Cans for Comments

Photo by Jerk with a Camera

As designers/artists/planners in the wedding industry, we often get caught up in the details of the wedding or event, and don't always get the opportunity to give back to our communities. After the last post I made Giving back, I came across Liene's post from Blue Orchid Designs blog (one of the blogs I LOVE to read, written by a fabulous fellow planner), about encouraging all of us bloggers to donate food items in exchange for readers commenting on our blog. She first got the idea from Anne Ruthman's amazing photography blog, and now I have it and hopefully that list will go on! As Anne described it, we bloggers all love seeing comments, so for the next week, for every one (non-spam) comment we receive on the Bella Signature Blog, we'll donate one can of food to Helpline House, which is a local charity that helps get food, shelter and other necessary items to those in need. Simply leave a comment on any one of our blog entries until December 17th, and you'll be adding to that list of donated food. Thanks Anne, Liene, and the others for participating in such a fabulous project!

Daniela

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Giving Back

Last year at this time we were lucky enough to participate in an event that benefited a very important cause, the Children in Darfur. If you don't know about the crisis the women and children of Darfur, Sudan are experiencing, click here to watch a short video clip of George Clooney's March interview on the International Rescue Committee Website; George Clooney has been a long time supporter of this very important cause. The benefit event took place at Grant Heslov's home (Heslov and Clooney collaborated on "Good Night and Good Luck"), and drew in celebrities such as Heather Graham, Cindy Crawford and Forest Whittaker, to name a few. The event was planned by celebrity event planner by Jo Gartin of Love Luck and Angels, and she skillfully managed everything from the decor, catering, to the celebrity shopping and silent auction. Participating sponsors, such as Michelle Jonas (who we adore) and Rock and Republic were on hand to offer their wares at wholesale pricing, with the proceeds going to the Benefit. (And if you have never worn Michelle's clothes - you MUST try them, she has a devout following from the likes of Heather Graham and Angelina Jolie, and her clothes are the most comfortable, figure flattering clothes on the planet! I own at least 10 pieces from her last three collections, and they are my favorite pieces of clothing....)

We flew down to L.A. just in time to pickup our blooms from Mayesh, one our our favorite (non-local) wholesalers, and put together several large arrangements (see picture with Cindy Crawford above) and some small accent pieces. We had a blast watching the celebs shop for a cause, and felt good about putting our talent to use for an excellent cause.

Cindy Crawford, Forest Whitaker and his wife Keisha and Lisa Rinna (wireimage.com)

Heather Graham, Grant Heslov and Michelle Jonas (wireimage.com)

As this year winds itself to a close, with all its financial hardships, we've donated our services to some local services such as Teen Talking Circles, and several smaller children's programs in the area. We urge everyone, even in these more difficult times, to find a cause that speaks to them, and give their time, their talent or whatever they can, no matter how little - it all adds up!

One of the Teen Talking Circles centerpieces...

Daniela

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