even small pebbles can
create a ripple...
This concept of forming
strategic alliances or
"giving back" is not
new. I continue to be
inspired by individuals and
companies who have
realized, and have put
into practice policies
that manifest the power
they have to create
positive change in the
world (even small
changes) by investing
both their human and
financial resources.
I am honored by the
opportunity to offer
products and thereby benefit the various
organizations in our "Shop For A
Cause" storefront.
About our "Shop For A
Cause" Storefront
Partners
|
PFLAG-Placerville |
PFLAG (Parents,
Families &
Friends of
Lesbians and
Gays) was founded in 1972
and has grown to
more than
500 chapters
nationwide with
over 200,00
members.
The Placerville
chapter started
in mid-1997,
after the El
Dorado Round
Table on Human
Rights held a
meeting in which
a local gay high
school teen
shared his story
of harassment,
abuse, and
torment at his
school and in
the community,
when classmates
learned that he
was gay. This
student did not
feel safe or
supported enough
to continue his
studies, and
dropped out of
school.
In part, PFLAG
describes its
vision:
"Only with
respect, dignity
and equality for
all will we
reach our full
potential as
human beings,
individually and
collectively."
Through support,
education and
advocacy,
PFLAG's mission
is to promote
the health and
well-being of
the GLBT
community, and
their families
and friends.
PFLAG seeks to
"create a
society that is
healthy and
respectful of
human
diversity".
Website
(Placerville
Chapter):
www.placervillepflag.org
Website
(National
Organization):
www.pflag.org |
|
El Dorado
Peace and
Justice
Community
|
The purpose of
the
EDPJC is to act
locally to
promote
lasting world
peace through
nonviolent
actions to
create and
sustain social,
economic and
environmental
justice.
Organizing
sponsor of many
social/educational
events including
the annual Empty
Bowls Supper,
Season for
Nonviolence
celebrations,
concerts, films
series, poetry
readings,
trainings and
more.
Website:
www.edpjc.org |
|
EDC Human
Rights Round
Table
|
Formed in 1993
in Placerville,
California.
Sparked by the
flames of
intolerance that
were directed at
non-resident
African American
firefighters
(here to aid
against a raging
forest fire), a
concerned group
of residents
joined together
to support
diversity and
the rights of
all to exist in
a
non-threatening,
non-prejudicial
community.
More than a
decade later,
when anti-gay
protesters
came to town and
began a campaign
of persistent
and bold protest
on freeway
overpasses, at
city council
meetings, at
progressive
(inclusive)
community
events...even
targeting
"welcoming"
churches and local schools,
the community
showed their
colors again. A
two-page
newspaper ad
featuring
hundreds of
signatures
declaring that
"no person can
be an 'innocent
bystander' when
it comes to
opposing hate"
was one of the
outcomes of a
community
galvanized and
moved to act.
Website:
www.edchumanrights.org |
In addition, to this fundraising
program, in-kind and cash donations
are made a variety of
causes. Many hold special meaning in
my life. These have included
organizations committed to promoting
values such as human rights, peace
and non-violence, and those that
address issues such as homelessness,
hunger, mental and physical health,
and
animal wellness and rescue. Some of
the groups include:
|
Sacramento SPCA |
Susan G. Komen for the Cure |
|
Nor Cal Golden Retriever
Rescue |
Marriage Equality California |
|
El Dorado Women's Center |
Homeward Bound Golden
Retriever Rescue |
|
PFLAG-Placerville |
Empty Bowls Project -
Placerville and Sacramento |
|
Greyhound Gang |
El Dorado Peace & Justice
Community |
|
Human Right Round Table |
W.E.A.V.E. |
|
EAGALA |
|
As a
potter, I have to emphasize
an
event/organization close to my heart
- the
Empty Bowls
Project.
It is the grassroots
outgrowth of a high school art
class' desire to raise funds for a
food drive. With proceeds benefiting
both local and international hunger
relief organizations, handmade bowls
and homemade soup are donated and
served in a
community setting. Check out the
"Official" website and see if there
is a planned Empty Bowls event in
your community. It's a fun community
event to be involved in and one that
gives much more back.
Finally, 10% of the gross sales from
the entire line of
"Hang-Ups"
is being donated to the
Eddi Aguilar college fund. Eddi
is a 4th grader, currently
without substantive family financial
resources, who has expressed his
passionate intent to go to
college.
A couple of teachers at his
elementary school have pledged to
support his dream. The teachers are
friends of mine, and I am
happy to pitch in. This is a
custodial fund, so it'll be there if he needs
it, if not....we'll find another
"Eddi" who can use the scholarship
assistance.
Karen Adler
Branching Out Pottery
|