WE BELIEVE THAT BEING PART OF A COMPASSIONATE AND THRIVING COMMUNITY MEANS SUPPORTING NONPROFITS AND CHARITIES THAT MAKE A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE, BOTH HERE IN SANTA FE AND ACROSS THE NATION
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n fact, philanthropy is a vital part of GRACE’s business model, founded on the idea that a successful business should profit and have impact. “We believe that being part of a compassionate and thriving community means supporting nonprofits and charities that make a positive difference, both here in Santa Fe and across the nation,” Hillary says.
BE THE DIFFERENCE WEAR THE DIFFERENCE By Svenja Soldovieri
The last time we checked in with designer Hillary Randolph, she had just debuted walk in GRACE, her new line of candy-colored dog collars and leads that look amazing and do good too. GRACE donates 10 percent of proceeds from the line to Heart & Soul Animal Sanctuary in Glorieta, which also benefits from sales of her best-selling leather-and-bead bangles, designed by Hillary’s daughter, Coco.
Shortly after the brand debuted last year, Hillary began offering share with GRACE gatherings in private settings where GRACE jewelry and lifestyle sales raise money and awareness for the host’s favorite charity. GRACE typically donates 20 percent of proceeds, and share with GRACE made meaningful contributions to the Environmental Defense Fund and Hospice of the Chesapeake last year. “There’s great synergy in these events,” Hillary remarks. “I love how we’re breaking the traditional mold of having to ask for donations. The host brings her friends together out of passion for her cause and, if they fall in love with the jewelry, they’re contributing too.” Hillary’s longstanding dream to support local nonprofits has also recently come to life. For the past year, GRACE researched local charities to find the perfect fit for the brand. “There is so much need here in Santa Fe, it was difficult to pick just one,” Hillary explains. “And, although we liked
the idea of supporting several, we didn’t want to dilute our impact.” Fortunately, an introduction to 100 Women Who Care Santa Fe made everything possible. This growing group (now 130 women strong) operates on a simple concept: they meet four times per year, with each member donating $100 per meeting. In the space of one hour, the women listen to brief presentations by three local nonprofits; one is selected via a group vote and receives $100 from each member, for a total of $10,000 (and more than $40,000 per year). Since the two runner-up organizations are ineligible to present again for 12 months, Hillary decided to donate a portion of her quarterly proceeds to them, so everyone comes out a winner. “100 Women Who Care was an ‘aha!’ moment for me,” Hillary describes. “It’s a community of local women with an efficient model, which really resonates with everyone. It’s all about women connecting for a cause, which suits the GRACE mission perfectly. In one short hour, 100 committed women collect $10,000 that immediately impacts Santa Fe. It’s an amazingly powerful effort.” Meanwhile, Coco will soon initiate 50 Kids Who Care for Santa Fe youth, so stay tuned.
Hillary Randolph
For more information about 100 Women Who Care Santa Fe, visit their website at www.100WomenWhoCareSantaFe.com. To host a share with GRACE trunk show in your home, contact GRACE gallery at 505.780.5611.
GRACE 125 E. Palace Ave. 505.780.5611 WearYourGrace.com