Slip on one of these bangles in celebration of the Join Me on the Bridge campaign, bringing together women across the globe in support of those rebuilding their lives in war-torn countries.  Each bangle is $48 and is made of 14-karat light gold plated hardware.  The outside of the bracelet is engraved with “hand in hand” and the inside is engraved with “there’s strength in numbers”–two powerful messages to send your support to women worldwide. Plus, a gold bangle can go well every outfit, so you can never go wrong with this accessory!

David Yurman amethyst pendants in support of The Lustgarten Foundation.

London Jewelers and David Yurman have come together to craft two beautifully constructed amethyst pendants in support of The Lustgarten Foundation.  Through their efforts, the fight against pancreatic cancer will continue as their non-profit Foundation continues to invest in research through the net proceeds of these noteworthy pendants.  Both London Jewelers and Yurman are dedicated to this exceptional cause since they have both have lost loved ones to the disease.

Retailing for $295 in silver and $1,700 for the 18-karat gold version, there is no way you can go wrong with either choice!  The piece has the signature Yurman touch–a 16-inch box chain giving the pendants their cable-like distinction.  A beautiful stone will be the perfect accent to your décolletage.  And knowing that 100% of the proceeds will be given to The Lustgarten Foundation can really put your accessorizing to the ultimate “do good” test.

Just released July 15th, orders can be taken via London Jewelers (877) 601-9924 until it is released in stores this fall.  Want to double up?  You can order your own pendant at The Lustgarten Foundation’s 10th annual Pancreatic Cancer Research Walk on July 25 in Garden City, NY while you participate in a walk for the cure.

Cheeky Monkey Jewelry's Lophelia Cuff made of recycled metals and fair trade sapphires.

Cheeky Monkey Jewelry has teamed up with SeaWeb to support coral conservation and fair trade by producing some fabulous coral-inspired pieces in their Lophelia Collection.  SeaWeb’s Too Precious To Wear coral conservation campaign kicked off before the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES) occurred in March 2010.  The aim of CITES is to concentrate on the effects of international trade on endangered species and to help to protect wildlife in this realm.

Simon Cardwell, the founder and owner of Cheeky Monkey Jewelry, explained that his company was going to “[leave] the coral right where it should be:  in the ocean.”  He has created this exquisite collection of earrings, a pendant, and cuff without any damage to the environment, and 10% of all sales for these pieces will be donated to SeaWeb’s Too Precious To Wear campaign.  You can now wear some coral without ever harming the species.

Better yet, the laced coral earrings ($250), necklace ($150), and cuff ($1,200) are all constructed of recycled sterling silver and gold (Cheeky Monkey uses recycled metals in all of their products actually).  The sapphires in the collection are also fair trade items which can give the buyer even more satisfaction in purchasing any or all of the featured pieces.  Cardwell’s commitment to the environment and long-term sustainability has him designing his jewelry with those core values in mind.  I took an incredible course on sustainability my last semester in college and can honestly ask all of you to help support sustainability efforts to make our future brighter.  Not to mention, you will get a flood of compliments on this gorgeous jewelry while helping the environment at the same time!

Cheeky Monkey Jewelry's Lophelia Earrings

Cheeky Monkey Jewelry's Lophelia Pendant

The Clarisonic Plus donates 50% of its proceeds to the Susan G. Komen Foundation

Clarisonic has given their Sonic Skin Cleansing System a bright, new pink and red twist with this Limited Edition Clarisonic Plus model for $250.  Partnering with the Susan G. Komen Foundation, 50% of the proceeds of this specific Clarisonic will be donated to help the millions of women battling breast cancer.

So why the “Plus” you may ask?  Well, this model doesn’t just cleanse your face, but can also be used over your entire body.  The Clarisonic Plus lessens dry patches, gives you firmer skin, and provides a gentle exfoliation all in one tool!  Those with sensitive skin don’t have to fret, the brush is made for your specialized skin.  An added bonus for face and body:  this model is a phenomenal prep for self-tanner so you can look sun-kissed without damaging your skin in the sweltering heat.  Keeping your skin radiant can now happen with the click of a button…literally.

David Giuliani, the Co-Founder and CEO of Clarisonic, summed it up well.  He proclaimed, “We might be in the business of beauty, but one of the most rewarding parts of our business is to be able to give back and make a difference.”  By taking his words and purchasing this product, you can support your mothers, sisters, friends, and other women worldwide every time you cleanse your face or body.

I led a breast cancer support group in early 2010 and own another Clarisonic version that donates money to breast cancer research with every purchase.  See the pink Clarisonic Classic for mine.  Every time I wash my face, I think of the strong, incredible women I met at the support group and know that my colorful purchase will in part help to raise awareness and find a cure for breast cancer.  Go ahead, do the same for all of the special women in YOUR life and support a very worthwhile cause.

Each of the products below is offered by a company that contributes part of the price to a charity, add these items to your wish list this season:

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Rose Anne de Pampelonne silk Coralia Crave tunic Price upon request

Ten percent of each sale goes to I Can Serve to benefit women in Phillippines who have breast cancer.  Based in Paris, De Pampelonne’s works take inspiration from the local handicrafts and traditional embroideries of far-flung locales like Tibet, India, and her native Philippines.  This item is travel ready and perfect for all types of occasions, a classic your suitcase must not close without!

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Toms Orange Calypso Canvas Wedges $69

The newest and tallest member of the TOMS family, the Wedge. The world’s first heels with heart, in orange stripe.

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Joan Hornig 18-K gold, white-topaz Potato Chip earrings $1,750

All net profits benefit charities of the buyer’s choice

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Elie Tahari Monique Melody cork tote $398

Twenty percent of the net proceeds go to God’s Love We Deliver, a NYC group that  prepares  meals for those with HIV/AIDS and other illnesses.

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Brette Sandler for Hat Attack $95

Twenty-five percent of each sale goes to the Skin Cancer Foundation.  Swimwear designer Brette Sandler partners with Hat Attack to create a limited-edition UV protective beach hat in order to raise awareness and support for the Foundation.

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Valentino jersey-and-lace T-shirt $395

All proceeds go to the Francesca Rava Foundation for the children of Haiti.

The T-shirt was first promoted at Milan fashion week in February and has become a permanent item in the Valentino online store.

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Harry Winston platinum and diamond Guggenheim ring $26,000

Part of the New York Collection, among traffic and skyscrapers stands one of New York’s favorite monument and architectural icon, the ring is a sweet souvenir of New York and shows your commitment to the arts.  A portion of the proceeds goes to the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation.

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See July 2010 issue of Town & Country for more ideas

Uma Thurman modeling the campaign's T-shirt

Uma Thurman has been named by the Entertainment Industry Foundation as this year’s ambassador for Saks’ Key to the Cure campaign.

Thurman will take over from Gwyneth Paltrow as the face of the campaign. This year, the “Key to the Cure” campaign features T-shirts designed by Donna Karan, proceeds benefit the Women’s Cancer Research Fund.

Thurman says, “everyone I know has been affected by breast cancer one way or the other….It is vital that we work toward a cure as well as develop more accurate and advance testing.

“For me, it’s not just about dressing women; it’s about addressing the issues that are so important to all of us.”

According to the National Cancer Institute, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime. This year, they predict more than 40,000 women will lose their battles against breast cancer. The staggering statistics means that 110 women will die each day, five every hour. Research is the key, actress Patricia Clarkson says, there have been great advances in the fight against breast cancer, there is much more to be discovered.

The campaign, which has raised over $33 million in the last 12 years, will kick off this Fall; shirts will be on sale starting October 21 in Saks Fifth Avenue stores around the country.

This is the first time the look of La Mer’s signature Crème de la Mer jar has been changed; “going blue” signifies the brand’s commitment to the oceans.

In support of non-profit organization Oceana’s international advocacy efforts, La Mer has created a limited edition World’s Ocean Day “blue” Cream de la Mer jar and will be making a $200,000 donation to Oceana.  La Mer’s collaboration with Oceana reflects its heritage–one that is deeply rooted to the beauty and power of the sea.

Oceana’s missions include promoting habitat protection, pollution control, safe seafood practices and responsible fishing. Their tireless scientific research efforts have motivated extensive global policy changes.  La Mer’s USD $200,000 World Ocean Day donation this year will specifically support the habitat protection campaign and the organization’s recent efforts in helping Belizean leaders with the protection of its incredible marine gems.  As Belize has the second largest Barrier Reef in the world, UNESCO added Belize Barrier Reef to its list of endangered World Heritage sites.

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Joan Horning Jewelry, 100% of profits support charities of the customer's choosing.

I don’t even know where to begin in explaining all that Joan Hornig the person and Joan Hornig the jewelry company is. To date, I have not come across (and mind you, I search a lot!) another company which is so aggressively philanthropic. Maybe that’s because Joan views her company as more than just a business, but an opportunity to leave a legacy of giving in the hearts of her customers and fans. Joan donates an unprecedented 100% of profits from all of her jewelry to charities of the purchaser’s choice. And by 100% of profits, this means after the cost of materials and production, not the cost of overhead for the business.

As you can see from the images, JHJ is beautiful, colorful and inspired by nature. But, JHJ  means more than just  hand-made exquisite pieces featuring shimmering stones and precious metals (and believe me, these pictures do not do her jewelry justice). The act of purchasing and wearing a Joan Hornig piece means rising to the challenge of giving back by choosing a charity to benefit from your action and telling your friends of the special meaning behind your jewelry. Joan wants her jewelry to inspire the purchaser to “use beauty and fashion in a new way.”

Joan also wants to instill the idea of paying it forward with her customers. The designer chooses to actively participate in charity auctions and fundraisers by donating pieces to the charities of her loyal customers.

Joan Hornig Jewelry is available online and at Bergdorf Goodman, Saks in New Orleans, Neimans in Palm Beach, The Philanthropist Boutique in San Francisco and many other high-end independent boutiques across America.

On a side note, Joan Hornig, the person, is the inspiration behind this website and the inspiration behind my desire to use brand philanthropy as a means to change the world.

Joan Hornig, the designer

Actress Katherine Heigl wearing Joan's Freshwater Pearl Necklace

As we all know, the tragic earthquake in Haiti is still causing great suffering; it will take years to re-build the state’s economy and infrastructure. One of the most important matters to prioritize in the re-building is their health care system for women and children, which is exactly what this year’s Fashion for Relief aims to do through raising money for CARE.

CARE is a non-profit specializing in fighting global poverty as it affects women. Their focus is on women because women have the power to “assist their families and communities in escaping poverty.” CARE works to “improve basic education, prevent the spread of HIV, increase access to clean water and sanitation, expand economic opportunity and protect natural resources.” The organization also provides aid to victims of conflict and natural disasters.

This year’s show, with host Sarah Ferguson (Duchess of York), will be Friday, February 12th in the tents at Bryant Park during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

The event is open to the public with tickets starting around $100. You can purchase tickets online through Ticketmaster. 100% of ticket sales will be donated to CARE. The donated garments will be auctioned online through NET-A-PORTER starting February 15th.

The first Fashion for Relief event took place in 2005 to benefit the victims of Hurricane Katrina; it raised over $1M. Way to go!

MAC VIVA GLAM, $14 - total cost goes to MAC AIDS Fund

MAC Cosmetics has really been making a statement, and I’m not referring to their signature funky and bold make-up style.

With Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas promoting a small line of lipsticks and lipgloss called VIVA GLAM, MAC has generated $135,000,000 for the MAC AIDS Fund since 1994. Every single cent of the $14 selling price of the lipstick or lipgloss is donated to the fund. There’s a total of 8 shades to choose from (6 lipstick colors and 2 lipgloss colors).

The MAC AIDS Fund supports men, women and children affected by AIDS worldwide. The company also encourages its employees to volunteer in AIDS charities.

Fergie featured in MAC's VIVA GLAM ad campaign