THINK BEFORE YOU PINK

And so it begins tomorrow.  It's October...Breast Cancer Awareness Month...Pink October....Pinktober.  Whatever you call it, it's the month when breast cancer awareness takes over the world.  :)
     Almost everything you see will be pink, turn pink or have a pink ribbon stamped on it.  BUT PROCEED WITH CAUTION!  Just because it's pink or has a pink ribbon doesn't mean it's supporting the cause.
    So before you buy something with the intention of supporting the breast cancer fight, we offer these suggestions:
     1.  Find out if a portion of what you buy is going to the breast cancer fight.  (Check labels, signs around the product, etc)
     2.  What portion is being donated to the cause?  (If you're spending $100 for the item, are you comfortable with only a dime being donated to the cause, or a dollar from your $100?)
    3.  Which organization will benefit from what you buy?
    4.  What do you know about that organization?  (Is its focus research, direct help to patients?  How much of the organization's donations are used for administration, salaries, etc? )
     As you know, we are grateful for research, but we also believe in supporting LOCAL organizations right in your own community, which are helping patients in the breast cancer battle.  
    You can help make a difference, just remember....THINK BEFORE YOU PINK.
    
     

DESIGNER DOZEN SUCCESS !

Once again, we are overwhelmed by the kindness of friends and strangers.  Our Designer Dozen Purses & Prizes event was a smashing success.  We are grateful for all those who came out to the event and bought tickets in our handbag game of chance.
     We are truly indebted to the generous businesses and individuals who donated new, designer bags for the event.  A special thank you to: Bloomingdale's at The Mall at Millenia, Stanley Steemer of Central Florida, Dr. Craig and Susan Murray, Dr. Dawn Hill, Events Unlimited by M, Magi Hodges of Seminole Masonry, Jeffrey and Monica Campbell of State Farm Insurance Oviedo, KRS Wealth Management, Cool Way Direct, Mercedes Benz of South Orlando, Carmen Steffens at Mall at Millenia, Donald J Pliner at Mall at Millenia, Neiman Marcus at Mall at Millenia and Dillard's Florida Mall.
      And topping off the evening, we had some fabulous handbag models.  Thank you to on air talent from WFTV Channel 9:  Anchors Greg Warmoth and Jamie Holmes; and meteorologist Brian Shields.

      

     

GENEROSITY ROCKS...TOTALLY !

Today we were reminded of just how blessed our little organization is.

A business in Altamonte Springs opened on its day off, to host a fundraising event for us.  The folks at SHREDDER EXPERTS agreed to shred documents for free, if people made a donation to us !
How cool is that?!

So anyone who wanted personal or business documents shredded just came to the business, made a donation and received the service.

We were honored to have Mrs. Windermere, Amy Santiago, join us for the day.  She helped us greet the guests and was a wonderful addition to the day.

Thanks to everyone who came out to support the effort !

THE DESIGNER DOZEN

We are quite excited about a big event we have coming up on September 13th.  Save the date.  It's THE DESIGNER DOZEN Purses & Prizes event.  When you come to GIRLS NIGHT OUT, you can buy tickets for a chance to win a designer purse.  We're talking high end, luxury, designer, name brand purses.  But that's not all.  In each purse, will be prizes.  You could also win a spa day, a weekend getaway, dinner at a fancy restaurant and the list goes on.  
    Here's a sneak peak at the wonderful venue where the event will be held.
     Hope to see you there!

HEALTH CARE LAW DEBATE HITS HOME

We met a client today who has strong feelings about the health care law, and for good reason.  She noticed a lump several months ago.  She did not have it check out because at the time she had no insurance.  When she got insurance under the Affordable Care Act, she did go to the doctor.  She was diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer.

It is a great reminder that in the midst of the debate about the disastrous health care website roll-out, mass confusion about signing up and the real costs involved for some families, it has made a profound difference in the lives of others.  For this client, it's not about the politics, it's about a person fighting for her life.