XOXO Dogs

Hint Philanthropy for 2011

2011-02-17T07:00:00.000-08:00

For 2011, I decided to structure Hint's philanthropy differently. Instead of choosing a new non-profit every couple months, I felt called to develop a deeper pattern of giving with three organizations. Each quarter, I will donate 10% of Hint's profits to the following organizations:

Mercy Corps

ASPCA

American Himalayan Foundation

ASPCA

I'm still amazed by the work that Mercy Corps and ASPCA are able to complete. If you are unfamiliar with these two organizations be sure to check out their Web sites and stories.

American Himalayan Foundation

In addition, after watching Mustang - Journey of Transformation, a PBS documentary, I learned more about the American Himalayan Foundation and the work that they do to preserve culture, stop girl trafficking, develop education, and offer new paths to health care. They are committed to helping the people and the ecology of the Himalayan region -- one of the most beautiful and sacred places on Earth.

November & December 2010: Heifer International

2010-11-11T12:41:00.000-08:00

Last year I received a gift catalog from Heifer International, and I promised myself that next holiday season I would donate 10% of Hint's profits to this organization as one of my Christmas presents.

In 1944, Dan West, a Midwestern farmer and the visionary behind Heifer International, decided to make an impact on world hunger and poverty by organizing a shipment of 17 young cows from Pennsylvania to families in Puerto Rico. These heifers, the cornerstone of the organization, not only supply milk but are also a continual source of community support for each recipient agrees to pass on the first female offspring to another family in need.

I love this concept that through one act of giving more opportunities for passing on abundance are created. I'm looking forward to helping Heifer International build sustainable communities.

September & October 2010: Stephen J. Wampler Foundation

2010-09-06T14:18:00.000-07:00

This summer I saw magazine ad entitled Rock On, Steve!, and just as I was about to turn the page, I saw a note to donate $25.00 to the S'mores Fund...well they had me at s'mores so to speak :)

Steve Wampler is one of those human beings that just makes you want to get geared up for tomorrow because you don't want miss out on the next installment of his life. Born with Cerebral Palsy, Stephen Wampler was inspired by his childhood of fishing, hiking, and playing in lakes to create a foundation that enables children with disabilities to embark on their own wilderness adventures.

Nature is best medicine for soul and body, so it is with great pleasure that I donate 10% of all Hint profits for the month of September and October to the Kid's Programs funded by the Stephen J. Wampler Foundation.

Be sure to check out the inspiring video on Steve Wampler by clicking on this link and then scrolling to the bottom of the page: Wall film proposal. He is about to be the first person with Cerebral Palsy to climb El Capitan at Yosemite National Park. His journey this September to climb the equivalent the Empire State Building two times over is made in an effort to build awareness that disabilities are not limiting and to raise money for scholarships.

July & August 2010: World Wildlife Fund

2010-07-01T05:00:00.000-07:00

One of the most intriguing organizations dedicated to the preservation of our planet's animals and habitat is the World Wildlife Fund. Founded in 1961 in response to the collaborative vision of European scientists, naturalists, business and political leaders, the World Wildlife Fund is the voice of creatures that may not be heard. The World Wildlife Fund uses their resources and knowledge to balance the needs of humans with the natural world.

For the months of July and August I will donate 10% of Hint Jewelry Design's profits to the World Wildlife Fund.

May & June 2010: Fisher House

2010-05-01T05:00:00.000-07:00

May 31, 2010 is Memorial Day -- an opportunity to commemorate the men and women who have died during military service.

Memorial Day first came about as a way to honor Union soldiers who died during the American Civil War. Though that seems sort of one sided, I like the symbolic gesture that this day occurs around the same date that the North and South were reunified.

I'm drawn to this idea that even though human beings often separate and fight over strongly held beliefs, there always exists the possibility of reunification. This year I'm choosing to see Memorial Day as a moment to celebrate the opportunity for reunion and to acknowledge all the many ways men and women have tried to serve as instruments of peace during times of struggle.

For the months of May and June, Hint Jewelry Design will be donating 10% of all profits to Fisher House -- a charity that enables military families to be near their injured loved ones while they are hospitalized for injury, illness, or disease. Fisher House builds "Comfort Homes" on major military bases where families can be close by and provide much needed emotional support for healing.

March & April 2010: One Table Mercy Corps

2010-03-01T15:54:00.000-08:00

Mercy Corps has taken a unique approach to fighting world hunger -- investing in women.

"When a woman succeeds in school or farming or business, she provides food, education and health care to her family. Her own health and well-being improves, her household becomes stronger and the entire community benefits. "

I'm not sure women are the only ones who have the opportunity to put food on the table, but I'm definitely intrigued by the idea that as a traditional symbol embodying the earth and family, women have become the focus of Mercy Corps mission One Table.

By donating 10% of Hint Jewelry's profits for the months of March and April, One Table will empower women around the world to grow healthy food and create businesses that lift their families out of extreme poverty.

January & February 2010: The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

2010-01-03T18:11:00.000-08:00

Hugo

My cat Hugo is a rescue kitty. I've always wondered what bought him to the shelter thirteen years ago. Watching him grow up, I came to realize that more than likely his first couple weeks in the world were a little bit scary wandering the streets of Detroit. Nevertheless, Hugo is by far a survivor with an amazing nurturing spirit. His lesson that you can be a little bit broken and still have a lot to offer is something that keeps me going every day.

For me, it is a great honor to be able to contribute Hint Jewelry's earnings to The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) during the months of January and February. ASPCA was founded in 1866 by Henry Bergh and is headquartered in New York City. They have a three-fold mission: to care for pet parents and pets, seek positive solutions for at-risk animals, and serve the needs of animals that have been victims of cruelty.

Animals are a reflection of how we treat ourselves and the world around us. Their suffering is directly related to our suffering. I'm grateful for the opportunity to use 10% of Hint Jewelry Design's profits to uphold ASPCA's belief that all animals deserve to be treated with respect and kindness.

November & December 2009: Living Yoga

2009-11-01T05:00:00.000-08:00

One of my last "real" jobs was working as a judicial assistant for a county judge. This strange turn on my career path had me acting as a liaison between the judge and her probationers, and for a short time I was drawn into the criminal justice system. Little did I know that this job detour offered an amazing opportunity to see the pure grace and humanity in each person.

One beacon of light in Oregon's criminal justice system is Living Yoga -- an amazing non-profit outreach program that aims to use yoga as a tool for personal change within prisons and drug rehabilitation facilities. I can't think of a better mechanism for finding personal forgiveness, growth, and compassion then yoga. Since 1998 Living Yoga has been teaching this form of meditation as a tool for rehabilitating the mind and spirit of people who are often forgotten.

Following a yoga path can only lead to a place of compassion and self-acceptance. I am deeply touched by the generosity of Living Yoga's mission.

For the months of November and December, to honor our season of giving, Hint Jewelry Design will donate 10% of all profits to Living Yoga.

Namaste!

September & October 2009: SHARE Breast and Ovarian Cancer Hotline

2009-09-01T05:00:00.000-07:00

September and October are months that bring awareness to ovarian and breast cancer. Pink usually gets top billing for breast cancer research and advocacy; however, one of the most silent diseases that could affect women is spearheaded by the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance with the color teal. Ovarian cancer symptoms are so vague that it makes the push for early detection seem much more crucial. To support both of these causes during the months of September and October, Hint Jewelry Design will be donating 10% of all profits to SHARE, a non-profit organization run by survivors of breast and ovarian cancer that helps support and educate women. Their programs include toll free hotlines (English and Spanish), education, support groups, and advocacy.

Difficulty asking for help seems to be a universal theme for women, so just knowing there exists a group of women who are willing to get on the phone and offer clear information, support, and guidance feels incredibly reassuring to me. If you have been diagnosed or you know someone who has, check out the SHARE hotline and feel supported by an incredible community of women.

July & August 2009: Alzheimer Champions

2009-06-30T17:00:00.000-07:00

Julie Christie and Gordon Pinsent, Away from Her

One of my favorite movies I watched last year was Sarah Polley's Away From Her based on Alice Munro's New Yorker short story "The Bear Came Over the Mountain ". Julie Christie's vulnerable performance is stunning, and the quiet way this raw story unfolds makes you want to sit a little closer to people who are coping with this disease on a daily basis.

I loved the letter read by Olympia Dukakis at the beginning of the movie, championing the Alzheimer cause. Immediately I bookmarked Alzheimer's Association as one of my future XOXO Dogs blog campaigns.

So for the months of July and August 2009, Hint Jewelry will donate 10% of all profits to the Alzheimer's Association. If you haven't seen Away From Her, it's definitely worth adding to your Netflix list. If you want to become an Alzheimer Champion, they are looking for 5 million to join the cause (one person for every American living with the disease). Right now they are still shy of hitting 2 million people. Be sure to check out the the Alzheimer's Association to learn more and go on a tour of your brain.

Alzheimer Facts

5.3 million	As many as 5.3 million people in the United States are living with Alzheimer's.
3x	Alzheimer's and dementia triple healthcare costs for Americans 65+.
70 seconds	Every 70 seconds, someone develops Alzheimer's.
$148 billion	Alzheimer’s costs more than $148 billion each year to Medicare, Medicaid and businesses.
100%	Alzheimer's disease is always fatal.

May & June 2009: Autism Speaks

2009-05-01T05:00:00.000-07:00

For the months of May and June, Hint will be donating 10% of all profits to Autism Speaks. The mission of Autism Speaks is to use money to fund research, raise awareness, and offer solutions for families and communities.

Not only is this organization using resources to discover the underlying cause of autism and prevention, Autism Speaks created a 100 Day Kit for Newly Diagnosed Families. This valuable tool available in both English and Spanish, provides vital informatio n for families who are learning about this critical moment of care in the life of their child.

March & April 2009: Hope for Horses

2009-03-01T09:00:00.000-08:00

During economic crisis people often have to make difficult choices in regards to animals they care for and shelter. The charitable organization Hope for Horses in the state of Washington works to promote safety and well-being of abandoned horses; provides training and resources for animal control officers and horse rescue organizations; and strives to create awareness concerning improved protection for horses in the legislature.

During the month of March and April, Hint will be donating 10% of its profits to Hope for Horses in an effort to support their mission to find long-term, qualified, and loving homes for these noble creatures.

Benched by the Universe?

2009-02-09T05:00:00.000-08:00

One of our deepest desires often tucked safely away, hidden in one of the layers of our soul, is the yearning to contribute to life. During the last four years, I had been living in a contribution deficit, but yet couldn't quite identify what was wrong. I'm sure my story will ring true with others. Kind of like that time you had a really creative idea at work, but it was never supported or encouraged. Or maybe you have this incredibly unique talent that is being ignored or under utilized. Or perhaps you find yourself on a type of cosmic bench, where everyone else is out on the field of play, and you are left behind filling the water jug for the team. Whatever the storyline, it starts to feel like some kind of arbitrary cap was put on your bottle of life. Last spring, I could feel my internal soda bottle bubbling up, ready to explode the cap right off, if I didn't take some radical action and make a change.

I encountered this vague sense of urgency, like I was thwarting myself from participating in life. I didn't know what would happen when I left my 8 to 5 cubicle existence, but my work with XOXO Dogs grew out of this desire to put myself back in the game. Following only this intuitive urge to donate, I've just begun to realize how symbolic and meaningful this project has been to my well-being. Contributing money to organizations that foster a more compassionate existence, I am afforded the most gracious opportunity to fulfill my own need to contribute to life.

In much gratitude, I thank all the non-profit organizations that work so diligently to improve the welfare of our community, while giving me the opportunity to live out one of my most deepest yearnings.

February 2009: Round River

2009-02-01T11:50:00.000-08:00

During the month of February I will be collecting 10 % of HINT's profits in order to donate to Round River Conservation Studies. Utilizing the knowledge base of scientists, artists, and activists who all have a deep love for big wilderness, Round River has developed a unique program that stresses connectivity within a landscape and draws on the strength of indigenous communities to sustain wild places still left on our planet.

January 2009: Dharma Rain Zen Center

2009-01-02T09:44:00.000-08:00

"Refuge of Buddha is bright, spacious clarity; peace of mind, original Mind. Refuge of Dharma is acceptance of, and insight into, events and conditions, just as they are. Refuge of Sangha is true kinship in clarity, belonging, knowing, and taking our place in harmonious community."

- Kyogen & Gyokuko Carlson, Dharma Rain Zen Center

Several weeks ago I received a letter from the Dharma Rain Zen Center in Portland, Oregon, asking for donations to help support their school and prison ministry program. I was so touched by their invitation because it would allow me the opportunity to make these refuges available to an expanded community. For the month of January 2009, HINT Jewelry will be celebrating the coming peace and brightness of the New Year by donating 10% of its profits to the Dharma Rain Zen Center.

Ho! Ho! Ho! 2008

2009-01-01T12:37:00.000-08:00

This Christmas, I was lucky enough to be Santa for a day and give the gift of four nanny goats! By donating 10% of HINT Jewelry profits for December 2008 to the Itafari Foundation, four lovely goats will be making their home with a child headed household in Rwanda.

My grandpa was a dairy farmer and my dad is a gardener, so I always dreamed of a day when I would get the chance to grow something tangible, which could be shared with others. Thank you 2008 for allowing me the opportunity to cultivate wealth through jewelry. More importantly, thank you to all my new found relationships that have offered me the joy of a bountiful harvest and the feeling of being able to nourish and sustain a community!

December 2008: Itafari Foundation

2008-12-01T13:52:00.000-08:00

For the month of December, HINT will be donating 10% of its profits to the Itafari Foundation. This donation will be used to purchase nanny goats, which will be given to cooperatives of Child Headed Households in Rwanda. Each of the 35 child cooperatives will be supplied with enough goats to start their own business raising animals that will supply much needed fertilizer and meat. These small businesses will be the means for helping children care for themselves. I hope to purchase at least 4 goats before Christmas. If you would like to join the cause and purchase a nanny goat for only $25.00, click on this link.

Give n' Gobble Run

2008-11-20T15:46:00.001-08:00

The 2nd annual Give n' Gobble Walk/Run will be held in Sherwood, Oregon on Thursday, November 27th. This up-and-coming family event raises much needed funds for local food banks through the registration of participants, sponsorship, and individual contributions. All proceeds raised and food collected will be donated to the Oregon Food Bank and Helping Hands. Cindy Aggson of The Carpe Viam Group is the creative spirit behind this generous endeavor. Click here to register for the event or to make a contribution by clicking here.

November 2008: Loaves & Fishes

2008-11-02T08:00:00.000-08:00

Doesn't this amazing woman's smile make you wonder about her story? In Portland, Oregon there are thousands of seniors who are fiercely independent and remain vital citizens within our community, yet they struggle with the basic necessities of survival -- nourishment.

For the month of November, in honor of the Thanksgiving season, I will be donating 10% of HINT's profits to Portland's Loaves & Fishes Center (The Meals-On-Wheels People). For as little as $85 I can provide meals and services for two weeks to one senior. What a memorable way to share in the bounty of our autumn harvest season!

October 2008 Kiva Loan: Senerita Mikaele

2008-11-01T19:59:00.000-07:00

I was able do a second micro loan on Kiva for the month of October. Pictured above is Senerita Mikaele, a 23 year old woman from Samoa who sells handicrafts at the local flea market. Kiva is her only access to financing the resources for her growing business. This is her fourth successful loan on Kiva. What an industrious woman!

Alaxapacha Update

2008-10-06T08:15:00.000-07:00

Last night my husband and I checked on the progress of Alaxapacha's fundraising and found out that these women already raised the total amount of their loan!! Wow, in one short week, people who were previously disconnected by locale came together through these women and raised $3,350.00!

I'm slightly bummed that I only got to throw $25.00 in the pot; but nevertheless, I'm excited to watch their business prosper and follow the repayment process. More importantly, we tried to look for another entrepreneur to sponsor, and lo and behold there was only one person needing a loan on Kiva! Is that possible? It appears that GIVING is new GREEN this harvest season :)

In our time of uncertainty, people must be feeling the urge more then ever to give and share wealth. I feel honored to be a part of this flow of energy. When I go out to the Kiva Web site and read about these international entrepreneurs, I am drawn to their humble stories of wanting to sustain their family and community through honest work. Underneath this universal desire, I sense a mutual longing that we all have when we want to fulfill a big or small dream. From the simplest request such as learning how to draw a leaf to the larger desire such as attending medical school in order to heal lives, these universal stories of yearning bind us together in commonality.

My new strategy for fundraising in October is to wait until the end of the month, find a loan and donate the whole caboodle at once. So please check back to XOXO Dogs at the end of October to find out where HINT's profits are going to flow. Peace out!

October 2008 Fundraising: Alaxpacha Group

2008-10-01T09:00:00.000-07:00

For the month of October, 10% of HINT's profits will go towards micro-financing a loan on Kiva for the Alaxpacha Group. These women from Bolivia are requesting a loan of $3,350.00 to enrich their growing textile business. Knitting garments from alpaca, these industrious women sell their wares at stores and craft fairs in the city of La Paz. The Alaxpacha Group want to take their business one step further and start exporting beautiful knitted garments to other Bolivian cities and foreign countries. In order to make the leap into international commerce, they need a loan to purchase enough materials and training to help make the transition.

I'm really inspired by the spirit of these women coming together as a group as well as the meaning behind their name Alaxpacha: "from beyond space, sky." Click here to see the Kiva entrepreneurs that HINT Jewelry Design has supported.

Thank You!

2008-09-21T15:00:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who donated to my Race for the Cure fundraiser. I was able to meet my personal goal of $770.00 through direct donations and contributing 10% of HINT's profits from the months of August and September.

The walk was an inspiring experience! Next month I will be sponsoring one or more entrepenaurs in a developing country through Kiva. Look for their stories when I post in October.

August & September 2008 Donate to Race for the Cure

2008-08-14T10:00:00.000-07:00

For the months of August and September, I will be donating 10% of my earnings from HINT Jewelry Design to Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. In cheeky fashion I like to call my campaign "Bucks for Boobs!"

In Portland, Oregon, on September 21st I will be walking alongside my Cubespace team members, to raise money for breast cancer research and the opportunity to support free mammograms for low income women.

In January 2009, I will be turning 40, and it will be my opportunity to practice self care with my first mammogram. I'm excited to be able to encourage other women to take care of their bodies and families through a free screening. Donating $77.00 to this cause supports one woman's journey towards loving kindness for her body. I'd like to be able to give at least 10 women this gift so my goal is $770.00. Know that 10% of what I earn from HINT Jewelry Design will make this dream a reality. If you'd rather donate directly to my campaign instead of purchasing a charm or necklace, please click here or send a check to the following address:

Komen Portland Race for the Cure

Unit 15

PO Box 4500

Portland, OR 97208

Note: Reference Beth Hemmila on the memo line if you would like your contribution to count towards my campaign. Thanks for your support!

Be a Love Dog

2008-08-14T09:14:00.000-07:00

For many years I have been inspired by the poetry and teaching of the great Sufi mystic Rumi. His poem Love Dogs has been a continual wellspring of inspiration, and I have secretly sought ways that I could manifest the yearning found in his poem into a concrete message. With immense gratitude for being welcomed into the Etsy community and the opportunity to connect through the wonder of adornment, I have found a way to give back what I have received.

In my Etsy store and on this blog I endeavor to bring awareness to the beauty of the human spirit, highlighting movements of social change. Each month I will donate 10% of my earnings from HINT Jewelry Design to a non-profit organization that I will feature on my blog. Thank you for the opportunity to devote myself to creative philanthropy so as to become a fully alive human being! Arooooooo!

Love Dogs

One night a man was crying,

Allah! Allah!

His lips grew sweet with the praising,

until a cynic said,

"So! I have heard you

calling out, but have you ever

gotten any response?"

The man had no answer to that.

He quit praying and fell into a confused sleep.

He dreamed he saw Khidr, the guide of souls,

in a thick, green foliage.

"Why did you stop praising?"

"Because I've never heard anything back."

"This longing

you express is the return message."

The grief you cry out from

draws you toward union.

Your pure sadness

that wants help

is the secret cup.

Listen to the moan of a dog for its master.

That whining is the connection.

There are love dogs

no one knows the names of.

Give your life

to be one of them.

Jalal Al-Din Rumi Translated by Coleman Barks with John Moyne