25th Anniversary of K.I.D.S.

To help celebrate K.I.D.S. 25th anniversary, check out the Kids In Distressed PSA airing on one of the jumbo screens in New York City’s Times Square through October 15. It details instructions for mobile phone users to text “Happykids 25” to 27138; this triggers a $25 donation to the organization, helping put desperately needed new merchandise in the hands of those who could use it most.

In this 25th anniversary year, K.I.D.S.’ goal for donated new product is $100 million. “K.I.D.S. is unique in its ability to reach 4.5 million children in need every year, helping them strive for a better life than they have,” says president Janice Weinman. “By tapping into the new technology of mobile phone giving, we are asking many more people to help us continue to make a difference in the future of our youth, by giving them new product, one child at a time.”

See the PSA – bigger than life – every hour, 18 hours per day on the CBS big screen, north side of 42nd Street, between 7th and 8th Avenues. The PSA can also be seen on KIDSdonations.org and on YouTube – but you don’t need to see the PSA to celebrate with K.I.D.S. Simply make a donation – of money, merchandise, time – it’s all good!

The K.I.D.S. website offers information on how people can directly join the mission to help children in need. The “Get Involved” section of the site has suggestions for personal and group projects such as product collection drives and fundraisers.

K.I.D.S. officially commemorates its past on December 1 during the 25^th Anniversary Gala at Cipriani 42^nd Street in New York.

-Janet Muniz

Custom Tricycle for Charity

Visiting Playtime New York? In town for ENK Children’s Club?

On Saturday July 31, Ovarian Cancer Research Fund‘s 13th annual Super Saturday takes place at Nova’s Ark Project in Water Mill, NY. Exclusive preview shopping begins at 12 noon and continue to 6 PM. This famous one-of-a-kind designer garage sale features a kids’ carnival, gourmet dining and exciting activities galore.

This year, Blindmice has designed a custom tricycle with Giant and is putting it on display – and it’s for sale! Catie Foster of Catiedid Sales, Inc. in the California Market Center in Los Angeles, CA tells HCRSourcebook the custom tricycle is offered for a $500 donation at their retail partner Baby Shock in Westhampton, NY today through Friday, or at the Baby Shock booth on Super Saturday. Along with the tricycle, Blindmice has socks for sale, partnered with goods also sold by Baby Chai, Lucky Jade Products, Knuckleheads, Hula Mula and Jannuzzi Clothing.

“Any product not sold at the event will be donated to Little Threads Foundation to help foster kids,” says Catie. Little Threads is the brainchild of Knuckleheads’ Melissa Nash.

Super Saturday 12 raised nearly $3.4 million! The money was used to support the mission of OCRF, which is the formulation of early diagnostic treatment programs and research toward the ultimate conquest of ovarian cancer.

-Janet Muniz

Baby Potential

Every baby has the potential to be whatever he or she wants to be.

Start here. Grow far. HCRSourceBook thinks this company tagline says it all! San Antonio, TX-based Baby Potential was founded in 2008 by Dacia Napier, M.D., a full-time radiologist and mother of two, and Allison Zeller, a philanthropist and mother of three. It’s a line of infant and toddler apparel featuring colorful career patches. The company’s core mission is to affect change by nurturing education through social marketing and community outreach.

“We think that access to education is something that America – with all its strength, should be able to provide its children through the joint cooperation of the public and private sector,” Dacia says. “Everyone has something to contribute. It is every individual’s obligation to help each other achieve it.”

Featuring classic styling and tailoring, one-pieces and t-shirts are made of 100% fine cotton, combed for softness and comfort, are durable and won’t fade or shrink. The Baby Potential signature, though, are the 12 different silk-screened career patches: Artist, Chef, Philanthropist – even Rancher – in addition to Teacher, Doctor and of course, Rocket Scientist among other career options adorn them and they coordinate with pants, skorts, bibs and burp cloths. The products are gender-neutral and available in six contemporary colors. Double-needle stitch detail reinforce the seams and shoulders are form-fitting. The one-pieces have a three-button style closure with premium snaps. Continue reading →

Enchanted Enfant Returns

Paula Franco joins the Enchanted Enfant team as newly appointed sales director.

News from a much beloved children’s brand: luxury line Enchanted Enfant returns to market!

Designer and founder Michele Brulé recently took some time away to mourn the loss of her mother to breast cancer, and now she’s back with a collection for spring summer 2011 inspired by historical works of art, vintage Parisian photographs and images of her mom as a child.

The Printemps 2011 Collection could be her strongest to date, emanating the signature romantic elegance that Enchanted Enfant has made its trademark. The Joséphine dress is a dreamy confection of silk chiffon with delicately ruffled cap sleeves, smocked empire waist and a sprinkling of jewel-like metallic trimmed rosettes available in plum, putty and blush.

Michele tells HCRSourceBook she is extending the brand with Couturier Collection, truly special, special occasion wear. Notable pieces include the stunning L’Opéra gown and Place Vendôme dress with glistening metallic lace trim and the must have Estelle Italian brocade coat, named after her six-year-old daughter and muse.

The Essentiels Collection is also extending the brand, chic easy pieces for everyday wear offered at a moderate price point for broader distribution. Key pieces include the Rue Cler pima cotton pointelle smocked top and legging, the raffia wide brimmed floppy sun hat and silk rosette headband.

What’s more, Michele and Enchanted Enfant is donating a portion of all sales from the Printemps 2011 Collection to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the first and only National Cancer Institute designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children .

View the collection at the next edition of ENK Children’s Club August 1 – 3.

-Janet Muniz

Kalencom Aids in Oil Spill Relief

Lifestyle company Kalencom is an active supporter of the city of New Orleans, its home for over 35 years. Back in April, when word reached the company and its division Hadaki of the devastation of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill on Louisana’s wetlands and animal life, it put in place a plan to raise money for Audubon Nature Institute which is coordinating the sea turtle marine mammal rehabilitation.

During the month of June, Kalencom and Hadaki are donating 10% of all sales to Audubon Nature Institute. “Our company is no stranger to devastation, having lost an entire warehouse as a result of Hurricane Katrina,” owner Monica Kalozdi tells us. “We made the decision to return and rebuild our business in New Orleans because our ties to the city and state are extremely strong. It breaks our heart to see so much of our natural resources and animal life in jeopardy as a result of the oil spill, and we hope our June program will have an impact on saving the wildlife.”

Due to the timing of the spill, sea turtles are gravely affected as this is the time of year when they migrate to Mexican beaches to nest. Kalencom/Hadaki’s donation directly supports the Louisiana Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Rescue Program. “We are grateful for companies such as Kalencom – through their generosity, we will be able to accelerate our efforts in this region and hopefully succeed in helping local animals through the Audubon Aquatic Center with assessment and treatment,” says Laurie Conkerton, senior vice president for development, Audubon Nature Institute.

Kalencom is best known for their line of diaper bags that can double as totes for mom. The bags incorporate intricate detailing, high quality and affordable pricing. The Hadaki line features a wide variety of accessories such as small wristlets, wallets and zip cases to messenger bags, backpacks and duffels for teens, tweens and young professionals. Recently the company revamped its production, and now all products are manufactured in an eco-friendly manner and are free of Phthalates, AZO, DEHP, DBP, BOP and other harmful chemicals.

Consumers can support Kalencom’s efforts during June by visiting www.hadakishop.com to purchase Hadaki products and by purchasing Kalencom at any store or etailer such as www.rosenberryrooms.com and www.luvmybag.com. For more information on Audubon Nature Institute, visit www.auduboninstitute.org.

-Janet Muniz

What Charms You?

CHARM IT! turns 10 in 2010, kicking off a year-long celebration as the leading charm line!

Last fall, accessories company High IntenCity invited girls from all across America to design a charm in honor of CHARM IT!’s anniversary. Now, 36 trend-savvy talents can claim bragging rights as CHARM IT! designers. The winners of the Design-A-Charm Contest are not only launching in the new What Charms You collection, but High IntenCity is donating 10% of its proceeds from the contest charms among six causes nearest and dearest to the winners’ hearts.

The winning styles celebrate themes from world peace, save the animals and other messages of positivity to out-of-the-box creations like a talking taco and a giant smile full of braces!

“Ten years ago, CHARM IT! was launched with a vision to inspire girls to express their individuality through creativity,” Renee Levy, president of High IntenCity, says. “Now, the contest brings the mission full circle by producing charms created by girls!”

In honor of the winners, donations will be made to the following charities: World Wildlife Fund, Kids for Saving the Earth, Share our Strength, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, Family Promise and Girls’ Inc.

CHARM IT! is the original, detachable, interchangeable, tradable, collectable and fully customizable charm jewelry program for girls of all ages. Super-fun fashion styling, incredible quality, ever-evolving design and – above all – the highest product safety drive the brand.

Congratulations – you’ve certainly charmed me!

-Janet Muniz

p.s. Oh, and enjoy Cinco de Mayo!

Let’s Hear it for Hollywood!

As a pre-event for the Golden Globes, Jayneoni Moore‘s Boom Boom Room is all that. Over 70 children’s apparel companies participated in this charity event, and simply eat up all of that attention.

Scott Baio and Family

The eco-friendly apparel of Origany was “showered with compliments,” from more than 80 celebrity moms and dads at the two-day event which took place in January at Century Plaza in Beverly Hills, CA. CEO and founder Raj Sardesh says he was delighted with the number of celebrities who dropped by his booth. “We were touched by the overwhelmingly positive response, as well as the personal connection we developed with those celebrity parents we met.”

Mila and Lisa Kanouse

Nicole Sullivan with Beckett

Zooni rubbed elbows with the stars and showcased their fun, handmade accessories at the gifting suite. Many celebs signed their VIP hat box, which is being donated to Save the Children and Embrace Global.

The Episencial skincare line for babies, kids “and the planet” features Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar and was a big hit with celebrities. Ali Landry, (who also has her own children’s line Belle Parish) says, “Wow – thyme oil in the Episencial cleanser, that is so great. I haven’t found anything that helps my daughter’s sensitive skin until now.”

Ail Landry

Lisa Kanouse’s clothing line, Saurette, also glowed with lots of kudos from celebrities like Joely Fisher and Taylor Dayne.

Taylor Dayne

It was just a love fest! Wouldn’t it be great if these kinds of events were staged for regular people, too? Still, it’s all for charity…and perhaps a little publicity, too (you think?).

-Janet Muniz

Donations Pour In To Help Haiti

“Small business can make a big difference. If we pull together and each contribute what we can, I think we’ll create something really powerful.”

-Annie Salyer, president, No Slippy Hair Clippy®

The two-hour Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief telethon which aired on more than 30 networks on Friday, January 22, raised more than $57 million in public donations, with more being tallied from corporations, larger private donors. In addition, Hope for Haiti Now is the top-selling iTunes album in 18 countries, making it the biggest single day album pre-order for iTunes ever. Donate by visiting HopeForHaitiNow.org or by calling 877-99-HAITI.

Kids in Distressed Situations, Inc. (K.I.D.S.) has worked in Haiti through various partners for 15 years, and since the first news reports of the Haiti earthquake tragedy has been working to get donations of new underwear, clothes, water, vitamin bars, blankets, diapers and other supplies for distribution in Haiti. More than 65 donor companies have already provided or pledged close to $6 million worth of product. K.I.D.S. takes donations of only new products, using industry contacts to get what the Haitian people will need most in the coming weeks and months as they rebuild. Products that are needed for immediate relief efforts include clothes, socks, underwear and blankets. Companies with NEW product to donate can call 1-800-266-3314 for assistance or use the online form at www.kidsdonations.org/Make_Donation/product_form.cfm

K.I.D.S. is accepting cash donations to help defray the costs to distribute the donated product today and in the months to come. For every $10 in cash, K.I.D.S. can deliver at least $100 of donated products. Cash donations can be taken online at: www.kidsdonations.org/haiti.

Hair Clips for Haiti is helping to raise funds for the Haitian relief effort by children’s hair accessory company No Slippy Hair Clippy®. “Small business can make a big difference,” says Annie Salyer, the company’s president. “If we pull together and each contribute what we can, I think we’ll create something really powerful.” A portion of the company’s online sales will be donated to UNICEF, supporting the humanitarian efforts of U.S. Fund for UNICEF Ambassador Tea Leoni, and Save The Children® with support for Save the Children® Ambassador Joely Fisher. Please visit http://www.hairclippy.com for more information and the opportunity to contribute.

Recording artist and fashion designer Jessica Simpson along with celebrity hair stylists Ken Paves and CaCee Cobb team up with Soles4Souls® through 50KShoes.com to raise funds to send immediate relief to the people of Haiti. Donating is easy at www.50Kshoes.com. The suggested donation is very affordable, with $5.00 buying two pairs of new shoes. The charity has already pledged one million pairs of shoes to be distributed to Haitians during a sustained giving plan in coordination with other agencies. Money raised here goes specifically toward the Haitian relief effort. Through social media, Jessica, Ken and CaCee’s support will help spread the charity’s mission to Change the World, One Pair at a Time. Fans can followthe celebrities on Twitter at http://twitter.com/jessicasimpson, http://twitter.com/kenpaves, and http://twitter.com/caceecobb.

A Holiday Wish on Madison Avenue…

…by way of Studio City, CA!

“Both of these lines are gorgeous!”

-Courtney Yagerman, HUDSON’s fashion director

On November 15, Courtney attended charity fashion show, A Holiday Wish on Madison Avenue, at the Sportsman’s Lodge for a triple celebration – the introduction of Jayeoni Moore New York, a look at Saurette‘s new Holiday 2009 collection and the good works of the Jayneoni Moore Children‘s Fund.

Jayeoni Moore New York

Guests brought art supplies to benefit the Fund, which helps underprivileged children in the Los Angeles, CA area … and were treated to the début of Jayeoni Moore New York, designed by TV personality and celebrity stylist Jayneoni Moore, opening with Holiday 2009, a European-inspired collection of dresses and separates for girls ages two to six.

At the event, Jayeoni hosted the Sweet Hour, where celebrities and guests alike snacked on incredible goodies like cupcakes from the Southland’s Layers Cake Design Studio. The mid-afternoon runway show also featured the new Saurette holiday collection designed by Lisa Kanouse – beautifully detailed appliqué dresses, knit sweaters and tiered ruffled skirts.

Saurette

A little somethin’-somethin’ about each designer:

Starting in New York with spots on MTV, VH1 and Entertainment Tonight, as well as dressing models backstage at New York Fashion Week for Michael Kors and Oscar de la Renta, Jayneoni Moore loves to be where fashion and celebrity meet. She moved to Los Angeles and began styling celebrities such as Halle Berry, Vanessa Williams and Courtney Cox. After having her own little fashionista, Jayneoni set out to create a more fashion forward line of clothing for girls.

Saurette designer Lisa Kanouse with actress Nikki Blonsky

Lisa Kanouse has 18 years of fashion industry experience, including jobs as freelance photo stylist for the Chicago Tribune and Marshall Fields as well as 10 years creating and producing women’s collections for Saks Off 5th, Macy’s and May Company. Saurette is the dream collection that Lisa has always wanted to create. Since launching in March 2009, the response to the brand has been extremely positive with both buyers and customers. Celebrity moms like Joely Fisher, Penelope Ann Miller, Gwyneth Paltrow and Edie Falco all love Saurette for their girls.

A good time was had by all, especially Courtney, who enjoyed meeting the designers and learning about these lovely holiday styles.

-Janet Muniz

Saurette photo credit: Beautiful Life Images

Supporting Breast Cancer Awareness

For those of you not in the pink, this month is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It’s been 25 years (!) since October was designated a time to promote awareness, education and empowerment about a disease that strikes both women and men.

So many organizations step up in support now, as anyone who watches pro-football can agree: pink is definitely a neutral that can be paired in any color combination (consider the Cincinnati Bengals’ wild orange uniforms PLUS pink cleats!). Fans can even buy “Breast Cancer Awareness Gear” – a portion of the proceeds is donated to support breast cancer research.

Certainly one organization that’s nearly a household name is Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, which has become the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world. This group also popularized the famous pink ribbon, among others.

Many children’s companies step up for the cure, too. Like Baby K’tan, LLC, joining the fight to save lives and increase breast cancer awareness by giving $1 from the sale of every pink Baby K’tan carrier to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure – Miami/Ft.Lauderdale Chapter (the company’s hometown).

In Philadelphia, PA, children’s apparel company Olive Juice is donating $1 of every purchase made this month to Cuddle My Kids, an organization that provides a retreat for children struggling to deal with their loved ones’ battle with cancer.

“Being that breast cancer is something that has personally affected and changed my life, I knew I wanted to take this opportunity to help others who are in a similar situation,” says Olive Juice founder Maryellen Kane. “There are a lot of great organizations dedicated to cancer research and aid, but I thought I would reach out to Cuddle My Kids because they help a group that is often times overlooked. The children of cancer patients are in a very difficult situation, one that no one should ever have to endure alone.”

It’s called social marketing these days – taking up a cause for the good of society. Companies are inspired to support a cause for goodworks, not for financial reward. Yet, it’s usually a reward, nonetheless.

-Janet Muniz