I shared about my trip this summer with Healing Waters International and The Her Initiative here, but earlier this week I hosted a Party for Her to share my experience and the cause with all of my girlfriends in Orange County.  You can watch a short video of the trip I took here (and you can also get a super attractive behind-the-scenes of what I look like crying = bonus!).

I wanted to host the party before the holiday season really started up, because as I shared here, when I was younger, in addition to presents, my parents began giving each of us $100 to donate to a charity of our choice.  We would select an organization in January and share with the family which one we chose. Over the years it has become so much fun to continue to learn about all of the organizations in place helping others – from books to animals, young artists, musicians, and health causes – there are so many great ways to give back.

In college I was Philanthropy Chairman of both my sorority and honor society, and worked to raise money to support shelters that housed young girls without a place to call home.  Christian and I actually met while volunteering at a nursing home (are you rolling your eyes yet?).  Needless to say, helping those in need and trying to treat others how I would want to be treated is something I will always fully support.

This year, I’ve chosen to take a larger role in The Her Initiative and have pledged $25 a month to give clean water to 25 women and children.  This helps keep them healthy, teach them about properly washing their hands and preparing food and keeps children in school which gives them better education for a better future.

Think of what you spend $25 a month on – movies, happy hour, a manicure, takeout.  Imagine if you didn’t have clean water to drink or give to your children?  Instead you carry contaminated water from a creek everyday for your family?

During this season of giving, I’m challenging you guys to open your hearts to recognize how truly blessed we are.  Give back.  And maybe you can’t invest your time right now, but you’re willing to give money.  If you feel called to help us help Her, commit to $25 a month or give a one-time donation here. Every bit helps.

I want to thank The Whimsy Cookie for donating these adorable Her cookies (and I will not confess how many I ate, they are addicting).  Fun story – the owners of Whimsy are Collins Tuohy and Laurie Suriff from Memphis, Tennessee. Collins and I are friends from college and she is a part of the family that The Blind Side is based on. And yes – her family is absolutely as amazing as they are in the movie! Check out her adorable cookie company here and seriously – they were shipped across the country and were SO cute and delicious.  When I was emailing with Collins about this cause, she replied with, “Whimsy is always excited about being able to make cookies for a good cause! Change sometimes happens in the smallest forms. If everyone would do a little something, even as simple as giving a sugar cookie away for a good cause, we could really make a positive movement in our country and others. We are excited to be a part of Her even if it is in the smallest of ways!”  I mean… reason 800 why I love her.

Another big thank you to Always Lou Designs for providing the party decor and this perfect “So Thankful” sign.  I can’t wait to re-use these decorations! You can get your own tassel garland, thankful sign, balloon and paper lanterns – and they have so many adorable party options.

And lastly thank you to Seven Daughters Wines for providing some of my favorite wine for all of the ladies.  There was so much to cheer and I will never turn down their Pinot Noir.

Thanks so much for reading, and I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving week, full of family, friends, food and full hearts knowing how lucky we truly are. XO –