KooDooZ®, HARTNELL and LIFE REVOLUTION Empowering Kids to Give Back to the American Red Cross
Youth Make Caring Cards for Men & Women Who Have Served Our Country
(3BLMedia/theCSRfeed) SANTA MONICA, CA - July 28, 2010 - Giving back is not only fashionable, conclusive studies show that people who volunteer just 2 hours per week, have several benefits including higher self-esteem.
To heighten awareness of this fact, KooDooZ Corporation shaped an empowerment workshop at HARTNELL design studio with LIFE REVOLUTION, as part of the Passport to Wellness campaign. The Passport is designed to generate positive behavioral and social change by asking families to take on community challenges.
On Saturday, July 31, 2010, designer Hanna Hartnell will host a “Behind the Seams – Redefining Beauty” event for 20 girls at her studio in Santa Monica. The purpose of this event is to help girls realize that to “measure-up” all they need to do is unlock their potential. Participants (girls ages 9 through 15) will learn fashion basics and will apply their new skills by designing Caring Cards with HARTNELL special event gown fabrics. Youth who are unable to attend the physical events are invited to create their own Caring Cards for eventual donation to the American Red Cross of Santa Monica on September 11th, 2010.
“Hanna is a visionary in the world of fashion and philanthropy,” said Lee Fox, founder of KooDooZ a cause-based social networking site for kids. “She has always put community first and it's nice to see her expand the Behind the Seams program to also educate future young designers about how they can have a healthy relationship with fashion, and give back to their communities.”
According to a national study conducted by Dove, 92% of girls want to change their appearance and 70% feel they do not measure up in some way. Additionally, 90% say that the fashion industry (89%) and/or the media (88%) place a lot of pressure on them to look a certain way.
“LIFE REVOLUTION is excited to help these young girls learn how to set emotional boundaries, prioritize life activities, listen to their bodies for signs of stress and quiet their mind through these workshops,” said Clark Souers, founder and president of LIFE REVOLUTION. "The outcome of this workshop will give the participants a better sense of self."
A second similar workshop will run on September 11th which will culminate in the donation of all the Caring Cards to the American Red Cross of Santa Monica to thank local men and women who have served our country.
“Hanna Hartnell has been an avid supporter of the American Red Cross of Santa Monica for many years,” said John Pacheco, CEO of the American Red Cross of Santa Monica. “Our organization deeply values the fact that these hand-made cards will connect kids to a cause they may not have otherwise considered.”
By engaging the girls in a meaningful and productive activity that benefits a greater good, it is clear that there will also be a benefit to their psychological well-being. Over the past two decades, a growing body of research indicates that people who volunteer at young ages see health and academic benefits later in life.
“These two events will teach girls that through their own creativity and generosity, they can gain the confidence in recognizing that beauty should be defined by what they do versus how they look,” said fashion designer, Hanna Hartnell. “It’s behind the seams that matters.”
To learn more about these workshop activities, the Passport to Wellness, and how to involve kids in community challenges, please email info@KooDooZ.com or visit us on the web.
About KooDooZ® Corporation:
KooDooZ ("Kü - Düz") is a "cause-based" social networking site designed to cultivate youth social entrepreneurs by “challenging” them to achieve specific philanthropic goals. In partnership with nonprofits, educators and profit-for-purpose organizations, each challenge is authored with easy-to-follow methodologies and anticipated times to complete. By sharing these challenges with friends and family, kids can virally garner support for the causes they care about most and earn credit towards the President’s Volunteer Service Award for those tasks that meet volunteerism, community service and service learning standards. For more information, visit www.KooDooZ.com
About HARTNELL:
Hartnell offers a bridal collection and custom event dresses for celebrities and today’s fashionistas. In addition, Hanna Hartnell teaches young women about a career in fashion through the Behind the Seams program, as well as works with the American Red Cross of Santa Monica, Healing Bridges and Therapy Dogs International. Hanna also gives back to youth through her Prom Partners program, in which she provides custom-made prom dresses at affordable prices. For more information, visit www.hannahartnell.com
About LIFE REVOLUTION:
LIFE REVOLUTION impacts young people between the ages of 12 and 22 across the country through the power of knowledge and life coaching. LIFE REVOLUTION Workshops feature hip facilitators who use high impact multimedia to make the experience interactive, fun and entertaining. Topics include stress management, relationships, time management and coping skills. These workshops were designed with middle school students, high school students and college students in mind. For more information, visit www.liferevolution.com
About the American Red Cross of Santa Monica:
The Santa Monica Chapter of the American Red Cross is a humanitarian service organization. The chapter volunteers and staff are committed to the values of doing good for all people in their community. They are the standard of excellence in alleviating human suffering, providing relief to victims of disasters, and helping people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. For more information, visit www.redcrossofsantamonica.org
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