The Beautyof Caring

By Liesel Schmidt

Childhood is a time that should be filled with magic, possibility and endless wonder. But for many children, those years of innocence are shadowed by the worries of medical issues that necessitate long hospital stays filled with doctors’ consultations, examinations, treatments, tests and surgeries.

As part of an ethos that makes philanthropy a tenet of the brand, Kendra Scott has created the Kendra Cares program, giving the children in pediatric hospitals and their caregivers a much-needed respite from their daily reality to design and customize their own piece of jewelry, at no cost to them. “Kendra came up with the idea while touring the pediatric floor at MD Anderson in Houston,” says Carol Anne Massey, Regional Marketing and Philanthropic Manager for the Gulf Coast/Louisiana region. “This was the same hospital that treated her stepfather for cancer. She wanted to give patients a break from their challenges and give them a sense of joy and normalcy to their lives. Through our Kendra Cares program, we offer a creative arts program that brings the magic and joy of our Color Bar™, and at the same time, we are able to support local communities in a very big way.

“We’re honored to share that what started in a single children’s hospital has now expanded into a creative arts program at over 30 top ranked pediatric hospitals across the country,” Massey continues. “Locally, we have worked with the Child Life Specialist at Children's Hospital of New Orleans, Ochsner Children's Hospital and Our Lady of the Lake Children's Hospital.”

The Kendra Cares program appeals to all ages—and not solely to those who are patients. During the experience, each pediatric patient and their caregiver designs their own piece, under the direction of a local team who bring a variety of Color Bar™ styles and stones for a one- to two-hour timeframe. “All patients are encouraged to participate, and there are printable coloring sheets that can be brought to isolated patients by a hospital representative,” says Massey. “Our team will create the piece and send it back to the patient with a handwritten note. There are three stations that create the Kendra Cares experience, and each focuses on healing patients and families and taking their minds away from their diagnosis or treatment. Each station should take approximately five to ten minutes, and our volunteers walk through all three stations with the same patient. Caregivers are welcome to stay with the patient or walk through the steps on their own with a separate volunteer.”

In 2022, the Kendra Cares program gifted 4,000 pieces of jewelry to patients and caregivers nationwide. But what those children and their caregivers received was more than just a beautiful piece of jewelry—it was time, attention and a break to focus on creativity. “Philanthropy is more than what we do—it’s who we are,” Massey explains. “We exist to create good in the world and live it every single day.”

Another part of that good they have created stems from the Kendra Gives Back Program. “This initiative allows our local store fronts to partner with nonprofit organizations or individuals in need and donate 20 percent of sales generated throughout hosted events both in-store and on location,” Massey notes. “In 2022, we hosted over 10,000 Kendra Gives Back events that gave back over four million dollars to local causes across the country! Locally, we have worked with over 500 nonprofit partners across Louisiana and gave back $172,764 in 2022. With the support of our customers, scientists are closer to finding a treatment to metastatic breast cancer, families and youth have more access to mental health resources, and college students are equipped with the resources they need to build innovative, creative businesses.

“Personally, accepting a position with Kendra Scott was life changing,” Massey goes on. “It is so much more than a career; it’s a way of life. I have always encouraged and participated in volunteer efforts with my children, and this just gave me the platform to live that lifestyle every single day. The company motto of ‘You do good’ is empowering. Kendra Scott is a young company in the grand scheme of things, but I know this philanthropic platform will change lives greatly over the coming years. It is truly inspiring.”

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