Oprah Winfrey Tops List as Hollywood's Biggest Giver

The Giving Back Fund, an organization designed to encourage philanthropy, recently released its annual list of the 30 most generous celebrity donors. To no one's surprise, Oprah Winfrey topped the charts at $50.2 million donated in 2007 alone. The media maven, who donates through The Oprah Winfrey Foundation and Oprah's Angel Network, is very well known amongst her fans for spontaneous on-show giveaways and her South African Leadership Academy, which opened in 2007.

Barbra Streisand, the late Paul Newman and Mel Gibson were also among the top five most generous celebrity donors, with power couple Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt not too far behind.

Clothing designer, Geoffrey Beene, who pioneered such causes as the Geoffrey Beene Cancer Research Center and Geoffrey Beene Alzheimer's Initiative, dropped off the list after coming in second in 2006 with $44 million.

And if you're wondering how this information is compiled, The Giving Back Fund puts it together each year using media reports, PF-990 tax forms and information from celebrity publicists, attorneys, agents and client managers.

All we have to say is "Hooray for Hollywood."

StinkyKids Help Cancer Patients

StinkyKids™, an apparel company built around 10 unique and inspiring characters who share the philosophy of being a little stinKer yet doing good and making positive choices , is one of the most creative endeavors out there. Britt Menzies, the founder and designer, is a non-stop, mom, mogul with great passion and drive. So it's no surprise that in it's short existence, StinkyKids has received national press - such as The Today Show and The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch - and landed in the department store wonderland known as Nordstrom.

Living up to their company motto, "Always Be A Leader of Good", a portion of the proceeds from StinkyKids is donated directly to Books, Bears and Bonnets, Inc. - a non-profit organization founded by Britt's mother in memory of Britt’s aunt who died of uterine cancer. This organization provides whimsical gift boxes to courageous children and adults fighting cancer and other serious illnesses.

To find out which StinkyKid you (and your little one) are, go to Uptown Liz, StinkyKids or select Nordstrom stores.

Photo caption: Britt's little StinkyKid, Emma, wearing StinkyKid Jen.

Boarding for Breast Cancer’s Save Our Breast Friends Event

Boarding for Breast Cancer, a nonprofit that supports youth-focused education, awareness, and fundraising, is having their 1st Annual Save Our Breast Friends Event. Hosted by Kelly Rutherford and Sarah Wynter, this evening will be filled with fun, cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, art and silent auction to support the organization's educational outreach program. Make sure to wear your best beach inspired cocktail attire so you can rock out to DJ Kris Graham.

To purchase tickets or to make a donation please visit http://boardingforbreastcancer.eventbrite.com/.

To support Boarding for Breast Cancer by shopping, browse the cosmetic bag collection by Jimeale on Uptown Liz.

Sacramento News & Review Features Uptown Liz

Sacramento News & Review featured Uptown Liz (and me) in this week's edition (with front page mention). Little did I know when I was interning there almost ten years ago, that I would be featured in an article talking about a company I started in my late sister's memory. Special thanks to Sena Christian for her terrific writing and Larry Dalton for an awesome photo. To read the article, click here.

Sacramento News & Review is sold all over the Sacramento region and their content can be found online. They also have sister papers in Chico and Reno. To see an article on me and Uptown Liz in the Chico edition from August, click here.

Uptown Liz & Fuffy J. Couture on Good Day Sacramento

Uptown Liz and Fuffy J. Couture appeared on Good Day Sacramento this past Monday, October 13. The segment featured the Liz Collection, the new Just beCause Bags by sisters and stay-at-home moms, Lyndi Eimerl and Kristin Morrow, that support breast cancer awareness. The chic handbags, which were named in memory of Elizabeth "Liz" Overturf, are black with pink lining, with an inspirational quote inside, and a charm that you can have personalized.

Also featured on the segment were the new GALS line at FranklinCovey, which includes planners (featuring the Uptown Liz story), folders, totes, business card holder, passport holder and more. Other products shown on the segment supporting breast cancer awareness were Grill Charms, Boob Lube, Honest Tease tee, shower for the cure, Nicola Gift Set, Luxe Link - Megan in Pink and the Uptown Girl - Breast Cancer Awareness Bracelet.

All of these products (as well as 200 more supporting breast cancer awareness) can be found at Uptown Liz on the Breast Cancer page.

Photo caption: GALS Collection Wire-Bound Cover.

Uptown Liz Featured in FranklinCovey Planners Supporting Breast Cancer Awareness

Liz's story has been featured in the new GALS planners at FranklinCovey. This is something that has been in the works for several months, and when Design-her Gals and FranklinCovey decided to partner on a special collection supporting the Gal to Gal Foundation, I was asked to write about Liz, Uptown Liz and my connection to the foundation (in order to read Liz's story, you will have to see the planners in person).

This came about because of my personal and business relationship with the founder of Design-her Gals and the Gal to Gal Foundation, Jeanne Fitzmaurice, who is a tireless advocate and warrior for breast cancer. Although we have never met in person, we have formed a "virtual", mutually supportive friendship that has meant so much to me. I first discovered Design-her Gals just a few months after Liz passed - the company was so Liz; she would have loved it. I contacted them and wrote how grateful I was that they were bringing attention to such an awful disease as stage IV breast cancer. Jeanne was the one to respond, and the rest is history.

The entire GALS Collection at FranklinCovey is phenomenal; they have outdone themselves. From totes to files to business card holders, they are the most stylish planning accessories I’ve ever seen. There is something for everyone in every price range. The products can be found at Uptown Liz (in the "Liz" section), Design-her Gals and Franklin Covey (stores and online).

My deepest gratitude to the teams at Design-her Gals and FranklinCovey for the privilege of sharing Liz's story - which I know will touch so many - and growing her legacy to "my wildest dreams".

Graphic caption: The likeness of Liz (left), her dog Daphne and Ramona designed at Design-her Gals to support the Gal to Gal Foundation.

Dorit Shapiro, President of Gal to Gal Foundation, Loses Her Battle With Breast Cancer at 38

In loving memory of Dorit Shapiro, President of the Gal to Gal Foundation, who passed away on October 12, 2008 from Stage IV breast cancer. Dorit was only 38 years old and had two children at the ages of 8 and 4. Please read her inspiring letter (below) and help us honor her memory by granting her only wish this October and raise $250,000 on the Gal to Gal Foundation Virtual Walk. Click Here to join the walk today. To see a video tribute of Dorit, click here.

I first heard about Design-her-Gals and the Gal to Gal Foundation in May 2006, more than two years ago. I had been diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer six months earlier, and I was very excited to hear about an organization that was working so hard to raise awareness about women and their families living with this serious condition. And the gals were so cute and glam—my then-six-year-old daughter just loved creating gals, and I admit it, I did too. Since I was in the midst of my first chemo regimen, I was glad to find a scarf option that my gal could wear. I remember writing to DHG, asking if a “beat cancer” t-shirt could be created, as that had become my mantra during my tough battle. Jeanne Fitzmaurice, the Gal’s Gal, wrote back to me and that began a virtual friendship that has blossomed over the past two years.

A Little About Me…
I am a wife and mother to two beautiful daughters, ages 4 and 8. I was diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer at the age of 35. My diagnosis came as a complete shock since there was no family history of any cancer and I was leading what I thought was a healthy, though stressful, typical Mom lifestyle. A few weeks after my diagnosis, during routine pre-chemo testing, the news went from bad to worse—the cancer had already spread and my initial diagnosis was stage IV breast cancer. We were devastated! At the time, we were told that only 20 percent of patients with my diagnosis lived another five years.

Initially, I thought I was just told that I was dying from breast cancer. Now, I believe that I am living with advanced breast cancer, waging a battle against a tough enemy. My cancer diagnosis has brought about a significant transformation in my life. Some of its impact is obvious—enduring treatments and tests, physical discomfort, and some sleepless nights. But other changes may seem surprising, such as acceptance of my situation, perseverance to beat a formidable opponent, and appreciation of the blessings I have in my life. Before my cancer diagnosis, I got caught up in trivial details that now seem so unimportant, like how others perceive me. I believe that my cancer diagnosis has been a gift; it has changed my life and helped me realize that I have so many things to be grateful for, like my family and good friends.
My Involvement with Gal to Gal…

In October 2007, when I heard about the virtual walk the Gal to Gal Foundation was conducting, I enthusiastically joined with my daughters and husband. I felt so deeply that the world needs to know about what living with stage IV breast cancer is like, that I wrote to my local newspapers and television stations. My letter to the editor was published in our neighborhood paper, and my oldest daughter and I were interviewed for our local news. The story was eventually shown by nearly 15 affiliates around the country. My involvement with the Gal to Gal Foundation shifted from huge fan and supporter to Board Member, when Jeanne invited me to formally participate in the Foundation and bring my skills and enthusiasm to enhance our mission.

In May 2008, exactly two years from when I first heard about DHG and GTG, Jeanne and the Board of Directors asked me to serve as President of the Gal to Gal Foundation Board of Directors. I am truly humbled by the honor to represent an organization who lends a voice to women like me who are living with stage IV breast cancer every day. I feel a strong, personal connection to our mission, and my participation with GTG has given me a new-found purpose and inspired me to speak up for the women who may not feel comfortable using the term “survivor,” but are surviving every day, facing obstacles with courage and hope. Though I never had the privilege of meeting Robin and Janis, the inspiration for our Foundation, my goal is to honor their memories as well as the memories of all the women who have lost their battles to this tough enemy so that women and families living with stage IV breast cancer are never forgotten and receive the support they need and deserve. I hope you will join me in supporting this wonderful organization until there comes a day when we are not needed because we have found a cure and no one must face living with this diagnosis.

With Love and Gratitude,
Dorit Shapiro

Uptown Liz on Sacramento's TwinSoup

TwinSoup, a fabulous blog focusing on Sacramento happenings, has featured Uptown Liz in a smart and witty article. The identical twins of TwinSoup, 28 year old Sarah and Rachel Campell, are not only well dressed, they are well written. Their eye for design and pulse on the city quickly gave TwinSoup Web traffic to put even the savviest of bloggers to shame. Check out the article on Uptown Liz here.

Become an Uptown Liz Fan on Facebook

Uptown Liz has joined Facebook and we would love for you to become a fan. Be the first to hear about new products, company news and much more! To join our Facebook, click here.

Target Hits the Bullseye with New Pink Products

In honor of breast cancer awareness month, Target, the nation’s fifth largest retailer in sales revenue, has unveiled a fun and stylish new line of pink products.

The Brita Water Pitcher, Bialetti Cupcake Carrier and KitchenAid Pink Two-Slice Toaster are just three of the boob-friendly items that will join the 35-40 existing products (our fave: the Conair Ionic Styler and Dryer), already promoting breast cancer awareness on Target's Web site. But the pink doesn't stop there. Using proceeds from sales of its pitchers, Brita will donate a total of $50,000 to the City of Hope during the 2008 campaign, and Trudeau will donate 5% of the proceeds from the sale of its Drive Time Travel Mug to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

It's no doubt that The Target Corporation, best known for its corporate responsibility and philanthropic efforts in the fields of education and environmental awareness, has continued its quest to "do good" for the community, while keeping its shoppers "pretty in pink."

Chic Handbags for Breast Cancer Awareness

Introducing "The Liz Collection" - handbags supporting breast cancer charities that were designed by a young sister team in Sacramento, CA. The two bags - that were seen on the red carpet of the 2008 Emmy Awards - are black with pink lining with an inspirational quote inside (see below). You can also have the charm that is attached to the bags hand stamped with the name of a loved one or word of significance.

Sisters and stay-at-home moms, Kristin Morrow and Lyndi Eimerl, founded Fuffy J. Couture in September 2006 and launched Just BeCAUSE Bags two years later. As a unique individual, Head Designer, Kristin Morrow, had always found ways to stand out from the crowd. She was a trendsetter amongst her peers without even trying. As a teenager she began designing handbags for herself out of vintage clothing and remnants of fabric she found in her mother's sewing room. These handbags - with an eclectic charm - sparked widespread interest amongst family, friends and strangers alike. As the requests came in, Kristin soon began designing handbags for her biggest fans, including her sister and best friend Lyndi. The sisters' "Aha" moment came when they recognized the unanswered demand for distinctive and artistic fabric handbags in the marketplace; prompting them to launch Fuffy J. Couture, named after their late grandfather.

Kristin's and Lyndi's second "Aha" moment came when their godmother lost her battle with cancer in July 2008, only three months after being diagnosed. This difficult loss caused them to reflect on their lives and their work as they discovered a bigger purpose in life. They wanted to impact lives in a positive way while pursuing their passion for art and fashion. Having been dedicated to partnering with important causes and donating to them previously, a new line of cause-related bags became the next logical step. After meeting Ramona Russell, founder of Uptown Liz, and hearing of her sister, Liz's, death from breast cancer at 28, the sisters were moved to name their first collection in memory of her to support breast cancer causes.The Just BeCAUSE line of handbags is this designing duo's way of giving back and offering women across the globe sophistication, sentiment, support and most importantly, hope.

The "Liz" Collection can be found at Uptown Liz or Fuffy J. Couture and retails for $125-165.

"Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly." - Anonymous

Photo caption: The "Liz" Shoulder Bag and Cocktail Clutch for Breast Cancer.

Larry King, Celebrities Virtually Walk Across the Country for Breast Cancer

The 2nd Annual Gal to Gal Virtual Walk starts today! For just a few dollars, you can design your own gal (and now guy) to virtually walk through 31 cities across the country with Larry King, Stephen Covey, Marg Helgenberger, Lisa Rinna, Denise Richards and the cast of Guiding Light and many others. All the funds raised will go to Stage IV breast cancer patients and their families.

Breast cancer is a cause close to my heart because I lost my 28 year old sister, Liz, to the disease. She was diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer after being misdiagnosed at the age of 23. I discovered Design-her Gals - an online stationery company that allows you to design your likeness and dress in an array of couture - shortly after Liz died. She would have adored this company and spent hours dressing her avatar before deciding if she wanted note cards, stickers or a coffee mug.

What makes this company even more spectacular is that they donate 5% from all sales to their nonprofit organization, the Gal to Gal Foundation, which is the first-ever stage IV breast cancer charity. This stage of breast cancer is horrific and the patients and their loved ones need all the support they can get. One way you can do that is by signing up for the Gal to Gal Virtual Walk and telling your friends and family to do the same. There's no training required, you won't break a sweat or have to leave your laptop - it's virtual philanthropy!

Graphic caption: The likeness of Liz (left), her dog Daphne and Ramona designed at Design-her Gals to support the Gal to Gal Foundation.