Inside News

Each month, the company selects a nonprofit in the Tampa Bay community to receive a ‘Random Act of Kindness':  products, volunteer hours or a financial donation.

Recent beneficiaries of Kara Vita’s ‘Random Acts of Kindness’ have included the Achievement Rewards for College Scientists (ARCS) Foundation - Tampa Bay, Cure on Wheels, and Operation Care Package, among others.

September 14, 2011 - Kara Vita was honored to be among those who sponsored Love that Dress, a benefit for the Pinellas PACE Center for Girls. This organization’s purpose is to assist girls and young women who are considered dependent, a runaway, truant, or in need of academic skills, with educational and personal development.

Through education, counseling, and training, the girls (from ages 12-18) receive support in reaching the educational and social goals set for them. Upon completion of the program, PACE monitors their growth with three years of follow-up management. Since its inception 27 years ago, PACE has help over 21,000 girls.

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July 14, 2011 - Art for Autism - This non-profit organization offers programs and services to those touched by Autism. The mission of this dedicated company is to increase awareness and provide resources for people on the autism spectrum and their families. Sharon Less attended this function.  http://www.autismone.org/content/art-autism 

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July 14, 2011 - Look Good...Feel Better! is a nationwide program offering women with cancer the ability to manage the appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment. Since its inception in 1989, volunteers have set up individual or group self-help beauty sessions which leave the women with a sense of support, confidence, and courage. Over the years more than 700,000 women in the U.S. have participated in the program, with workshops in more than 3,000 locations. Many well-known companies donate to this organization, and we were equally honored to make a contribution in support of its mission and its participants. To learn more on how you can help make a difference, please visit www.lookgoodfeelbetter.org

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May 7, 2011 - Hands Across the Bay presented Operation Warrior Wellness, a division of The David Lynch Foundation. This event supported soldiers who were diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) after serving their country. Transcendental Meditation has been helpful for these soldiers’ recovery and Operation Warrior Wellness assists soldiers in learning and practicing the technique. The event was held at Sheltair at St Pete/Clearwater Airport, where you could view Ronald Reagan’s limo, military tanks, a Vietnam helicopter and a WWII B25 airplane. A few brave people were able to take a ride in the B25. Kara Vita donated a gift basket for the auction. It was great to volunteer and be able to meet some of the men who are serving our country and thank them.
http://handsacrossthebay.org/

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May 14, 2011 - Victims 2 Survivors is an organization committed to serving as an advocate for child sexual abuse. They are also dedicated to promoting awareness and education. Kara Vita was proud to support this group at one of its recent fundraising events. Victims 2 Survivors not only joins forces with other organizations to host fundraising events that are helping to fulfilling their mission of empowering survivors of violence, but founder Connie Rose is also the host of a weekly radio show which serves as another forum for discussions, stories, education, and support for the cause. 

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April 14, 2011 - Fun and Fashion - The ARCS Foundation Tampa Bay Chapter held its 2nd Annual Fun & Fashion: Down to a Science event last month, and we were thrilled once again, not only to have helped sponsor the event, but to also see a great amount of support from the community. The Achievement Rewards for College Scientists (ARCS) advances science and technology in the United States by providing financial awards to academically outstanding U.S. citizens studying to complete degrees in science, engineering and medical research. These grants are the largest of any private membership in the United States. Kara Vita’s own Denise Walthers presided over the event, which held a silent auction and featured a fashion show in conjunction with sharing with guests the benefits ARCS provides to its recipients, as well as supporting the long-term growth and stability of the community.  http://www.arcsfoundation.org/

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February 14, 2011 - Kara Vita is going to honor Kara Vita “animal stewards” and donate to a shelter in California. This shelter is called, "Dobie and Little Paws Rescue,".  It is owned and operated by Ardis, a lady who has not put her head in the sand.  For many years she has made giant strides in placing unwanted dogs and everyday she is determined to make a difference.http://www.dobierescue.org/

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Kara Vita proudly donated sunscreen to Cure on Wheels. An all-volunteer that raises money to help individuals and their families cope with a diagnosis of cancer through an annual bike-a-thon. All of the proceeds are distributed locally to the Moffitt Cancer Center and All Children’s Hospital. This fundraising event supports cancer research and patient services.

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Missionary Ventures is the other organization we were delighted to support. This group partners with indigenous churches in poorer countries to aid in providing the necessary essentials to change their communities. This medical mission trip to Nicaragua will provide medical assistance, including exams, nutritional products and education, and vitamins to many families in need of treatment.

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Over the past 30 years, the Children’s Dream Fund has helped to fulfill thousands of dreams for local children who have been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. Our ability to fulfill the dreams of these children is contingent on the continued financial support and contributions from our community. Dermazone Solutions is a proud sponsor of the fundraising event, Wine, Women & Shoes, held November 4-6, 2010.

http://www.childrensdreamfund.org/wws.cfm

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The ARCS Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded in Los Angeles in 1955. This volunteer women's organization is committed to providing scholarships to academically outstanding U.S. citizens studying science, medicine and engineering. The ARCS Foundation launched its Tampa Bay Florida chapter in March of 2010. The goal of this foundaton is to raise funds to support scholarships that will be awarded to graduate students in the Colleges of Marine Science and Cancer Biology. 

Kara Vita is a proud sponsor of Second Annual Eckerd College Science Symposium. The Symposium is a dynamic way to connect Eckerd students, faculty and alumni with each other and with the greater resources of Tampa Bay, area and beyond.

Click for more information. http://www.arcsfoundation.org/TampaBay/ARCS_2.asp

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In 1978, volunteers in Tampa, Florida started a modest outreach program offering baby clothes, toys and food to pregnant Moms in crisis. www.alphahouseoftampa.org offers a four-building campus with more than fifty bedrooms; a maternity home, and transitional housing for mothers with babies who don’t have a safe place to go after the birth of their child. The mission of Alpha House is to empower pregnant and parenting women in crisis to realize their ability to break the cycles of poverty and abuse, and create promising lives. They provide safe housing, education and counseling, parenting and life skills training, vocational assistance and spiritual support. Dermazone was made aware that the kitchen at Alpha House was in dire need of remodeling. While much of the project was covered by local merchant donations, a sizable sum was yet to be raised before the project could begin. Kara Vita has chosen to make a financial contribution to support this project, and our company will be included in a plaque that will hang permanently in the new kitchen. www.alphahouseoftampa.org

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While protecting ourselves from the sun on a daily basis is always critical, and something that the Dermazone divisions and Kara Vita educate customers on regularly, many people still limit themselves to only focusing on sun protection during summer months. To help communicate the message of sun protection at all times, Dermazone recently donated 1500 full-size pieces of Kara Vita SPF 30 to the American Cancer Society. Barb Ried, a Kara Vita Consultant, was instrumental in having each attendee of the society’s Discovery Ball receive our product. Attendees included corporate executives from all over the country, and those whose goals include eradicating this dreadful disease. $1.5 million was raised for the cure, and 1500 influential supporters now know about Dermazone's amazing sun care products. Together we are not only making a difference, but we’re changing people’s lives. http://www.cancer.org

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The gift of giving is one of the best contributions one can make. No charity is too small or too great to support. The Big Cat Rescue sanctuary serves to rescue and provide a permanent home to a diverse population of exotic cats who have suffered abuse, abandonment, bred to be pets, retired from performing acts, or saved from slaughter for fur coats. Additionally, it provides education to the public about the various animals and the issues presented to them in captivity and the wild.   http://www.bigcatrescue.org/ 

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October is celebrated nationwide as being DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS month.

For the past 30 years, CASA has been opening its doors to battered women. CASA, formally known as the Center Against Spouse Abuse, is known today as Community Action Stops Abuse. This organization serves the needs of the community by providing shelter to victims of domestic violence. They also address the root causes of domestic violence through advocacy programs, education and training in the schools and the community. Because of their service to the community, many lives have been saved. On their website (www.casa-stpete.org), you will find the quote, “Our job is to help survivors believe in themselves – to dream a better life.” Well, we here at Kara Vita are all about building dreams, so we wanted to do our part and contribute to the effort. We have chosen to make a sizeable donation of product to help heal the scars and lift the spirits of the survivors. Along with the product donation, we collected clothes and household items to be donated. http://www.casa-stpete.org/

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Dress for Success’ Annual Meeting, in conjunction with the Professional Women’s Group, held its annual fundraiser last month in Tampa. Sharon Coleman from Kara Vita was invited to participate in helping touch the lives of disadvantaged women in the Bay Area. In attendance were approximately 150 women from around the Bay Area to support the efforts of Dress for Success. Dress for Success is a not-for-profit organization that was founded in New York City in 1997. Since its inception, Dress for Success has helped over 500,000 women worldwide. Its mission is to promote economic independence for women in need. This is done by providing job coaching and other essential career knowledge needed to obtain and sustain employment, helping to find employment, and by furnishing them with business attire. Continued career guidance and support is also given even after employment has been found. Kara Vita donated samples of EyeWish Bioserum, Everyday Penetrating Lotion, and AllDay Suncare SPF 30 to show our support of improving peoples’ lives. It was a worthy function and we were able to make some great contacts for future business with independent business owners and professional women across the Bay Area.

http://www.dressforsuccess.org/ 

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The Hospice Foundation of the Florida Suncoast In our most critical time of need…when faced with life’s most challenging decisions…when we find ourselves most vulnerable and alone – the Hospice is there. For the last three decades, the Hospice of the Florida Suncoast has been serving Pinellas County. The Hospice is a community based not-for-profit agency committed to creating a caring and dignified environment for individuals suffering from chronic illness, facing the end of life, or grieving the loss of loved ones. The Hospice offers comprehensive palliative treatment, emotional counseling, spiritual guidance and other services to the people of Pinellas County, without regard for race, creed, age, diagnosis or ability to pay. As one of their annual fundraising events, the organization holds a Hospice Ball. This grand affair offers dining, dancing, a silent auction, and fun for all who attend. The theme for the 2008 Hospice Ball was Bella Venezia, meaning “Beautiful Venice.” Kara Vita is proud to share that we donated two beautiful baskets to be auctioned at this event – baskets worth $780.00, and $1,200.00. We know that the funds raised from this donation will help the Hospice to continue with their mission to provide care and support to patients and their families in our community.

http://www.hospicefoundation.org/

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Imagine this. You are the mother of a beautiful child who has just been diagnosed as having a disability or a special need. You suddenly become overwhelmed with emotion and confusion. Where do you go? Whom do you turn to? So many questions, but who can help you find the answers? FAMILY FIRST.

Family First is a program of the Alpha Resource Center of Santa Barbara, CA. The program connects families who have children with special needs with other families. They provide information and offer guidance with systems navigation, advocacy, and mediation. Their mission is to help families and children with special needs reach their fullest potential; to enable parents to help their children to be all they can be; and to build community awareness of the rights and contributions of all individuals. 

http://www.alphasb.org/

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A burn facility was established at LSUHSC Shreveport in 1978 and designated as a regional burn center in 1980. The Burn Center meets all the criteria for a Regional Burn Center as required by the American Burn Association and the American College of Surgeons and serves all of Louisiana as well as southern Arkansas and eastern Texas. A wide range of care for children and adults is offered from high-level trauma care for severely burned patients, to outpatient care for those with minor burns. All burn patients regardless of the extent of the injury are fast-tracked and seen by specialists in the burn center.

http://www.lsuhscshreveport.edu

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One of the perks of working with Kara Vita is having the privilege to help mothers shine – whether it is through a great skincare regimen, a tremendous business opportunity, or through their contributions to their communities. In the month of February, Kara Vita had the opportunity to assist mothers as they participated in community events. One mom in Texas wrote, “I am a leader in the Frisco MOPS group. MOPS stands for Mothers of Preschoolers. MOPS is a non-profit international organization that exists to meet the needs of every mom – urban, suburban and rural moms, stay-at-home and working moms, teen, single and married moms – moms with different lifestyles who all share a similar desire to be the very best moms they can be! “We are a new MOPS group and in our second year of outreach to Mothers of Preschoolers in Frisco, TX. We reach 50 mothers bi-weekly. On Friday, February 13, our leaders are hosting a ‘My Favorite Things’ meeting. We are copying Oprah’s format (on a much smaller scale). My most favorite thing is Kara Vita.” Now, we certainly love to hear that! With great pleasure, we donated 50 sets of samples to the non-profit Prestonridge MOPS group in Frisco, Texas. We were also able to help a mom in Ohio with her son’s High School Band Booster fundraiser. North Royalton High School Band boosters held their third Annual Reverse Raffle on Feb. 21, 2009. Kara Vita donated several bottles of sunscreen, which were placed in “outdoors activity” themed gift baskets. Kara Vita is always there in ways big and small helping moms to shine, and changing people’s lives.

http://www.fbcfrisco.org/MOPS.htm

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The NOSB held their annual Spoonbill Bowl event at the College of Marine Science at the University of South Florida (USF). The objectives of the Bowl are to increase high school students’ awareness of oceans and ocean sciences, recognize excellence among students interested in ocean science, and strengthen the connections between oceanographic research laboratories and their regional K-12 educational communities. Competing teams were quizzed on all aspects of ocean sciences in a rapid-fire question-and-answer format. The winning team from each region will advance to the NOSB Finals to compete against 24 teams from across the nation in hopes of winning the title of the 2010 NOSB champions. We are always supportive of science education!

http://www.oceanleadership.org/ 

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Let no Hero be forgotten!

Located in Joliet, IL, just 40 miles south of Chicago, right in the heart of America, you will find an organization whose passion and purpose is far reaching: Operation Care Package.

It all started five years ago with three women – Debbie Smothers, Debbie Durawa, and Pat Curran, who met in a support group for military families. Debbie Smothers learned from her brother, who was serving overseas, that three men serving with him were not getting any mail. Imagine that…being in a foreign country, fighting in a war zone, and not having any evidence from home showing that someone cared! From this need was born Operation Care Package. Their first shipment consisted of three packages, but today the non-profit organization has grown to shipping thousands of care packages monthly to Iraq, Afghanistan, and wherever they see a need.

Kara Vita first became aware of this organization through one of our employees; she was putting together a care package for her own son, who was fighting in the war in Iraq, and she discovered the organization’s website while doing some research online. Immediately, a relationship was born. That Christmas we donated a whole pallet of sunscreen to the troops, and we are for the third year in a row able to send more sunscreen to provide the troops with protection from the harsh sun.

http://www.operationcarepackages.org/

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Ovarian Cancer Coalition of Greater California (OCC) states that one in every 55 women is affected by ovarian cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer death in women in the United States. This year there has been an estimated 21,880 new cases of those diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and 13,850 who have lost their lives in the United States. This “silent killer,” as it is often called, is a very frightening disease, as a lot of times there are no symptoms until advanced stages. Early symptoms are often mild, adding to the difficulty of detection. Gynecological examinations can most often detect symptomless ovarian cancer. Having an ultrasound performed in combination with a blood test has proven useful in determining tumor growth, but has not been proven as a useful method of screening for this cancer. These alarming facts have driven the OCC to its commitment of bringing awareness to this horrible disease. Every year the OCC holds a run/walk to raise money to educate and support research for ovarian cancer. For a second year Dermazone Solutions has supported OCC by donating products.

http://www.ovariancancercalifornia.com/

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Kara Vita donated a very large amount of skincare products to The PACE Center for Girls. The donations were given to both the Hillsborough and Pinellas locations. This is our second time this year to donate product to PACE. We love what they do, and how they help the community. Please enjoy the article submitted by Sheri Taber, PACE liaison. According to Deborah Duffey, President and Chief Development Officer for Kara Vita, products and business opportunities are built on a passion to make a difference in the lives of women and their families. PACE helps girls and young women rediscover the beauty in life and in themselves. Not every young girl or woman is lucky enough to have a stable family, supportive parents and strong role models. More often than not, the girls who find their way to PACE are currently experiencing or have experienced sexual or physical abuse and depression and anxiety. Most of these girls are just trying to survive from one day to the next. Proper skincare is not even a consideration for most. PACE helps these girls turn their lives around by providing quality education, counseling, career planning and an opportunity to be successful. PACE helps girls stay in school, reduces their chances of being involved in, or being victims of, crime or violence, and provides hope for girls and their futures. The PACE program has been recognized nationally for its success in breaking the cycle of crime and poverty. PACE has more than a 95% success rate in the first year and more than 85% after five years. This means that 85% of girls who successfully complete the PACE program complete their education (minimum a high school diploma, most go on to vocational school and/or college) and go on to become productive citizens of society. Kara Vita’s thoughtful gift bag and complimentary facial consult will be much appreciated, and a valuable lesson on the importance of proper grooming and so much more. Kara Vita is also exposing the girls to strong positive female role models – you, the women of Kara Vita. PACE welcomes guests to tour the facility and learn more about the work they do and how you can get involved. If you would like to learn more about PACE, please visit www.pacecenter.org or call Chantel Griffin-Stampfer at 813-739-0410. PACE Center for Girls Inc., a Florida-based 501(c) 3, is a statewide prevention and early intervention program for adolescent high-risk girls.

http://www.pacecenter.org

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Kara Vita is proud to support the healing efforts for disabled children, adults, and disabled veterans through equestrian therapy. Quantum Leap Farm assists in creating a special relationship between its participants and horses. Through different activities, Quantum Leap Farm is able to successfully fulfill their mission of enhancing and enriching lives. These activities are designed to develop physical, emotional, and social well-being. This year Quantum Leap Farm and Great Art and Frame is hosting a fundraiser which will showcase art pieces provided by local artists. All proceeds will benefit Quantum Leap Farm’s healing programs. 

http://www.quantumleapfarm.org/

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Kara Vita and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office were on hand to show their support for American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life in Town ’n’ Country, a suburb of Tampa, FL. Chris Hovan of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers stopped in to sign autographs and take photos. Sharon Less of Kara Vita was one of the Liberty for Life team members and was on hand during the 18-hour overnight event, providing facials for participants, giving them the full Kara Vita experience. The Cancer Survivors honored at the event each received samples of Kara Vita SPF 30 product as part of their gift bags. With the help of Kara Vita, Michelle from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, other team members and Sharon, the team was able to raise over $5,000 and ranked as the Top Fundraising Team of the Relay for Life T ’n’ C event! 

www.relayforlife.org/westtampafl

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Resurrection House is a program to change lives, not just a place to live. Families know they are safe and secure in our beautiful, furnished 2- and 3-bedroom apartments. Since 1987, more than 500 families have completed our intensive, long-term program. Most of these families work and attend school, graduating from Resurrection House into solid careers, into permanent housing, and into bright futures for their children and themselves. 

http://www.floridaresurrectionhouse.com/ourmission.htm

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This program began in 2001 with the concept of providing those with physical limitations the experience of sailing. They adapted boats to accommodate these individual needs. Adding to the six boats owned, in 2003 Sailability was awarded a grant by the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation which allowed the opportunity to purchase another boat where a ventilator dependent quadriplegic would be able to sail independently. 

http://www.sailability.org/ 6 years Giving and… Growing! Pediatric Services of Florida was proud to be hosting the Suncoast Classic event on Saturday, February 23rd, 2008. And we here at Kara Vita were proud to say once again we have partnered with this organization, staying true to our commitment to helping others. Recently, we donated sunscreen and the last of our inventory of yellow koozies to be used at this event. The Suncoast Classic Run for Kids is a fundraiser race coursing through downtown St Petersburg. The event promotes efforts to improve the health and well-being of children and raises money to support the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tampa Bay. 2008 marked the sixth year that Pediatric Services of Florida hosted the Suncoast Classic. The race consists of several separate events including a Wheelchair Race, a 10K/5K Race, the Pelican Mile, and the Kids "Fun Run." The proceeds will be used for the operational needs of the three local RMH houses, which provide meals, lodging and support for families with children receiving care at Bay area hospitals. Josée Lévesque of Pediatric Services of Florida gave out samples of Kara Vita moisturizing sunscreen lotion and water-bottle koozies provided by Dermazone Solutions. 

http://www.runforkids.com/

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Kara Vita has often had the opportunity to contribute to the efforts of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. Our consultants all across the country have participated and given their time and energy towards this great effort. Many of them have volunteered and passed out sunscreen, while others have actually signed up and participated in the event. Well, our very own Nichole Huddleston actually did both. Nichole and her six team members from Wyoming traveled to Denver to participate in the 3-Day Walk. The Breast Cancer 3-Day is an incredible 60-mile journey that helps mothers, sisters, spouses, and friends get a step closer to a world without breast cancer. The Denver Walk took place August 28-30. Kara Vita donated some samples, so that Nichole and her team could pass them out while they walked. Talk about multitasking. Way to go, Nichole! We wish the team all the best and look forward to hearing the report. 

http://ww5.komen.org/

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The Arc is an association formed in 1950 by family members and friends of people with mental retardation. Today there are 120,000 members and nearly 1,000 state and local chapters. The primary objective of the Arc is to secure for all people with mental retardation the opportunity to choose and realize their goals of where and how they learn, live, work, and play. The Arc is further committed to reducing the incidence and limiting the consequence of mental retardation through education, research, advocacy, and the support of families, friends, and the community. Kara Vita has donated products to two of the local chapters here in Florida for their fall fundraising events. Manasota ARC (MARC) was established in July 2000, and it provides quality, individualized services for persons with developmental disabilities throughout Manatee and Sarasota counties. On September 11, 2009, they held their 6th Annual Golf Tournament at the Bradenton Country Club. PARC was founded in 1953 and serves over 700 people living with developmental disabilities in Pinellas County. On October 3, 2009, the organization held its Annual Black Tie Gala “Ruby Ball” at the Renaissance Vinoy. We are pleased to be able to support this organization as they help to make a difference in the lives of people who are dealing with a lifetime of personal challenges. We completely support changing people’s lives. 

http://www.thearc.org/

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On Sunday, April 6, the Young Women’s Breast Cancer Foundation hosted a fundraiser event to benefit the Reach to Recovery program. For over 30 years, this program has matched survivors with newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. These trained volunteers offer hope, comfort and advice to the new patients, diminishing the sense of isolation by offering constant support. Now, such a worthy cause warrants an extraordinary event, and this event reached for the stars…literally. On hand to meet and greet the attendees were four actors from the daytime CBS drama The Guiding Light. And our own Cathy Tannenholz and Missy Turner had the privilege of rubbing elbows with the stars. Kim Zimmer (Reva) took a sample regimen and Eyewish as well as a 2oz ESPL. She promised to contact Missy after using the products to let her know the results. Cathy Tannenholz said, “…we talked to so many women…who had family members undergoing chemo and radiation and had very dry itchy skin issues. Just the overall exposure that we received and what a great fit Kara Vita is for this type of event was wonderful.” We all here at Kara Vita couldn’t agree more. Cathy and Missy also donated a basket of product to the silent auction. Schmoozing with the stars while supporting a great cause…now that’s the Kara Vita life! 

http://www.youngwomensbreastcancerfoundation.com/

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