Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Giving Back

As a jewelry making, I truly love sharing my talent to help others. Over the years I have donated portions of my sales to the Susan G. Komen foundation and the ASPCA. More recently, I have donated pieces of work for auctions to benefit organizations like Girls on the Run, my local Optimist Club, and our United Way drive at work.

My friend Jennifer reached out to me a few weeks ago regarding a member of her church. This individual has a severe form of cancer, and they are holding an auction to help fund the treatments. I thought I'd share the 2 necklaces I am donating to the cause.

An intricate filigree plate serves as the focal for crackled glass drops in hues of lavender, soft yellow, and copper.
Three drusy drops are accented with shimmery rounds on a simple chain.Do you donate from your bead business? If so, I'd love to hear about it!
Update: I forgot to mention earlier that I plan to make some pieces in the next few months here to auction off for the Art Center of Battle Creek. I am willing to part with some of my Anne Choi beads, so they will be incorporated into some of the jewelry. Stay tuned.

4 comments:

TesoriTrovati said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Hi Heather! I love that you are using your talents for the good of others! I think that when we are given much ourselves that we have an obligation to give to others. I made a pledge this year to donate one piece of jewelry to a cause that I am passionate about each month. I am proud to say that I am on track to do just that. I got my start making pieces for silent auctions so I believe that it is important to me to do just that. Some people think I am crazy to donate so much, but it is a smart way to get my name out there as well and be seen as someone who is compassionate and cares for the community.

I am putting together a special fundraising idea right now that will connect bead artists and designers in honor of my college roommate who has had so many health challenges. Stay tuned!

Enjoy the day! And thanks for your inspiration...lovely pieces!
Erin

peacockfairy said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Thanks Erin - I certainly will look for your upcoming fundraiser. That is great that you donate on a monthly basis!

Silver Parrot said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

What lovely pieces you're donating and to such a good cause! At my "real" job, we have a charitable foundation that holds an auction several times a year to benefit after-school programs for kids and I usually donate a piece each time.

Erin Siegel said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Heather, That is so very generous of you! All wonderful causes. It's so great to be involved in things like this and it makes you feel so good to give, too!
There is one organization in particular that I have been making jewelry for for a few years now. I'm involved with my local chapter of The Blue Star Mothers of America. www.bluestarmothers.org. It's a nation-wide support group for mothers and families with children in the military. This group provides services for active soldiers deployed, wounded soldiers returning home and other community services and most importantly support for one another when a son, daughter or husband is deployed overseas or even worse is killed in the line of duty.
I have made and donated jewelry for them to sell at their fundraisers and I have also made a blue star bracelet for almost every member of my local chapter. There are over 50 members and growing each month! It's nice to be able to give them a little something pretty and handmade. This group of women does so much for the community and It's nothing compared to the sacrifice they and their families make for your country.