Gifts that Keep on Giving!

As you are shopping for gifts this holiday season, consider these great items which give back as you give!

1. Uggs are the perfect holiday gift, especially for ladies. So why not give a pair that gives back to an organization that fights to protect her pair!

Purchase here for $99.95

Purchase here for $149.95

2. The ever-popular jewelry designer, Dogeared, has come up with a new Stand Up To Cancer necklace. Premiered at the Stand Up To Cancer TV Broadcast, the necklace is now being sold in 3 colors: rose gold, gold and silver, priced from $72-62. Part of the proceeds will be donated to this wonderful organization which promotes cancer research and the movement to end all cancer, forever.

Purchase this gold version here for $72

 3. Don't have time to bake your own holiday cookies this year? Not only will Baking for Good will send cookies and brownies to your loved ones, but they will also donate 15% of the proceeds to a charity of your choice. Almost to sweet to swallow!

Order a dozen Snow Day Gingerbread cookies here for $36

4.The holidays are often a time for entertaining and flowing wine. For your next holiday party why not toast to charity? ONEHOPE Wine is a company which donates HALF of their proceeds to a variety of charities.

Purchase this 2009 Arroyo Seco Pinot Noir for $23.99 and ONEHOPE will donate $4.00 to Supporting Children's Hospitals and $2.40 to a charity of your choice.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month & E! Network's Giuliana Rancic

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and despite how you may feel about the pink ribbon and "pink-washing," breast cancer is an extremely common and often preventable disease that deserves our attention and awareness. According to the National Cancer Institute, 1 in 8 American women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some time in their life. However, if caught early, the disease is extremely preventable.

Yesterday, Giuliana Rancic, a host on the E! Entertainment Network, announced that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Fortunately, the cancer was detected early, and although she has to undergo surgery and radiation, she is confident she will overcome the disease. Rancic is using this tragedy as an opportunity to speak out for breast cancer prevention awareness and is encouraging women to go out and get a mammogram. She feels extremely fortunate to have discovered her cancer as she was reluctant to receive a mammogram due to her age and lack of family history. View her announcement to the today show below to learn more about her experience.

There are many great ways you can contribute to breast cancer awareness this month, and the E! Network is doing a wonderful job making sure you hear all about them. A recent post to their online website lists some great products (also featured on their E! News Television Program) which donate to breast cancer awareness this month. Some of my favorites are the Reebok tennis-shows and Philosophy bath products. View all the products here.

Furthermore, there are many great websites you can visit for more information on breast cancer, how to prevent it and how you can help the cause. Here are some of my favorites:

Susan G. Komen for the Cure
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month 
National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.

October Philanthropy Events

As the first Friday in October, I would like to highlight several charity events which will be occurring throughout the month of October in Los Angeles. These are firsthand opportunities for you to learn, contribute or donate to the issues which matter to you.

1. Creativity Heals Art Auction and Fundraiser Event
Creativity Heals is a fundraising event which supports breast cancer awareness and prevention. The event proposes to demonstrate the healing effects of the arts through local art and live music while also raising funds for breast cancer. There is a suggested donation of $15 without RSVP and $10 with RSVP. This is sure to be a fun and exciting night in the art district of dtla full of live music, djs, art, foodtrucks and support for breast cancer awareness. You can learn more about the event and RSVP at http://www.creativity-heals.org.
Saturday, October 8 @5-10pm Downtown LA
KESSPRO Studios: 435 S Molino St.

2. Yoplait Makes California Families Strong
When you are considering where to purchase your pumpkins this October, consider Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch in West Hollywood. Yoplait has partnered with Mr. Bones to donate $1.00 to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank for every pumpkin sold, up to $10,000. This is a simple way to give back and help others in the Los Angeles community.
Event begins Saturday, October 8 @9:00am through the end of October.

3. Beats for Boobs Los Angeles
Once again, raising funds for breast cancer this month, Beats for Boobs is hosting an event full of art, fashion, food and music at Los Angeles' Key Club. Enjoy local artists, djs, chefs and more in support of LA breast cancer foundations: Busted Foundation and Boarding for Breast Cancer Survivor Scholarship Fund.
Wednesday, October 19 @7:00pm
Key Club West Hollywood

4. Friends Without a Border Presents Passage to Angkor to Benefit the Children of Cambodia
Friends Without a Border hosts its second annual LA gala to benefit Angkor Children's Hospital in Cambodia. The event, held at the Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood, will feature traditional dancing by the Khmer Arts Ensemble as well as hors d'oeuvres and cocktails influenced by the Khmer region of Cambodia. Funds will be raised through tickets, sponsorships and both a live and silent auction. For more information about this elegant evening for a great cause, please visit: http://passagetoangkor.eventbrite.com/
Tuesday October 25 @7:00pm
Teddy's at the Roosevelt Hotel


These are just a few of the events being held this month throughout Los Angeles. To see a more comprehensive list of events in Los Angeles please visit: www.events.la.com and get involved!