Take a moment to turn on the television and flip to the news. Chances are you will see a report of some form of tragedy that has struck fellow neighbors from somewhere across the nation. Despite the sad news that is regularly fed to us by the media, we here at OTC Beauty Magazine are proud to report of how so many beauty industry manufacturers are working to do good in the world.
In this, our 7th Annual Beauty of Charity issue, we are highlighting the philanthropic efforts of our industry colleagues. In their own individual ways, they are doing their part to help those around them. Won’t you join in?
DeMert Brands, Inc. Supports Many Charities on a National, Regional and Local Level
This year DeMert Brands has sent care packages to troops and to veteran organizations, supported animal rescue groups, and donated products to various charity fundraisers.
For the past six years DeMert Brands, Inc. has been a supporter of the Young Survival Coalition (YSC). They are currently a national sponsor of the organization and have committed to continue this support throughout 2017 as well.
Jennifer Merschdorf, CEO of YSC, stated, “We at YSC are incredibly moved by the fact that Not Your Mother’s has a sincere interest in helping and advocating for YSC and likewise, raising awareness that young women can and do get breast cancer.” Aiming to make a positive impact, DeMert Brands is aligning well with YSC and working closely throughout the year to include breast cancer awareness information on products, in stores, at events and via social media. Breast cancer survivors are also invited as VIP guests at Not Your Mother’s sponsored events including New York Fashion Week.
“YSC is a wonderful organization with an important vision we have made a long-term pledge to support,” expressed Bethany Pagliarulo, owner of DeMert Brands. “Their work to increase the quality of life and uplift the lives of young women with breast cancer is near and dear to our hearts.”
Young Survival Coalition (YSC) is the premier global organization dedicated to the critical issues unique to young women who are diagnosed with breast cancer. YSC offers resources,connections and outreach so women feel supported, empowered and hopeful. Through action,advocacy and awareness, YSC seeks to educate and influence the medical, research, breast cancer and legislative communities to address breast cancer in young women, and to ensure that no young woman is left to face breast cancer alone.
ORS/Namaste Works for Good Year-Round
- December 2015: ORS sponsored a Coat/Toy Drive during Christmas where the company donated toys and coats for underprivileged kids
- April – May 2016: ORS sponsored hair and makeup for underprivileged seniors going to prom
- June – October 2016: ORS is supporting Breast Cancer Research by participating in a walk and donating sponsorship dollars
1907 by Fromm Bright Pink Hair Ties
Put a bow on it for a purpose! Dedicated to the fight against cancer, 1907 by Fromm’s Bright Pink Hair Ties support Bright Pink’s mission to save women’s lives from breast and ovarian cancer by empowering them to be proactive at an early age. These adorably feminine hair ties will hold your tresses up in style while donating half of all sales to Bright Pink.
“At Fromm International, we are committed to finding better ways to create beauty and strive to give back while doing so. These values are displayed in our partnership with Bright Pink, the only national non-profit organization focused on the prevention and early detection of breast and ovarian cancer in young women. For the second year in a row, Fromm has created a charitable product in conjunction with the organization, contributing 50% of the product’s sales to Bright Pink. Retailers can purchase our pink product of the year, the 1907 by Fromm Bright Pink Hair Ties, knowing that they are directly supporting a very worthy cause.”
– Kate Mohan, Director of Marketing
Father Brings Joy to Children’s Hospital Patients in Memory of his Late Daughter
An Easter Bunny bearing presents brought a smile to kids who need it most
Turning each holiday into an extra special celebration for the kids at the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital is a distinct privilege for one Hollywood, Fla. resident. In honor of his late daughter, Samantha Alba, Leocadio Alba, Sr. once again embodied the spirit of the Easter Bunny, delivering gifts and prompting smiles from the hospital’s patients on Thurs., March 24.
Leocadio Alba, Sr., a local business owner and father of the late Samantha Alba, understands all too well the hardships the kids at the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital face on a daily basis. After 10 long months of seeking treatments to battle her leukemia, it was on December 13, 1997 that Samantha was called home by our Father at the young age of 2.
Alba said, “The joy that she brought our lives every day that we were given to spend with her was immeasurable. The staff and services provided to us at the hospital allowed us to make every day count. We know that today, parents and their children rely on the same supportive environment from the hospital so like years past, we continue to feel lead to help in what little way we can to at least bring some joy to these families, especially during the holidays.”
Alba made photos with the Easter Bunny available to the hospital’s patients, as well as delivered boxes of toys. This event was made possible by many supporters, including some of Alba’s clients, customers, and church members: Mitchell Group Cosmetics, Sunny Isle, Fantasia, Beauty Exchange, Flamingo, Ace Printing, many members of the Christ the Rock Community Church of Cooper City, FL, Compass Industries, The Bazar, Inc., OKK Trading, Omni International Trading Corp., USA Beauty Care, Inc., Daniel Lacentra, local Publix store manager, and the supportive staff of the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, including the forever popular Lotsy-Dotsy the clown, and two nurses who even attended to Samantha so many years ago: Nidia Jimenez and Caroline Moretti. Special recognition also goes out to the Sun-Sentinel newspaper that published an article on Alba prior to the event as well as covered the story on Samantha throughout the late ‘90s.
Blessings were bestowed on numerous kids ranging in age from newborn to 18 years old. Alba said, “So many of the kids were so sad, but it was beautiful to see their eyes light up when the Easter Bunny came into their room. That moment of happiness when your world seems to be crumbling around you means everything to these kids and their families.” Alba recounts that many parents broke out into tears when they saw the exchange between their child and the Easter Bunny and asked for prayers upon their exit. Even patients too sick to allow Alba and his entourage in the room were blessed by prayers through the closed door.
Please visit www.jdch.com for information on the hospital or to make a donation in honor of Samantha Alba.
The Sun-Sentinel article as well as video can be found here: http://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/broward/hollywood/fl-easter-holiday-hero-hospital-20160323-story.html.
Andis Company Leads Local Efforts to Strengthen Community
Charitable Initiatives through the Andis Foundation Make a Difference in the Development of Youth and Families
In 2016, Andis Company’s diverse philanthropic efforts were led by the development of the Andis Foundation, a new initiative for the family-owned organization. The Andis Foundation, which was created to help build strong families and develop thriving kids, provided matching grants to community organizations that enhance learning and youth development.
Additionally, Andis also provided higher education scholarships to dependent children of Andis Company employees, supported programs that encourage community engagement and volunteerism, and funded organizations that help with healthy family relationships and parenting.
Andis’ top priority through its philanthropic efforts is helping people in Southeastern Wisconsin, where the company is headquartered. Every year, Andis associates raise money for the United Way of Racine County, Wisconsin. In fact, the company has been active in Racine County since it’s founding in 1922, donating to numerous community organizations, schools and churches.
Additionally, Andis has also donated clippers and trimmers to back-to-school and other charitable events that involve haircutting such as St. Baldrick’s, Relay for Life, the Susan Komen Foundation, the Nature Conservancy, Petsmart Charities, the City of Hope Foundation and many more.
To tie-in the small and large animal division of Andis’ business, the company believes in guiding the next generations of groomers by supporting the youth competitors from organizations such as 4-H and Future Farmers of America. Andis also sponsored the Junior Showmanship Competition during the 22nd Anniversary World Beef Expo at the Wisconsin State Fair Park. Youth competed by presenting their animals in 21 categories and the winners of each age group—whose animals best represent breed standards—received Andis’ AGC Super 2-Speed Clipper for large animals.
Hain Celestial Personal Care Brands and CARE® Celebrate the Launch of the Qach’Umilal Girls’ Education and Leadership Project with Limited Edition Products
Alba Botanica®, Avalon Organics® and JĀSÖN® brands, along with CARE®—a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty—are honored to announce the Qach’Umilal Girls’ Education and Leadership Project. The program benefits 150 indigenous girls and adolescents from families in western Guatemala by supporting their primary school education. This is a milestone in the brands’ “Empower Her through Education” campaign with CARE that is dedicated to eliminating barriers to education for girls in developing countries.
Qach’Umilal translates as “guiding star,” a name representative of the program’s mission, to help build vital self-esteem needed to foster education and personal growth for girls. From an early age, girls in Guatemala are expected to devote much of their days to domestic or agricultural chores, leaving little or no time for formal education.
When the CARE team first partnered with schools in this area, many female students lacked the confidence to express themselves. The Qach’Umilal Girls’ Education and Leadership Project has made significant progress in empowering girls to be more confident by emphasizing music, art and relationship-building. While the core of the program is the importance of educating the girls, it also equips teachers with the training to address issues from nutrition and food security to livelihoods and self-esteem. Teachers and facilitators meet with the girls and their families, which helps lead to long-lasting change for women and girls within the community.
To raise awareness the Alba Botanica®, Avalon Organics® and JĀSÖN® brands, in collaboration with CARE, are introducing limited edition bath and body products featuring actual drawings from the Qach’Umilal girls. Through the partnership, the Alba Botanica®, Avalon Organics® and JĀSÖN® brands have donated $25,000 directly to the local schools. In addition, the brands in partnership with CARE are hosting a matching fundraising program to double the impact. People will be able to donate directly to the program at www.care.org/girls or they will be able to donate through an innovative new approach, #donate, created by GoodWorld. Through #donate Alba Botanica®, Avalon Organics®, JĀSÖN® and CARE social media posts will allow followers to give instantly to the girls of Qach’Umilal without leaving social media.
These donations are going directly to support the 150 girls and teachers in the Qach’Umilal program. “Girls who stay in school are generally healthier, earn more money as adults and start families later,” said Michelle Nunn, CARE’s president and CEO. “Most importantly, they are more likely to make sure their sons and daughters also go to school, helping to break the cycle of poverty. We’re confident that the Qach’Umilal Girls’ Education and Leadership Project Education is an investment that will pay off now and for generations to come.”
Together, Alba Botanica®, Avalon Organics®, JĀSÖN® and CARE are inspiring confidence, creating leaders and keeping girls in school. “The art for these products was created by girls who directly benefit from this project,” said Julie Marchant-Houle, General Manager of Personal Care at The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. “We’re honored to be making a difference in these girls’ lives and in their communities.”
Mitchell Group Empowers Women Through Fair Trade
When you buy our natural shea butter you are empowering women from the Northern Area of Ghana, Tamale, to live with dignity and comfort, allowing them to invest in their communities, families, and environment.
For centuries shea butter has been called “women’s gold”, not only for its rich golden color, but also because it provides employment and income to millions of women across the continent. Using traditional methods, women often organized in cooperatives, harvest karité fruits. They then crush the nuts inside to extract the precious butter, which is boiled, cleaned, packaged and sold at the local markets or exported. Shea butter is a non-toxic, versatile ingredient that can be used for cooking, skincare, and hair products alike. Its main use, however, is for skincare purposes.
The UN Development Program (UNDP) estimates that an average of three million African women work directly or indirectly with shea butter. When you buy our shea butter you are empowering women from the Northern Area of Ghana, Tamale, to live with dignity and comfort, allowing them to invest in their communities, families, and environment.
In our endeavor to provide the best possible personal care from both worlds, we have created a high-grade 100% Natural Shea Butter. This high-performance personal care product is well worth thepurchase,effort and cost.
Wahl Professional Partners with Warner Bros. Pictures and Metro-Goldwn-Mayer Pictures as the Official Promotional Clipper for “BARBERSHOP: THE NEXT CUT”
In the highly anticipated return of Calvin (Ice Cube) and Eddie (Cedric the Entertainer) to their neighborhood barbershop, Calvin’s, the comedy “Barbershop: The Next Cut” opened in theaters on April 15th! After more than 10 years, everybody’s back for a fresh cut in the movie sequel, and Wahl Professional was excited to see their clippers back at the stations of Calvin’s Barbershop for the 3rd time.
Wahl Professional, the leader in the professional and home grooming category, was pleased to have teamed up with Warner Bros. Pictures and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures (MGM) as the official promotional clipper partner in conjunction with the theatrical release of “Barbershop: The Next Cut”, from MGM, New Line Cinema and Warner Bros. Pictures.
To connect with “Barbershop” fans throughout the country, Warner Bros. and MGM brought the #BarbershopTour to 6 cities leading up to the April 15th movie release. The 6-city tour showcased a Mobile Barbershop experience with Warner Bros. and MGM offering complimentary cuts from Wahl Education and Artistic Team (W.E.A.T.) member Juan Ramos and local barbers on board the 3-station trailer to perform #YourNextCut.
“With ‘Barbershop’ 1 & 2, Wahl was a promoter from the start, providing product for the film crew to use and photograph,” said Lance Wahl, Director of Sales and Marketing, Wahl Professional Division. “For ‘Barbershop: The Next Cut’, we were invited to be part of a total barbershop experience on the #BarbershopTour and for us, this was a perfect fit. We are excited to support the Tour.”
The Mobile Grooming Tour made stops in Chicago, Washington D.C., Atlanta, Dallas, Miami and Philadelphia in March, then went on to Los Angeles in early April. Each stop along the way was promoted on local media outlets and social media using #BarbershopTour. The appearance in each city included press events and screenings, along with free haircuts offered on the mobile barbershop Airstream equipped with 3 barber stations.
The partnership with Wahl Professional and “Barbershop: The Next Cut” and participation on the Tour established a natural synergy of grooming and professional styling by barbers in shops and salons today. “Barbershop: The Next Cut” features prominent trends that are captivating the industry, such as: the high fade and flat-top, dark Caesar, the all around afro, comb-over with a hard part and comb-over with a mid-shadow fade.
The partnership aimed to inspire barber-stylists and provide a look into the world of haircutting and styling through the big screen. Attendees at America’s Beauty Show in Chicago had an opportunity to receive limited quantities of movie premiums that Wahl distributed at their booth.
Like so many “Barbershop” fans, Wahl’s Juan Ramos was excited to see the hair culture spotlighted in the film. He also looked forward to sharing his passion for haircutting on the upcoming Grooming Tour.
“I get the motivation to perform each cut from my passion,” said Ramos, Wahl Educator. “The passion to do what I do, the passion to stay on top—the passion of a barber doing hair.”
Ramos stays ahead of trends and modern cuts through social media—a significant tool that allows him to easily follow trends in other regions, such as when the pompadour was popular on the West Coast and soon moved to the East Coast. Social media unifies the haircutting community by giving a platform to express hair versatility.
Ramos attended the tour and provided complimentary haircuts for the total barbershop experience. Wahl Peanut trimmers and 5-Star Cutting Capes were also donated on the Grooming Tour. www.wahlpro.com.
Caption: Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. and MGM Pictures.
Vidal Sassoon Professional Beauty Education Scholarship Program Accepting Applications for Fall 2016 Scholarships
Wella’s Hairdressers at Heart and the Beauty Changes Lives Foundation (BCL) announce the opening of the Fall 2016 Vidal Sassoon Professional Beauty Education Scholarship Program application window. Applications will be accepted through September 19, 2016. Established in 2012, the competition celebrates the passion of aspiring hairstylists and the commitment 
of licensed hairstylists to push their career to new limits.
Following are a few comments from the nearly 200 individuals who have been awarded Vidal Sassoon Professional Beauty Education scholarships:
- I’ve always told my son and daughter they could do anything they dreamed of achieving. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve gotten bolder about pursuing my passion and searched out a scholarship that would let me make my dream come true. It is so great to go into the beauty school classroom and be happy doing what I love every day. I never had that feeling when I was in college or working in retail.” Autumn White, 2013 Basic Winner
- “I’ve always known that I wanted to work in the beauty industry and I was always impressed with Sassoon’s passion and commitment to following his vision. This award is about more than money; it’s an honor to be associated with such a standard of excellence,” Rachael Cooper, 2013 Basic Winner
- Not many people follow their dreams, but that’s so important and the Vidal Sassoon Professional Education Scholarship helped me continue my professional dream. I tell students that anything is possible as long as you have the heart to pursue your goal.” Tara Gross, 2014 Advanced Winner
Ten “Basic” scholarships winners will receive scholarships covering 50% of tuition (up to $10,000) at a qualified cosmetology school in the U.S. or Canada. Additionally, 10 licensed hairstylists will receive “Advanced” scholarships to attend a North American Sassoon Academy program, including travel and course fees up to $5,000.
The scholarship competition is generously funded by Wella’s Hairdressers at Heart, a multi-year, $1.5M scholarship program honoring the legacy of Vidal Sassoon his belief in lifelong education.
Beauty Changes Lives Foundation President Lynelle Lynch said the program underscores the importance of education throughout a hairstylists’ career journey. “Beauty is a career that celebrates diversity, yet a unifying element in every successful hairstylists’ career is a commitment to ongoing education. We are honored to work with Wella’s Hairdressers at heart to support hairstylists’ continued development,” Lynch said.
Wella North America CEO Sal Mauceri said Wella is committed to fostering the next generation of beauty professionals through scholarships, mentorship and education. “Education is the cornerstone of excellence in our industry and Wella’s Hairdressers at Heart is pleased to see Vidal’s commitment to education live on through the Vidal Sassoon Professional Beauty Education Scholarship,” Mauceri said. “Vidal transformed not just the art and science of hairstyling, but the world’s perception of hairstyling as a career.”
For more information on “Basic” and “Advanced” scholarships please visit: www.beautychangeslives.org and www.hairdressersatheart.com.
Oster Professional Takes it to the Streets
David Guerin, Global Artistic Manager for Oster Professional, is at it again. David and Oster Professional landed on the Bowery Mission while at the IBS Show in New York City.
David said “Our goal was to reach out to the barber community throughout the country to help the homeless. Our response from the barber community was priceless.”
About 20 barbers from the west coast to the east coast and everywhere in between came in to help pull this off. These barbers hit the street in front of the Bowery Mission and offered up free haircuts and product to any and all homeless.
“Over the course of four hours we all did at least 250 haircuts on the homeless. Listening to some of their stories as to how they ended up here made pretty much all of us tear up several times.” David said. “Every barber that came out to show the Barber Love is anxious to be part of this again. For all of these homeless people it is not about donations, it is about letting them know we all care about them.”
As a result of this great effort a group of Barbers called “Street Thug Barbers” were looking for a clipper sponsor to help them out.
David says, “Cameron Sterling, co-founder of Street Thug Barbers, reached out to me for help. They do exactly what we just did for the homeless in New York City. However these guys do it almost daily.”
Oster has become their clipper sponsor so that this group can be able to continue their taking care of the homeless throughout America and in Canada.
David Guerin and Oster have a strong belief in helping out the homeless. “These are people just like all of us,” says David. “Giving some of our time to show them that they are important will always be a positive experience for their lives.”
Strength of Nature Helps Women Recognize and Celebrate their Unique Beauty Through Partnership with Dress for Success
Strength of Nature is a proud partner of Dress for Success, an international not-for-profit organization that empowers women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. For the past two years, Strength of Nature has partnered with this amazing organization to help thousands of women across the country complete their look for some of the most important moments in their lives, by providing them with quality and affordable hair products when they are ready to take the next step towards achieving their personal and professional goals.
In 2015, Strength of Nature started as a sponsor of the Dress For Success Power Walk providing thousands of products to walk attendees. In 2016, the partnership grew and Strength of Nature became a sponsor of the Dress for Success Annual Success Summit, a three-day intensive and interactive weekend of workshops that’s aimed to equip them with real-life knowledge that they can apply to their own professional paths and personal lives, as well as their local communities. Strength of Nature sponsored 10 Dress for Success attendees and provided them with transportation and lodging to attend the conference. In addition, celebrity hairstylist Tasheara Neshell (she has styled Jennifer Hudson’s hair for a number of years) led a hair clinic offering attendees practical hair tips.
Taliah Waajid Natural Hair Products Fights Back
Taliah Waajid Natural Hair Products Fights BackThe fight against breastcancereffects millions of people yearly and Taliah Waajid Natural Hair Products did their part to help women fight back. As a company they wanted to support the important fight to find a cure, and offered special promotions where proceeds went toward the cause. They worked to make October 2015 prettyinpink, and are still deciding on 2016 plans.
PDC Volunteers
PDC Brands volunteered with the Essence Festival in New Orleans at Cohen College Prep to help paint the school. In the images included, you can see the Cantu Crew and mini volunteers hard at work.
Creme of Nature Goes Pink for Upcoming Breast Cancer Awareness Month Campaign
Leading hair-care brand prepares for an eventful October Look Good Feel Better partnership and participation in three Breast Cancer Awareness Walks, along with a robust social media campaign.
Leading hair-care company Creme of Nature® continues its expansive Breast Cancer Awareness Month campaign throughout the month of October, featuring an ongoing partnership with Look Good Feel Better and participation in the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walks. Look Good Feel Better is a free non-medical, national program dedicated to improving the self-esteem and quality of life of people undergoing cancer treatment. For the campaign, Creme of Nature will participate in Breast Cancer Awareness walks in Washington, D.C., Brooklyn, and Chicago; and launch a limited-edition Argan Oil from Morocco Pink Perfect Edges and initiate the “Wear Pink Fridays” social media campaign, encouraging fans and consumers to pledge to wear pink on a Friday in October and post a photo using the hashtag #CourageousBeauty.
Creme of Nature’s Argan Oil from Morocco Pink Perfect Edges — a hair gel infused with Argan Oil that helps to control and hold down edges, without flaking, while moisturizing and adding Exotic Shine™ to the hair — will be available for purchase throughout October with a portion of its proceeds benefiting Look Good Feel Better.
For the second year in a row, Creme of Nature’s Team #CourageousBeauty will return to the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walks. The brand will partner with top beauty bloggers in each city and work together to encourage fans to make a donation to the teams and participate in the following walks:
- October 2, Washington, C. – American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Awareness
- October 16, Brooklyn, NY – American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Awareness
- October 22, Chicago, IL – American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Awareness
As part of Creme of Nature’s continued support, the brand will match up to $2,500 raised by each #CourageousBeauty Team. A registration page will be available in September for fans and consumers to sign up with a team in their city. Stay tuned to Creme of Nature’s Twitter (@cremeofnature), Facebook (facebook.com/cremeofnature) and Instagram (instagram.com/cremeofnature) accounts for more information on signing up.
“Creme of Nature has always committed itself to helping women feel beautiful and more confident, and we are honored to support these incredible organizations that highlight these courageous women,” said Teneya Gholston, Creme of Nature’s Director of Marketing. “Every year the heroism and stories of survival continue to inspire us. It is a privilege to work with these organizations and celebrate the beauty and courage of all women.”
Creme of Nature will support Look Good Feel Better in a social media campaign as well. The brand will donate $1 to Look Good Feel Better for every social media post of fans wearing pink on Fridays in October using hashtag #CourageousBeauty. Creme of Nature will also include a link to the Look Good Feel Better website on cremeofnature.com and circulate promotional materials such as pamphlets and posters to the public at key events.
The Look Good Feel Better program offers women step-by-step makeover sessions led by cosmetology professionals. The free two-hour, hands-on workshop includes a 12-step skin care and makeup lesson, information on nail care techniques, and advice on how to deal with hair loss, including tips on the use of wigs, hairpieces, turbans, scarves, and other accessories.
The program is open to all women who are undergoing cancer treatment. Since its inception, Look Good Feel Better has served more than 900,000 women with cancer, and the cosmetic industry has donated more than $188 million in product and financial support. Each year, Look Good Feel Better serves approximately 50,000 women in more than 15,000 workshops nationwide, delivered by 6,000 volunteers, as well as offering online and virtual services and support.
American International Industries Got Hands-On to Fight Hunger this Past Thanksgiving
One of the leading employers in the City of Commerce, American International Industries (A.I.I.), rallied its employees to join in the fight to end hunger this past Thanksgiving by donating food to the city’s Holiday Cheer program. A.I.I. employees collected almost 7,000 pieces of non-perishable food items for the program which operates from November-December and provides assistance to local families with limited income. Volunteers from the City of Commerce repackaged the donated food and redistributed to residents in need in time to celebrate Thanksgiving.
“Making a difference in our community is one of the core values at American International Industries,” said Terri Cooper, EVP of A.I.I. “Supporting the City of Commerce and its Holiday Cheer program ensures that food can reach the people who need it most in our own backyard.”
“With the help of businesses like American International Industries, we’ve had great success helping those who need it most during the holiday season,” City of Commerce Mayor Pro Tem Tina Baca Del Rio said. “So many families in our community are worried about how they will make ends meet during the holidays and it’s donations like this that help take just a little piece of that worry away. There are a lot of families who won’t go hungry because of this donation; it is beyond fantastic and cannot thank A.I.I. enough.”
Ampro Industries, Inc. Values Supporting the Community
One of our four Core Values at Ampro Industries, Inc., (found at www.amprogel.com/who-we-are/core-values) is to support our community. “Our third responsibility is to our community. We must be good citizens – support good works and charity. We must maintain in good order the property we are privileged to use. We must participate in the promotion of civic improvement, health, education and good government and acquaint the community with our activities.”
In 2015/2016, Ampro supported the following community programs:
- City of Hope – “City of Hope is a leading research and treatment center for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases.”(cityofhope.org)
- Building Blocks Mentoring Program – “Our mission is to empower students through education and job readiness skills.” (bbmprogram.com)
- INNER L. I. G. H. T. Outreach’s Literacy Lab and Summer Start Camp for budding entrepreneurs – “Our mission is to restore communities through interactive youth programs and community-development projects.”(innerlightoutreach.org)
- Memphis Health Center – “MHC strives to provide safe, quality, affordable, effective and comprehensive health services to the citizens of Shelby and Fayette counties in Tennessee.”(memphishealthcenter.org)
- St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital – St. Jude’s September Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer, St. Jude/NPHC Call to Service Reception at the Congressional Black Caucus in our nation’s capital – “St. Jude is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.” (Stjude.org)
- We are also doing a special on-pack promotion program with St. Jude to help them better communicate their mission to the communities we serve.
- Stax Music Academy – Stax “is a unique learning center that inspires young people and enhances their academic, cognitive, performance, and leadership skills through music, with a strong focus on the rich legacy and tradition of Stax Records. Since 2000, the Academy has been serving primarily at-risk youth throughout Memphis with its unique blend of mentoring experiences, high quality music education programs and performance opportunities.” (StaxMusicAcademy.org)
- Beneficiaries of our “Pink Lid Program”: Wings Cancer Foundation – A supportive arm at the West Cancer Center that “…provides access to comprehensive and individualized wellness and support resources from diagnosis all the way through survivorship.” (WestCancerCenter.org)
Beneficiaries of our “Pink Lid Program”: Wings Cancer Foundation – A supportive arm at the West Cancer Center that “…provides access to comprehensive and individualized wellness and support resources from diagnosis all the way through survivorship.” (WestCancerCenter.org)- The Red Pump Project – “…is a nonprofit organization raising awareness about the impact of HIV/AIDS on women and girls.” (theredpumpproject.org)
- National Civil Rights Museum: Freedom Awards & Night at the Lorraine – “The Freedom Award is an annual event for the National Civil Rights Museum. Held each year in the fall, The Freedom Award honors individuals who have made significant contributions in civil rights and who have laid the foundation for present and future leaders in the battle for human rights. Since 1991, the Freedom Award has served as a symbol of the ongoing fight for human rights both in America and worldwide.”
- Night at the Lorraine – “Celebrating the vibrant history of the Lorraine Motel for the benefit of the National Civil Rights Museum.” (civilrightsmuseum.org)
American International Industries Goes Red for Women
Each year American International Industries (A.I.I.) employees don red in support of the American Heart Association’s National Wear Red Day. In an effort to raise awareness of heart disease, the number one killer of women in the United States, A.I.I. employees don red clothing, accessories and, of course, beauty products, to show their support for the cause. This year was particularly in support of ibd® Associate Brand Manager Yesenia Flores whose “heart warrior” daughter, Berlyn Victoria, was born with a heart condition almost seven years ago.
The American Heart Association National Wear Red Day aims to increase awareness, educate, and assist in funding research efforts and treatment services for women battling heart disease. One in three women die of heart disease and stroke each year. Now in its 13th year, National Wear Red Day has helped make tremendous strides in the fight against heart disease in women. A.I.I. is proud to help in these efforts, by standing together and supporting the friends, families and colleagues who are affected by heart disease. Executive Vice President Terri Cooper notes that “we’re in the business of making women look and feel good. Our participation in this event reminds us that what we do is important and so is our commitment to the cause.”
