Local businesses pitch in to help out Haiti

We have all been inundated by big name stars encouraging us to help out Haiti and her people.

On a local note, there are business owners who are compassionately seeking a manner in which they can help out – without breaking the bank, so to speak.

It’s a great idea to use one’s business to offer services in exchange for donations — otherwise notating to clients that prices haven’t changed, but that all proceeds or commissions will go directly towards relief work in Haiti.

Here are three such small business owners in Cowlitz County who helped make a difference.

Amy Yanez, Scentsy Consultant
(360)355-5387
www.AmyYanez.scentsy.us
Amy is a Scentsy consultant, the wickless candle system that adds delicious smells to your life without the yucky soot of candles. If you’ve never seen a Scentsy warmer or experienced the smells – call Amy and host a party. Party hosts always get fantastic goodies (free) and lots of discounts.

Amy happens to be MY (♥) Scentsy consultant, and I am on her eMail list. One such eMail informed her clients that for the month of February, she would donate all sales to the American Red Cross Haiti relief effort.

“My hands just felt so tied because we don’t have any extra cash to give, so I came up with this plan,” said Amy in her interview.

Amy donated ALL of her commissionable sales in February to the Red Cross. At the time of printing her final tally wasn’t available, but she guessed it would be close to $400-$500.

“I felt an obligation to do something to help those precious people in Haiti. I wanted to to put my $$ where my mouth is,” Amy said.

Amy also hosted a combined Scentsy and Pampered Chef party in late February with Chrissy Shelton, one of the top national consultants for Pampered Chef in 2009.

Just like Amy, Chrissy wanted to give back and is donating 15% of product value sold towards Red Cross Haiti, with a goal of $700.

“I normally only run 10% as a fundraiser – but giving all of my commission is included in that total,” explained Chrissy. “It makes me feel great inside knowing that we are helping make a difference”.

Chrissy is an excellent Pampered Chef consultant, who can host parties and answer your questions at any time: call her @ (360)430-9762 or online:
www.PamperedChef.biz/ChrissyShelton (no dash)

Another top-notch business owner who creatively offered services in support of raising funds for Haiti was Kelly Wallin of Esteem Salon, in Longview WA.

Kelly ran her fundraiser called “Haircuts for Haiti” on February 2nd.

100% of its proceeds went to the SW Washington Red Cross. Pricing was: $25 women, $20 men, $15 children. You can call Kelly and book your own appointment at Esteem: (360)636-4041

Special thanks to these small business owners who are doing what they can to give back. We should all follow their lead!