FashBlog.com

By Brandi M. Seals

It is amazing the things people come up with. No longer do celebrities simply write checks to support good causes and attend social events made simply to bring awareness to someone's plight. Instead it seems that everyone wants to be creative and different while raising awareness.

When it comes to the world of fashion, typically it is fashion shows that are used to raise money. Each year there are several benefit fashion shows that are used to help raise money for children, cancer research, or other deserving cause. However, sometimes it is the sale of a product that helps generate renewed interest and money for a worthy cause.

The latest attempt to raise money for a cause through the sale of its products comes to us by Kenneth Cole New York. The people at Kenneth Cole New York announced today that Kenneth Cole and rock star legend Jon Bon Jovi will work together to design a limited-edition outwear collection. Proceeds from the sale of the outerwear will benefit HELP USA, a not-for-profit group whose mission is to empower the homeless. They help the homeless and others in need become self reliant. The organization offers housing with on-site support services and excellent resources that can help propel their residents into productive lives.

Be stylish and give some money to a worthy cause. Pick up your jacket this November as they will be available at Kenneth Cole New York stores and Saks Fifth Avenue.

If you want to get a sneak peak at the new line of coats, tune in to the Fashion Rocks event which will air on the CBS Network on September 8th at 9 pm Eastern Standard Time. Jon Bon Jovi will wear one of the jackets on the red carpet at this year's event and will perform later in the evening.

For more information on the group being benefit, check with HELP USA (www.helpusa.org) and of course you can see all the Kenneth Cole styles at Kenneth Cole New York stores (www.KennethCole.com) and Saks Fifth Avenue.

There have been several previous examples of products being sold to raise money. For example, a few years ago it was the sale of lip gloss and lipstick that raised money for AIDS. All the proceeds raised by the sale of M.A.C. cosmetics Viva Glam V lipstick and Viva Glam V lip gloss went to the M.A.C. AIDS Fund.

The cosmetic industry has long been a supporter of a number of causes.

Bobbi Brown, among others, decided to use the sale of her cosmetics to give back. Bobbi created a special limited-edition Ribbon Pink Shimmer Lip Gloss for Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October).

Outside of the fashion and cosmetics world comes KitchenAid. They seem to have cornered the market on giving the proceeds from the sale of designated appliances to charity.

KitchenAid got involved with raising money for the Susan G. Komen Foundation which is well known for their breast cancer work. The Komen Foundation is the beneficiary of "Cook for the Cure, Presented by KitchenAid," which raises funds for the cause each time someone purchase one of the select KitchenAid products. KitchenAid also sponsors special fundraising events, auctions, and a grass roots program that helps supporters host their own Cook for the Cure fundraising dinner parties.

Since 2001, Cook for the Cure has raised over $3 million for the Komen Foundation. For more information, visit www.cookforthecure.com.

Next time you are in the market for a kitchen appliance, consider getting one of the following KitchenAid products. The proceeds from their sale go directly to the Komen Foundation.

Pink Artisan Stand Mixer
Pink Model A-9 Coffee Mill Grinder
Pink Ultra Power Blender
Pink Inspired Tea KettleCook for the Cure
4-Piece Gift Set
Pink Toaster
Pink Food Processor
Pink Hand Mixer
Pink Everything Pan
Pink Bakeware
Pink Cutlery
Pink Gadgets

The program has been going strong for 6 years and last year-long. In 2005, the Komen Foundation received $500,000 due to KitchenAid's efforts.

If at some time you feel like you want to help a charity out but also need a new coat, wardrobe piece, makeup or appliance check to see if you can kill two birds with one stone. I am sure you will be amazed at the number of opportunities available.