Feeling fortunate today…
Before I announce the lucky winner of the vintage Chanel ad (yay!), and while I had your attention for a just a few moments of your busy day, I wanted to talk about those less lucky than we all are — those that are more concerned about putting food on their tables, not so much the latest design books or trendy accessories.
I feel very fortunate to live in Orange County, CA. It’s beautiful, sunny, a great place to raise a family. But even in as affluent of a place as this, 33% of kids are at risk of hunger. Almost a quarter of the county’s residents live in economic hardship. Almost 9,000 homeless families and over 16,000 homeless children reside in the county, according to a recent estimate.
I have been actively involved in charity efforts for my whole adult life, but most recently I joined a volunteer organization of women here in the O.C.. I’ve mentioned before these women are truly amazing – working and stay-at-home moms, newlywed and single professionals, and totally on the ball. For the past six months, I’ve been dedicating a big portion of my time and services at Small Shop to create the branding and materials for our biggest fundraiser, The Christmas Company. The money raised will directly benefit over six charities here, such as CHOC (Children’s Hospital of Orange County) and Second Harvest Food Bank.
The event is being held next week 11/17-11/20 at the O.C. Fair and Event Center, and I urge anyone that is here in the LA/So Cal area to come check us out! We’ll have over 100 boutiques to get your holiday shopping done early, plus special events like a swanky Gala with live band Tijuana Dogs, a breakfast with Santa, a cooking demo with Zov’s, and a yoga session with renown instructor Kimberly Fowler from YAS. I’ll be taking my daughter to one of the Fancy Nancy Tea Parties. We are pretty much doing everything we can to get people to come out and have fun, all the while supporting these important charity organizations. Check out our website for more information: www.shoptcc.com.
So while you may not be able to support these particular efforts, perhaps think about it over Thanksgiving and the upcoming holidays. Even giving just a little helps, whether it’s clothes, time, money, ideas, food…be proactive and seek out ways that you can give back.
Now that we all have some perspective, the lucky winner chosen by Random.org is…#47 Hilary! Thank you everyone SO much for your entries and overwhelming support! I wish I had a 110 of them to give one to each of you. ;o)
So great to see Erika… we truly are lucky aren’t we? Thanks for sharing and I hope your fundraiser is a huge success!
We are truly lucky! I was wondering what charity you’ve been supporting and what a fabulous organization to be a part of. That is wonderful that you are volunteering your time and services to such a great cause. Love the design of the website as well! If I lived on the west coast, I would totally attend this event. Good luck with the fundraising, I’m sure you will exceed your goals.
Congrats to Hilary!
I agree…we are all very very lucky. What a great cause you are supporting and putting so much time and effort into !! Sounds like so many fun events !
xxLily
goldandgray.com
Well said. I’m guilty of one of those who gets in a funk because she doesn’t own multiple red soled shoes. None for that matter. But really, some families don’t have the luxury of even eating what they wish for that day. We need to be grateful and not greedy.
I’ll for sure try to check out the event.
Oh my goodness gracious… that’s ME!! I am so excited! Thank you, Erika, for hosting such a lovely giveaway. This print will cherished for sure!
that’s so good of you Erika! you are such an inspiration!.. I live like 4 hours far from there but hope it turns into a success so that you can help as many people as possible. Have a wonderful weekend!
Hey girl – wish I lived there so I could help with the event – and I forgive you for not picking my name for the giveaway! xoxox
-e (modern24seven.blogspot.com)
You are such a beautiful writer, Erika. What a beautiful cause to be a part of – and a great reminder as we move into the holiday season. Thanks for all that you’re doing – just another thing to love about you! ox
Thanks for giving me a moment’s pause to think about those less fortunate. It’s easy to get wrapped up in blogging trends or holiday shopping but far more important to give back so thank you for setting such a fine example! I wish I could hop on the next plane out to LA (if only to steal your nice weather, it’s freezing here!) but I hope your event is a smashing success just the same. xx
Nice work! :)
this is wonderful, wish I could go!
What an incredible and generous woman you are!! Such great ideas to help those less fortunate.
Wish I could fly to my fave place to get in on the action while it’s going on!
You are the sweetest! I’ll try my hardest to make it!