can get 20% off.

For more information, visit http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/support-a-cause

The American Lung Association "fights lung disease in all its forms, with special emphasis on asthma, tobacco control and air quality."  For more information, visit http://www.lungusa.org/.

Heifer International is dedicated to relieving global hunger and poverty. It provides gifts of livestock and plants, as well as education in sustainable agriculture, to financially-disadvantaged families around the world.  For more information, visit http://www.heifer.org/.

LIVESTRONG is part of the Lance Armstrong Foundation that provides support for people affected by cancer.  It was founded in 1997 by cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong. The LAF states that its mission is 'to inspire and empower' cancer sufferers and their families. The LAF also aims to provide practical information and tools for cancer sufferers in a, public health and research.  For more information, visit http://www.livestrong.org/

Sutter Home for Hope

When you purchase Sutter Home wines this fall, you can directly benefit breast cancer organizations and activities across the United States-and in your community-through our Capsules for Hope program.  Customers need to send in the top quality seal from the capsule on any bottle of Sutter Home wine from August 1 through December 31, 2010. (Every bottle of Sutter Home wine qualifies for this program, not just those adorned with a pink ribbon!) For every capsule they receive, they will donate $1.00* to the cause.

 For more information, visit http://www.sutterhomeforhope.com/.

All proceeds go to City of Hope. City of Hope is a biomedical research, treatment and education center dedicated to the prevention, treatment and cure of cancer and other life-threatening diseases.  For more info, visit http://www.cityofhope.org

The Avon Foundation for Women Gala Charity Auction (Oct. 15-26) allows customers to bid on experiences like meeting Reese Witherspoon and attend the premier of her upcoming movie How Do You Know; and items like a Donna Karan dress worn by Ashley Greene or a New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter"Sliding Into Third with Dirt" signed photo. The total funds raised from this auction will be announced at the 10th Anniversary Gala to be held on October 26 in New York City. 100% of proceeds will be donated to the Avon Foundation for Women.

For more information and to bid, visit http://members.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewUserPage&userid=avonfoundation

Fi(gh)t for the Cure

Wacoal has some Fit for the Cure events around the country where a Wacoal fit specialist helps you determine your true bra size. For every woman who participates, Wacoal will donate $2 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure® to help fund breast cancer research and community outreach projects.  No purchase is necessary to participate.

For more information, visit http://www.wacoal-america.com/. 

Hope Flows

GROHE, maker of faucets and shower heads, is supporting The Breast Cancer Research Foundation where a minimum of 85 cents of every dollar goes toward funding the most advanced and promising breast cancer research across the globe.  When you buy a Ladylux3 Café or Ladylux3 Plus, $25 from your purchase sponsors 30 minutes of BCRF research.

In addition, during October, purchases of the pink Rainshower Icon hand shower will sponsor an additional $10.

Their goal is to raise $250,000 — enough to fund a breast cancer research project for one year.

For more information, visit http://www.grohehopeflows.com/

BBB on Breast Cancer Awareness Month Products

Here's a good video from KSDK Channel 5 in St. Louis about how to spot true Breast Cancer Awareness products. 

Watch this before purchasing pink products:


http://www.ksdk.com/video/default.aspx?bctid=632830744001

Jones NY in the Classroom

Fashion and Art Come Together To Support Teachers! Jones New York has a limited edition t-shirt illustrated by Sujean Rim for sale.One hundred percent of the profits from the sale of the t-shirt will be donated to Jones New York In The Classroom, a non-profit organization supporting teacher's and children's education.

 To purchase, visit http://www.jny.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-jonesny-Site/default/Search-Show?SearchSource=Simple+Search&q=teacher.  T-shirts are available for $20.

Sandra Lee Tablescapes for No Kid Hungry

Sandra Lee is offering some of her one-of-a-kind creations to the highest bidder with 100% of the proceeds benefiting No Kid Hungry. Through 13 weekly auctions Food Network and Sandra Lee will placing one of Sandra’s beautiful themed tablescapes up for auction. In addition, on November 8th you will have the opportunity to bid on a VIP Experience to attend a taping of her show, tour her studio and MEET her for an intimate conversation.

The auction can be found at http://members.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewUserPage&userid=foodnetwork

Share Our Strength is a national organization of community groups, activists and food programs to catch children facing hunger and surround them with nutritious food where they live, learn and play.  For more information, visit http://www.strength.org/

Limited Pink Edition Vespa for Charity

Vespa Scooters and Bright Pink have teamed up to offer a Special Edition Pink Vespa. 100% of proceeds benefit Bright Pink, a national organization educating and supporting women at high risk for breast and ovarian cancer.

Bidding starts at $1000

For more information, visit http://members.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewUserPage&userid=charityauctions

For more information on Bright Pink, visit http://bebrightpink.org/

Layla Grayce & Bright Pink - Plus 20% Off!

Layla Grayce who sells unique gift and home items, is also partnering with their vendors to donate 20% of their sales on specific items to Bright Pink. Some items that are included in this pairing are a Jessie Steele Apron (the same company that made the one Charlotte from Sex and the City 2 wore), Mor Cosmetics Gift Set (as featured in People Style Watch), and Aden and Anais Swaddling Wrap.

Bright Pink is a national non-profit organization that provides education and support to young women who are at high risk for breast and ovarian cancer. They arm young women with knowledge, options and a great attitude, and offer companionship and empathy during their journey. They empower them to take control of their breast and ovarian health and in turn, grant them the freedom and peace of mind to live a beautiful and fulfilling life.

For more product information, visit http://www.laylagrayce.com/BCA-Bright-Pink.html.  For an additional 20% off use code celebrate6 (ends Sunday, Oct 17th at Midnight)

For more charity information, visit http://www.bebrightpink.org/home/

Cooking for Good

Broadway Panhandler has nine items for sale where a portion of the proceeds will go to the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition. Broadway Panhandler stocks and beautifully features an extraordinary selection, well over 10,000 different wares, of essential and specialty cookware, kitchen tools, bakeware, kitchen electrics, knives, cookbooks, tabletop, wine and bar items, linens and seasonal accessories.

For more information on the products, visit http://www.broadwaypanhandler.com

For more information on the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition, visit http://www.debreastcancer.org/

Vera Bradley & Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer

Vera Bradley recently unveiled Twirly Birds Pink as their breast cancer awareness pattern.

With the sale of items in Twirly Birds Pink, 10% of the net proceeds will go to benefit the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer and other breast cancer related projects and services. Since Return to Happiness in 1998, eight Breast Cancer Awareness colors have raised funds and awareness for the cure.

For more information on the products, visit http://www.verabradley.com/

For more information about the foundation, visit http://www.verabradley.org/

Buy Skin, Give Water

GelaSkins makers of removable covers for portable devices have skins available that donate to charity:water.  For every charity: water GelaSkin you buy, 50% of the proceeds go directly to fund sustainable water projects.

charity:water is using 100% of donations to directly fund sustainable water solutions in areas of greatest need. charity: water proves every project built using photos and GPS coordinates in Google Maps so you see where your money went. In just four years, charity: water has funded 2,906 water projects in 17 different countries. When complete, they’ll bring clean and safe drinking water to more than 1.2 million people. Just $20 can give one person clean water for 20 years. Learn more at charitywater.org. 

For more info about the products, visit http://www.gelaskins.com/collaborators/charity_water

In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, breast cancer survivor and professional makeup artist Sonia Kashuk and Target have partnered with The Breast Cancer Research Foundation for the fourth year in a row to create an exclusive, limited-edition collection.

The assortment of seven products is available from August 22 through October 24 with 15 percent of the purchase price to benefit BCRF.

Sonia Kashuk Beauty is available at Target, providing high-quality products at affordable prices since 1999.

Please call 1-800-800-8800 or visit Target.com to locate the Target store nearest you.

Trick-or-Treat for Unicef

HSN has a trick-or-treat bag available that donates $3.50 fromthe bag's profits to UNICEF. With every purchase of a FEED Trick-or-Treat bag, the donation will provide one year's worth of micronutrient powder to a child in the developing world. This helps ensure he or she receives vitamins and minerals needed to survive and thrive.

Bags cost $13.20 for one and there are discounts for volume purchases. 

To find out more, visit http://www.hsn.com/hsn-cares_at-5115_xa.aspx?van=hsncares

Safeway: Shop Online - give back

Safeway is doing a promotion for their store online.  If you purchase $30 worth of participating products, $5 will be donated to Breast Cancer Research and Awareness in local communities.  This promo is going on through October 26th.  Also, usually, I see free shipping for first order on safeway.com so this would be a great promo to do for first time shoppers.

For more information, visit http://shop.safeway.com/superstore/default.asp?page=d&mainURL=%2Fcontent%2Ftouts%2Flandingpages%2F39%5Fbca%5Flanding%2Easp

Skechers Shape-Ups Awareness Fitness Shoes

Sketchers has limited edition Original Shape-ups sneaker with Breast Cancer Awareness pink ribbon detail.  For every pair sold, Skechers donates $10 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. 

Shoes can be found in stores or online at http://www.skechers.com/. Pricing on skechers.com is $110. 

The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (http://www.bcrfcure.org)  is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to achieve prevention and a cure for breast cancer in our lifetime by providing critical funding for innovative clinical and translational research at leading medical centers worldwide, and increasing public awareness about good breast health.  Over 90% of all donations go towards research grants and awareness programs. 

SAKS Key to the Cure T-shirt

SAKS has a limited edition Donna Karen T-shirt that gives 100% of its proceeds to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. 

 T-shirts cost $35 and can be found at www.saks.com/kttc

The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (http://www.bcrfcure.org)  is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to achieve prevention and a cure for breast cancer in our lifetime by providing critical funding for innovative clinical and translational research at leading medical centers worldwide, and increasing public awareness about good breast health.  Over 90% of all donations go towards research grants and awareness programs. 

Beautiful in Pink with Ulta

Ulta has multiple ways to donate to breast cancer this month.  Shoppers can donate a $1 to the cause, or $5 and get a Pink Ribbon Tote, or time.  If you donate time, every $25 donates 30 minutes of research.  All proceeds go to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. 

For more details, visit http://www.ulta.com/

Ulta also has some products for sale that give a portion back to breast cancer charities.  Some of these items include:

• Stila - Empowered in Pink Palette
• Philosophy - Shower for the Cure shampoo, bath and shower gel - 100% of the net proceeds go to charity!
• Ahava - Hope Blossoms Mineral Bath Salt

For more details on products, visit http://search.ulta.com/nav/marketing/october2010bca/0

Secret for the National Breast Cancer Foundation

Secret is working with the National Breast Cancer Foundation for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  On Sunday, October 10th, a special edition of the P&G brandSAVER coupon booklets, worth over $160 dollars in savings combined, will be distributed in newspapers across the country (there was also one sent out September 26th). For every brandSAVER coupon redeemed from this booklet, a two-cent donation will be made to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. This uncapped donation from P&G will be solely based on the number of coupons redeemed starting September 26th. The National Breast Cancer Foundation will use the donation to provide education for women on the importance of early detection, in all regions of the country.  There are over 3 billion eligible coupons!

The National Breast Cancer Foundation’s mission is to save lives by increasing awareness of breast cancer through education and by providing mammograms for those in need. NBCF is committed to spreading knowledge and fostering hope in the fight against breast cancer.
Founder Janelle Hail saw an overwhelming need for education surrounding the issues related to breast cancer. Many women do not follow the simple techniques of breast self-examination and regularly scheduled mammograms. She discovered an unmet need for assistance to underserved women in receiving breast cancer information and free mammograms. The 4-star Charity Navigator organization focuses on extending women’s lives through breast cancer education and early detection.

For more information visit, www.mypinkplan.com

Other Pink Limited Edition products include: Tide, Downy, Bounce, Swiffer, Bounty, Charmin, Pringles, Pantene, Secret, Olay PCC / Body, Venus, Satin Care.

10% Back to Schools

We're a little late on posting this one, but I wanted to get it out there.  Safeway, Vons, Dominik's, Randalls, Tom Thumb, Genuardi's, Pavillions, and Carrs allows customers to earn money for the school of their choice.  This program gives 10% back of your total bill to the school of your choice.  It's easy to sign up your Safeway Club Card and get saving for schools today.  This program is going on now through October 13th. 

For more information, visit http://backtoschools.escrip.com/

Light for Water

Liquid Lights by Tanya Clark are not only artistic and functional, they have an additional message behind them.  The lights are a reminder of how precious water is and the need to protect this resource.  5% of all Liquid Light purchases go to the Polaris Institute.  The Institute's Water Program aims to develop citizen capacities for education and action on water justice issues in communities. 

No pricing can be found on their website, but for additional information, visit: http://www.liquidlightsite.com/.

Pink Ribbon Earings for a cause close to the heart

Andrea Montgomery (http://www.andreamontgomery.com/) has some beautiful gold vermeil lotus-shaped hoop earring with pink quartz drops available where 100% of the proceeds will be donated to The Stehlin Foundation for Cancer Research.  These earrings have more versatility because the drops can also be removed and the hoops worn alone, or the drops can also be changed out with their other gem drops – available on their website. 

The Stehlin Foundation is a cancer research organization that was started by a surgical oncologist, Dr. John Stehlin, in 1969 to develop treatments for cancer patients while encouraging more communication between the scientist studying cancer in a lab, the physician treating the cancer patient and the patient themselves – the concept of a "tripartnership". Stehlin has developed an incredible new drug, CZ48, that has proven incredibly effective in 28 different types of cancer. That drug is currently in Phase I clinical trials. 

Andrea choose this specific charity because her mother is a cancer survivor of over 25 years. Andrea said that she has always been involved with various cancer-related charities, including being a founding member of Young Texans Against Cancer (YTAC) back in 2001. Through her involvement on the board of YTAC, she came to know about The Stehlin Foundation and later went on to chair their annual gala two years ago. She mentioned that from the first time she toured the laboratory facilities at Stehlin, she was absolutely blown away by both the history of what all Dr. Stehlin has accomplished in the field of cancer research and also by the incredibly humble people on the staff, the modest facilities and the low turnover rate for employees of the organization. When the FDA finally approved clinical trials in 2008, just months before the gala that she chaired, she learned more about the incredible costs associated with clinical trials and unlike most cancer research institutes, which are funded primarily through university medical schools and government grants, Stehlin is a small, independent group whose research and treatment programs are funded almost entirely by private donations. Because of this, she wanted to donate the proceeds to them – an unfortunately, often overlooked place where the money is greatly needed and that spends their money on actual research, rather than overhead.
This sounds like a great story and a great charity to give to especially since 100% of the proceeds from the earrings go to The Stehlin Foundation. 

For more information about Stehlin, you can visit their website at www.stehlin.org.

Paints for Breast Cancer Research

Stark, the renowned to-the-trade source for carpets, fabrics, furniture and wallcovering, announces a new division — Stark Paint, colours by David Oliver. This long-awaited four year collaboration with London based color specialist and designer David Oliver has resulted in an extensive and contemporary designer palette that spans the color spectrum with 240 new, rich, and sophisticated paint options.

StarkPaint, a new division for Stark, colors by David Oliver and The Breast Cancer Research Foundation® have teamed up to raise money for Breast Cancer Research.  There are a total of 240 colors in the new collection, and they have chosen 5 colors from their current Stark Paint palate – Oyster Lilly, Diva, Subtle Angel, Wax Bouquet and Sand 1 - for this initiative.  Stark’s new paint line is not only environmentally minded, but also chic and tastefully elegant.

Stark will be donating 10% of the sales from the above colors to BCRF beginning immediately through September 14th 2011. 

I think these colors would look great in a baby's or little girl's room.