We all know half the battle in supporting a non-profit is getting the word out about what the group does and why it makes a difference. Thanks to John Saxton, editor of Gift and Home Interactive e-magazine, Gift for Life is front and center on the stage this month. His interview with Jenny Hammons (Chair, Gift for Life) gives readers a greater understanding of who we are and what we’re up to…and why it’s important the gift, home, and stationery industries continue to support our cause.
To read the article, click here.
AIDS isn’t gone, folks; it’s still banging away and we need to bang back. Hard. Please join us.
Click the image above to download the flyer
Retailers, here’s your chance to help Gift for Life. And it won’t cost you an extra dime. [click to continue…]
It’s an honor to be a part of Gift for Life and to work toward its goals. The Gift and Home Industry has been long been very good to me. It was time to give back. I believe that all of us, particularly those who have benefited most for our Industry involvement owe and obligation to give back.
When asked to join the Board I reflected on where should I going to spend my time and energy? Helping Gift for Life fight to eradicate AIDS and alleviate the suffering of the people afflicted I was something I wanted to be a part of. I need to not just tell my kids, but show them by example, their responsibility to give back and serve those not as fortunate.
If you are reading this, I urge you to support Gift for Life, our Industry cause, and help make a difference in the lives of people suffering from AIDs. Gift for Life is our Industry’s cause, and I firmly in believe in its continued need and urgency. It’s a great organization – otherwise fierce competitors are working side by side within GFL to make a difference. We continue to need money, volunteer time, and people with unique skills. I welcome any opportunity to talk further about this. I’m proud to be involved.
Eric Dean
President
Whereoware
When I was asked to join the GFL Board of Directors 12 years ago, I said yes because I was so impressed with the work the founders had done in starting a grass roots organization within our industry. Something that had never been done before. That coupled with the loss of so many talented people in the gift, home and design industries drove me to become involved.
I remain on the board because of my passion for the cause and the unfailing commitment of the Gift For Life board members. This is the only time I give to any philanthropic activity and I must say it is very rewarding work. If the money raised by Gift For Life makes a difference in even one life, it is worth my time and energy. [click to continue…]
I am proud to be affiliated with an organization that channels the industry’s collective energy and passion to for the greater good. In fact, in 2002, my husband, Alan, dedicated our New York City Marathon run to Gift For Life, and raised more than $52,000 through the donations of industry friends and family members. The pledges we received in advance of race day kept me going on the course when the going got especially tough, and the industry members cheering us along the course really put a fresh spring into my step.
Marathon training requires dedication, endurance, and – more than anything – time. By connecting my training and my run with Gift For Life, I was able to transform an otherwise selfish time-consuming endeavor into something of tangible benefit to others.
Cathy Steel
Steel Associates, LLC
I joined [Gift for Life] more than 10 years ago, really by default, as the previous person in my position was leaving and I just couldn’t let what we were doing fall by the wayside. So glad I did! Not only for all the funding raised for aids research, but for the friendships generated, and most importantly, the way we all cooperate, in spite of our business competition, we are able to put that aside and concentrate on what is important to use personally AND as an industry.
My role in the organization has changed over the years, from being the 1st Board Chair, to now doing what I can, when I can, but I would never NOT be involved.
Su Hilty
VP of Marketing
7W New York
I am so honored to sit on the Gift for Life board. Having spent 20+ years in the gift and home industry I know first-hand how this disease has affected so many in our industry. It is a cause that touches me personally and deeply, as there are many gifted individuals that our industry has lost or who are living with this disease.
As the industry fundraiser, I continue to be surprised by how few individuals know about Gift for Life. The money we raise has a direct impact providing care for those living with HIV/AIDS and funds education, which is so important. Anything that I can do to help raise awareness about Gift for Life, is worthy of my time and effort and is a driving factor in what continues to motivate me and compels me to sit on the board. Getting to spend time with colleagues from all walks of our industry, many who I can now call close friends, is a plus and makes the work we do more enjoyable and rewarding. I know together we are making a positive difference in so many lives and in the world.
Leslie Nathan-Street
Vice Chair
Gift for Life
Calling all designers in the room…it’s time to get the creative juices flowing if you want to enter the Gift for Life “Making Change” competition.
In a nutshell, the idea is to take a common change-holding container, then reimagine the thing, infusing creativity and ingenuity in a way that, well…in a way that knocks the judges’ bloomin’ socks off. Our GFL roots are in three wildly artistic industries, after all (gifts, stationery, and home). Time to trot out the good stuff.
Check out the details then let ‘er rip!
I have been a GFL board member for over 15 years. I got involved when my friend and GFL founder Peter Schauben ask if I would get involved. I said yes, not quite sure what I was getting myself into.
Well, turns out what I was in for has been the amazing honor and privilege of working along side so many dedicated and talented professionals from every facet of the industry – all working to give back to the industry, the community, the world.
David Moses
CEO
Lazy Susan USA
As a daughter of a family physician, open and free dialogue about health was the norm in our household. In the mid 1980’s, I distinctly remember my Dad making us watch the CBS evening news broadcast with Dan Rather the night that he reported the discovery of AIDs. Not long after the news announcement, my Dad brought home one of the first ‘health class’-type videos made about HIV/AIDs for us to preview. The video’s aim was to dispel myths about contracting the disease and educate young people about prevention.
As a result my brother, sister and I find ourselves knowing more about the disease than most of our school teachers. [click to continue…]
