the big heart award goes to Gaga

In an effort to stand up to bullying and abandonment of young people and to empower our nation’s youth, Lady Gaga has announced the launch of her new, Born This Way Foundation, created with the help of the MacArthur Foundation and Harvard University.

In the Born This Way singer’s own words, The Born This Way Foundation is “a nonprofit focusing on youth empowerment, including issues like self-confidence, well-being, anti-bullying, mentoring and career development.” (AP News)

According to the Associated Press, Lady Gaga’s partners in the Born This Way Foundation include the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, The California Endowment and the Berkman Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University.

Gaga’s inspiration for both the song and foundation of the same name (Born This Way) was no doubt inspired by the disturbing trend of both face-to-face and cyber bullying of gay youth that has caused so many upsetting, headlining making suicides over the past year. Lady Gaga, a strong and outspoken advocate of gay rights, is certainly doing something positive with her fame, and we applaud her for that.

Also on board to help run the Born This Way Foundation will be Lady Gaga’s mother, Cynthia Germanotta (Lady Gaga was born this way: as Stephanie Germanotta). Lady Gaga released the following press statement about her new philanthropic venture:

“Together we hope to establish a standard of Bravery and Kindness, as well as a community worldwide that protects and nurtures others in the face of bullying and abandonment.”

“Lady Gaga will help empower and give voice to young people who find themselves overwhelmed, undersupported, disconnected, isolated, bullied, or struggling,” stated Dr. Bob Ross, CEO and president of The California Endowment, a partner in the Born This Way Foundation.

As reported by the Associated Press, an advisory board is currently being put in place and the Born This Way Foundation will officially launch in 2012.

spritz this on for charity

New unisex fragrance, Cali Blue, takes its love of water and translates sales of the beachy scent into revenue to build fresh water wells in villages throughout India and Africa.

Perfumer Kimberly Brown, owner of AromaEarth, has used her expertise as a veteran in the scented candle industry to transition into the fragrance world, launching Cali Blue. Brown has already helped to build six fresh water wells throughout villages in India. Now, 10% of the profits from each bottle of Cali Blue sold will help Brown to keep building wells in villages across the globe where safe drinking water is not currently accessible.

After watching mothers in impoverished villages carry heavy bowls on their heads for miles in both directions just to fill them up with dirty, ecoli-infested water to bring back to their children, she knew she had to do something to help.

The fragrance entreprenuer has seen the results of fresh water wells that she has donated money to help build in the villages of Bhagdal Thanda, Ramagundala, Basava Pur, Bangarde and Pittalawada in India, and she hopes to build many more around the globe.

Cali Blue is a unisex fragrance with a crisp and clean California sunshine breeze. The blue hued fragrance is a citrus medley of lemon, orange, mandarin and bergamot in the top note, with a floral bouquet of lily, lavender, rose and a whisper of night blooming jasmine in the middle. Cali Blue has an ambery, vanilla, musky and sage-like base-note.

Meant for his and hers use, Cali Blue is encased in a square 1.7 fl oz. bottle filled with turquoise eau de parfum spray and capped with a silver top; clean and sophisticated.

Manufactured and distributed by Aroma Earth, the company’s love of the beach and water transcends the ocean, with a corporate philanthropic mission of bringing clean water wells to people in third world countries.

To buy a bottle of Cali Blue and help to build a well for those who are in need of clean and safe drinking water, visit AromaEarth.

Flexfit is Hat Fashion with a Conscience!

For the third year running, Flexfit, one of the world’s leading headwear manufacturers and inventor of Flexfit patented stretchable technology, has signed on as the official hat sponsor for the 2011 Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open, a part of the PGA TOUR.

Known for corporate philanthropy and blending charitable causes with athletics, Flexfit is a big supporter of the work that Shriners Hospitals for Children is doing. Shriners Hospitals for Children® is changing lives every day through innovative pediatric specialty care, world-class research and outstanding medical education. The 22 hospitals in the United States, Canada and Mexico provide advanced care for children with orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate. Shriners Hospitals for Children is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and relies on the generosity of donors. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law.

The 2011 Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open is the ongoing commitment between Timberlake and Shriners Hospitals for Children® to continue the tradition of a PGA TOUR event in Las Vegas. The collaboration between Shriners Hospitals for Children® as Title Sponsor and Host, along with Celebrity Host Justin Timberlake, creates a truly unique and world-class event for players and fans alike. A variety of well-known golfers will participate in the competition and help support the mission of Shriners Hospitals for Children®, while enjoying the signature flair that Las Vegas has to offer. The 2011 tournament is September 25 – October 2, 2011 at TPC Summerlin in Las Vegas.

In addition to volunteers, PGA TOUR golf pros, corporate sponsors and other VIPS, more than 400 children will receive the unique embroidered hat gift by Flexfit as they attend the Nevada State Bank Youth Clinic on Sunday, September 25, kicking off the tournament week. The clinic will feature the Dennis Walters Golf Show with special appearances from Las Vegas organizations’ mascots.

“The youth clinic is a free event for children to learn that golf can be fun while enjoying various trick shots and stunts from an inspirational source in Dennis Walters, who is paralyzed from the waist down,” explains Stephanie Maes, tournament services manager for the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open. “The hats will be a great way for the kids to stay cool and have as a keepsake once the day concludes.”

More than 600 honorary members of The Hill will also receive the custom Flexfit gear throughout the tournament. The Hill is the golf course’s tented hospitality venue overlooking the 16th, 17th, and 18th holes with indoor and outdoor seating options. It features a center bar, plenty of HDTV’s and upgraded food and beverage for purchase. The Hill is the place to be and be seen for all VIP attendees.

For more information about Flexfit headwear and Flexfit’s philanthropic work with various charitable organizations, visit www.flexfit.com

Allison Dawn PR Makes 2011 Donation to ASPCA

As a matter of personal and professional priority, Allison Dawn PR annually donates a portion of its revenue to both the ASPCA and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). The public relations company announced today that it has just made its annual 2011 charitable donation to The ASPCA, a non-profit organization that works tirelessly to rescue abused and neglected animals from horrendous conditions.

“Now, with so many natural disasters and a faltering economy, more domestic animals are in danger of being neglected and abandoned than ever before,” states Allison Dawn PR President, Allison Kugel. “I consider these charitable donations to be a mandatory part of the operation of my PR Firm and a corporate responsibility in helping those creatures who cannot protect themselves.”

The ASPCA is on a perpetual crusade to brings battered, starved and sick animals to shelter, health and safety, as well as working to find animals loving homes.

For more information and to learn more about the ASPCA’s work for animal rescue and animal adoption, please visit www.aspca.org. By getting involved with the ASPCA you can volunteer your time, adopt an animal who needs a loving home, make a donation, or just become more informed about animal welfare.

Have a happy and healthy Labor Day Weekend.

This news was brought to you by Allison Dawn PR