Sustenance Group's Nancy Bauer with Heifer CEO Pierre Ferrari and Heifer Southeast Community Director Kate Merrill.

Sustenance Group’s Kristi Wooten and Nancy Bauer were invited to attend a special reception for Heifer International CEO Pierre Ferrari as part of The Galloway School’s innovative year-long service learning project to benefit the nonprofit.

Check out Mr. Ferrari’s message to the school’s students, below.

 

 

 

Sustenance Group Commemorates World AIDS Day

ONE's Nancy Bauer and Atlanta City Councilman Kwanza Hall at STK Atlanta for the Belvedere (RED) Party on World AIDS Day.

When I heard Bono on YouTube describing (RED)’s partnership with Belvedere Vodka as being “innovative,” I admit I was a bit skeptical. What would make a limited-edition bottle of alcohol with a picture of the White House on it any more innovative than any of the dozens of other cleverly-designed and highly successful (RED) products that have raised money for the Global Fund to fight HIV/AIDS in Africa since 2006? After canvassing the crowd at the Belvedere (RED) party on World AIDS Day at the brand-new STK Atlanta, I now know the answer to that question.

While it takes a certain consumer to purchase a (RED) Bugaboo stroller or a (RED) iPod, everyone likes to have a good time, and Belvedere (RED) is a product that further bridges the gap between average consumers and the socially-conscious set.

As ONE’s congressional district leader Nancy Bauer and I made our way around STK, conversing with nearly 300 people about HIV/AIDS statistics and watching folks snap QR codes to make patches for the 2015Quilt, we were astonished to learn that a great portion of the crowd didn’t know much about (RED), ONE, or World AIDS Day, but they all knew Belvedere Vodka. Explaining how (RED) products save lives and how easy it is to join ONE, join (RED), and make a difference may have convinced a few people to learn more about using their voices to affect change – and that made the party even more fun. Spotted: CNN’s TJ Holmes, Actor Iron E. Singleton, Atlanta Falcon Tony Gonzalez, Collective Soul’s Dean Roland and more.

Collective Soul's Dean Roland and The Blind Side's Iron E. Singleton at STK Atlanta for the Belvedere (RED) Party on World AIDS Day. Photo by Ben Rose. www.BenRosePhotography.com

Belvedere (RED) may be partying in a city near you. Check out the interactive map on Facebook to find out more.  And if you haven’t made your 2015Quilt patch yet, please do so now: http://www.2015quilt.com/

Photo by Ben Rose www.BenRosePhotography.com

World AIDS Day story in Huffington Post

A visitor peruses AIDS posters at Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA). Photo credit: Carrie Whitney/PennHouse Productions.

Sustenance Group Founder Kristi Wooten wrote about World AIDS Day in the Huffington Post. Click here to read the story.

Sustenance Group Holiday Giving: Partnering with Artists to Support Women-Focused Organizations

Sustenance Group, in partnership with Atlanta’s  Fine Arts Workshop, artist Michael David and the Bill Lowe Gallery, launches a holiday fine art print sale to benefit women-focused organizations Mango Tree Foundation and Dining for Women.

The sale runs from November 14 – January 15, with 50% of proceeds from the sale of the prints going directly to the charitable organizations (the other 50% goes directly to the artists). Many images to choose from — prints from 19 different paintings/designs by 19 different artists. Quick shipping available for holiday gifting and easy Google checkout!

Click here to view the gallery of prints and purchase yours today!

"Klimt Christie" by Karen Schwartz

These beautiful, signed-and-numbered giclee prints (each of exquisite quality and sized at 17 x 21 inches) feature the work of artists from the Atlanta Fine Arts Workshop, whose work appears in a group show entitled The Irascible Muse (a nod to the group of artists who appeared in Nina Leen’s infamous 1951 photograph for Life magazine) which is on exhibition at Bill Lowe Gallery through the end of the year.

This group of artists worked under the tutelage of Michael David, a renowned abstract painter and encaustic artist whose work has been featured at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, among many other well-known venues. Three years ago, Michael David and artist partner Scott Browning decided to launch Fine Arts Workshop, a studio for artists wishing to study under the direction of David, whose artistic vision landed him in some of the most coveted museums and universities in the world. Unlike the traditional art school set, these artists are finding their way back to art after meeting life’s detours that made it difficult for them to pursue an earlier career. The result is a group cured by maturity and experience powerfully reflected in their work. Add to the formula the spirit of the South and the adrenaline of reconnecting with a source impulse to paint, and these artists have produced work that represents the beginning of a new vernacular in Southern artistry.

Click here to view the gallery of prints and purchase yours today!

Artists of "The Irascible Muse" exhibition. Photo credit: Barbara Brenner and Deborah Whitlaw

Bread for the World Blog Supports “30 Days for Famine Relief” Yoga and Pilates Program

Sustenance Group’s Nancy Bauer, Executive Director of Mango Tree Foundation, is gaining national attention for her “30 Days” project to bring awareness to the current famine in the Horn of Africa. By practicing yoga every day for 30 days and engaging networks of Yoga and Pilates studios around the country to donate a small amount for every person who practices in their locations during the month of September, 2011, Bauer will raise funds for CARE and the World Food Programme, two leading organizations working in hard-hit Kenya and Somalia.

Working out at Pilates Tutor Studio in Marietta, Georgia

Bauer was recently quoted in a blog by Bread for the World:

“I hope through my practices to honor the women, children and men who have lost their lives and who are struggling to survive now,” said Nancy, a resident of Roswell, Ga. “My daily journey will be much easier than theirs. But, I live in a society where people die from obesity and obesity related issues – we die from too much. They die from not enough…”

To sign up to participate, visit the Mango Tree Foundation Facebook page here.

Sustenance Group Joins Emergency Meeting For Horn of Africa Famine Crisis

Sustenance Group’s Kristi York Wooten, Nancy Bauer, and Stephanie Jolluck were summoned for an emergency briefing on the Horn of Africa famine crisis at CARE headquarters on August 11, 2011. CARE’s Bob Leprade, Jonathan Mitchell, and Liz McLaughlin reported on CARE’s work in the region, as well as on the status of fundraising needs to support efforts there.

Sustenance Group is supporting CARE’s fundraising efforts through social media and a series of September fundraising events TBA shortly.

Moni Basu reported on the August meeting for CNN later that morning. CARE’s Liz McLaughlin also appeared on CNN:

 

 

Sustenance Group’s Stephanie Jolluck honored at InStyle Magazine Independent Handbag Designer Awards

Sustenance Group Founding Principle Stephanie Jolluck was recognized on June 15 at the 2011 Independent Handbag Designer Awards for her sustainable handbags made by Guatemalan women for Coleccion Luna.

Stephanie Jolluck and Susan Davis in NYC at the 2011 Independent Handbag Designer Awards

To learn more about Coleccion Luna products, which provide income and work for women villagers in Central America, click here.

Sustenance Group teams with ONE, First United Church of Marietta, and the Atlanta Beat to Fight Malaria

Organized by Sustenance Group’s Karla Jacobs and Nancy Bauer, the second annual Atlanta World Malaria Day event kicked off in style April 25 with First United Methodist Church of Marietta and Marietta First Baptist teaming with ONE to put on a soccer carnival and concert to raise funds for Malaria No More and Nothing But Nets.

On hand for the festivities were Atlanta Beat professional women’s soccer players as well as musician Scott England, who performed music from his new CD, Sanctuary.

Atlanta Beat players Lyndsey Patterson, India Trotter, Vendula Strnadova, and Katie Fraine join kids at Atlanta World Malaria Day 2011.

CDC’s Paul Howell did a special presentation of live mosquitoes as well as a brief overview of the history of malaria. Special thanks to Lipsey Water; to Forrest Cate, Megan Elsey, and Georgia Rambo from FUMC Marietta for their hard work and generosity; and to the Girl Scouts/local Brownie Troop for building a mock village/net display to demonstrate the importance of net protection in the fight against malaria.

Musicians Shane Cole and Scott England

Malaria No More featured the event on its blog. Click on the image below or here to read more.

Sustenance Group Partner Mango Tree Foundation Expands Relationship with Africa Bags

From Nancy Bauer:

“May 22 I had a chance to meet with Todd and Holly Petitt of Africa Bags at their home in Colorado. www.africabags.org We have been talking with them about a pilot fruit-drying project within the next 9 months. Africa Bags has offered us space in one of their community centers (built by funds from the sale of Africa Bags) as soon as we can get ready.  Super exciting – we have a lot of work to do and a lot of money to raise.

We have asked Africa Bags to create a special, limited edition, Mango Tree bag.  We will be using fabric exclusively for Mango Tree for the bags.  They won’t be one of a kind but they will probably be 1 of 100 kind!  If the project is successful, my idea is to have a limited edition Mango Tree bag created by Africa Bags every year!

On June 13, we partnered with a local Mary Kay representative, Callie Brown, for “Makeovers for Mango Tree Foundation.”  50% of the proceeds from the sale of that evening’s sales were donated to Mango Tree.  We raised around $800!  A great way to raise awareness and to support a local businesswoman.  I love these kinds of collaborations.

We have also moved forward with our support of Vencedoras de Batallas in Bogota.  Right now we are funding capacity building, leadership training, and organizational development working with our wonderful partners at Uniminuto and Fundacion Eudes.  Some of the women are taking English classes as well as computer literacy classes.  Beginning in September, the women of Vencedoras will begin entrepreneur training – the ultimate goal is to become independent businessmen.  One of MTF’s requests is that the entrepreneur training include the creation of a micro-savings initiative within the group.  MTF’s goal – create a savings account that the women can eventually borrow from to start their own businesses.  We believe that a micro-savings opportunity has the potential to strengthen this group, continue their training and development and leaders and, create an environment of savings!  We also believe that this isn’t giving a “hand-out” to women but rather asking them to make a commitment to be the best they can be!”

Heifer fundraising project with Galloway School

Sustenance Group member Jennifer Dorian and Galloway School’s Lynn Mandelbaum worked with elementary school students

A student display explaining how Heifer helps fight poverty.

to raise awareness and funds for Heifer International.

Students at the school were involved in a year-long service learning project, which culminated in a end-of-year fundraiser at the Sandy Springs Farmers Market, where students sold lemonade and sang for the crowd. Dorian and family entertained with bluegrass and folk music, showing off their skills on guitar, fiddle and more.

Galloway students work at a Heifer display

Jennifer Dorian (with guitar) leads a student fundraiser for Heifer International in Atlanta

Sustenance Group promotes “Every Mother Counts” campaign in honor of Mother’s Day 2011

In honor of Mother’s Day 2011, Sustenance Group is promoting the film, No Woman, No Cry, a documentary about maternal health, which was directed by Christy Turlington Burns and will be shown on the Oprah Winfrey Network on May 7, 2011 at 9:30 PM (check local listings).

Christy Turlington Burns filming No Woman, No Cry

Watch parties are being organized by EveryMotherCounts.org, Turlington Burns’ advocacy organization, as well as by Sustenance Group partner Dining for Women, whose members will host watch parties and also raise funds for Mujeres Aliadas, a rural midwife project clinic in Mexico.

In addition, Starbucks released a music CD (also called Every Mother Counts), which is available in stores while supplies last. Sustenance Group’s Kristi York Wooten spoke with Turlington Burns about the CD project, as well as musician Martha Wainwright, who remade the classic Bob Marley hit “No Woman, No Cry” as the title track to Turlington Burns’ documentary.

$8 from the sale of each CD will go to benefit CARE. This disc features A-listers Madonna, Jennifer Lopez, and Gwyneth Paltrow, who sings a surprisingly good version of the Kate Bush song, “This Woman’s Work.

Read more about the songs and stories behind the songs here.

World Malaria Day 2011 Event Announced

Join Sustenance Group and Atlanta ONE for World Malaria Day 2011 in downtown Marietta, Georgia at the First United Methodist Church from 10 AM – 2 PM on Saturday, April 30. Fun for the whole family!

$10 per person includes all activities, soccer carnival, live music by Scott England, an appearance by pro soccer team The Atlanta Beat, a picnic lunch with hot dog and drink, and the donation of one mosquito net to a needy family in a malaria-affected part of the world.

Tickets on sale NOW. Click HERE to get your tickets today!

Did you know that every year, 781,000 people die from malaria?

Or that every 45 seconds a child dies from malaria?

Malaria is not a problem in the United States, but in other parts of the world it is a leading killer of children. Let’s stop it!

Please join us for a day of family fun to raise awareness and funds

for NOTHING BUT NETS (http://www.nothingbutnets.org )

and MALARIA NO MORE (http://www.malarianomore.org).

Photo: Scott England

Water is Life – Kenya featured on Huffington Post for World Water Day

Sustenance Group connects TwitChange and CARE for March 2011 auction

Sustenance Group connected TwitChange and CARE for a very special March 2011 International Women’s Day campaign to support CARE’s work to empower girls and women in more than 70 countries around the world. Thanks to TwitChange founders Shaun King and Jinean Robinson, as well as Chad Kellough, and also Joey Leslie from Studio Good, for their infectious enthusiasm, passion and unwavering belief that we can change the world one tweet at a time! And special thanks to CARE’s Amanda Bolster, Shannon Darke, Toby Smith, Staci Dixon, and Red Engine Digital for implementing the partnership!

The 10-day auction raised more than $120,000 for CARE.

TwitChange and CARE rang the NASDAQ opening bell on March 11 and were featured in Times Square:

More than 90 celebrities participated and actress Eva Longoria led the charge:

Stephanie Jolluck and Coleccion Luna project mentioned on C-SPAN

Sustenance Group’s Stephanie Jolluck, owner of Coleccion Luna, received a shout-out from Rep. Nita Lowey (D-NY) on March 11 during a C-SPAN interview about International Women’s week.

Coleccion Luna, founded in 1999 by Jolluck, is a designer accessories collection created in Guatemala from recycled Indigenous clothing – “huipiles” (blouse like garments), “corte” (skirts/utilitarian fabric), “faja” (belts) that are hand-woven, hand-embroidered, woven on a backstrap loom, woven by treadle loom, or machine embroidered. Together with Jolluck, the artisan women she employees craft the goods in the comfort of their homes and when they have free time, which allows them time to work other jobs and tend to their family responsibilities. Coleccion Luna donates a portion of proceeds to nonprofits such as CARE , Safe Passage , & Off the Mat, Into the World.

India Arie and Idan Raichel, Michael Franti, Crystal Bowersox and Sarah Darling rock International Women’s Day

Photo courtesy of CARE From Left to Right: Performers Sarah Darling, India.Arie, Michael Franti, Crystal Bowersox and Idan Raichel.

On March 8 in Washington, D.C., performers from a variety of genres gathered together for a celebration concert in honor of CARE and the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day. Sustenance Group’s Kristi York Wooten served as Music Director and Co-Producer for the event, working in tandem with CARE’s fantastic team: Vice President Adam Hicks, Producer Scott Thigpen, Director of Marketing and Media Alliances Shannon Darke, Marketing Manager Amanda Bolster, Press Officers Brian Feagans and Sarah Moser, as well as Event Managers Christina Santos and Shira Lawrence, and many others.

The evening kicked off with a three-song set by country newcomer Sarah Darling (including a great take on U2′s “With or Without You“), followed by a pair of powerful new original tunes and one cover by 2010 American Idol runner-up Crystal Bowersox. Michael Franti got the crowd on its feet with a rousing set, including his smash hit, “Say Hey.” Headliner India Arie performed stunning new material, including “Lion and Butterfly,” as well a set of songs from the as-yet-unreleased album, Open Door, cowritten with Israeli composer and pianist Idan Raichel.

More photos and videos coming soon!

Guinea Worm Eradiction: Kristi York Wooten speaks with Jimmy Carter

On February 17, 2011 The Carter Center honored leaders from Nigeria and Niger for their role in eradicating Guinea Worm.

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Sustenance Group’s Kristi York Wooten spoke with former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and Carter Center Health Programs vice President Donald Hopkins about this achievement and published a piece in the Huffington Post to commemorate the event. The article was widely featured the week of March 5.

Sustenance Group’s Stephanie Jolluck hosts John Prendergast in Atlanta

John Prendergast and Stephanie Jolluck at CARE headquarters in Atlanta on February 4, 2011

Activist and author John Prendergast made a special visit to Atlanta February 4 to promote his recent book with Don Cheadle, The Enough Moment.

Prendergast spoke to CARE executives and CARE Action Network members at a luncheon arrange by Sustenance Group’s Stephanie Jolluck. Activists Jollouck and Jackie Patterson are featured in The Enough Moment for her work on the Dialog:Start One project.

CARE's Derreck Kayongo, Southeast Director, along with John Prendergast

International Women’s Day 2011: Now’s the Time

Sustenance Group is once again helping CARE celebrate International Women’s Day. Click here to read why 2011 is the perfect time to support the movement to empower women and girls around the world.

Melinda Gates will be the keynote speaker at CARE's International Women's Day Celebration Conference on March 9, 2011.

A New Decade for Women-Focused Philanthropy

A recent Huffington Post piece by Kristi York Wooten highlighted the work of Sustenance Group partner Dining for Women – and got a tremendous response. Click here to read more.

In Kenya, Hellen (left) greets Patricia Andersson, leader of Dining For Women's Portland, Oregon chapter. (Photo courtesy of Dining for Women. Photo credit, Marsha Wallace.)

Mango Tree Foundation Presents “Something Different” Gift Fair

Sustenance Group Founding Principles Nancy Bauer, Stephanie Jolluck and Monica Tannian were featured on an NBC News segment by Brenda Wood about holiday shopping and “Presents with a Purpose” on Atlanta’s 11 Alive. Mango Tree Foundation’s Gift Fair was the focus. Click below to watch the video and for links to the Sustenance Group partners featured in the segment.

Sustenance Group Congratulates World Food Prize Winners David Beckmann and Jo Luck

On the eve of his receipt of the 2010 World Food Prize, Bread for the World president David Beckmann talks to Huffington Post Impact about the politics of hunger and his new book, Exodus From Hunger. Click here to read the interview with David Beckmann by Kristi York Wooten, Founding Director, Sustenance Group.

 

 

Sustenance Group Founding Principal featured in new book by John Prendergast and Don Cheadle

Congratulations to Sustenance Group Founding Principal Stephanie Jolluck, who, along with activist Jackie Patterson, is featured on pages 218-219 of The Enough Moment, the new book by John Prendergast and Don Cheadle.

Jolluck is recognized for her work as a “Citizen Upstander: folks throughout the U.S. who have taken extraordinary action on behalf of survivors of human rights abuses half a world away.”

Sustenance Group worked with the Enough Project and John Prendergast on a 2009 Atlanta friendraiser supporting Raise Hope for Congo.

Purchase The Enough Moment by clicking on the book image at left or at the link here.

Introducing new signature fundraising programs

Sustenance Group is pleased to announce the January 2011 launch of the SoundsGood Concert Series and the AddingUp Donation Program, both connecting businesses with charitable opportunities and bringing issues-based awareness to new audiences. Watch this space for launch details!

Mango Tree announces new fundraising event

Join Sustenance Group Founding Principle Nancy Bauer at a fabulous night out for a good cause as she hosts Mango Tree Foundation‘s second annual girls’ night out, June 21, 2010 from 7pm to 10pm at the Paper Mill Grill (305 Village Place- Marietta, GA).  Your $20 donation includes appetizers, music, silent auction, prize drawings and a fun evening. All profits benefit the Mango Tree Foundation, Inc. a 501 (c)3 organization.

Purchase advance tickets here: http://mangotreegirlsnightout.eventbrite.com

Funds raised at this event help fund Mango Tree’s current project, YO MUJER (I, Woman – in Spanish). YO MUJER is dedicated to helping women and children displaced from the Colombian countryside adjusting to life in Bogota, Colombia. YO MUJER was founded by Teresa Díaz and Diva Trujillo, who themselves are victims of the violence that forced them to flee the countryside and head for the relative safety of Bogota. To date, more than 700 families have been helped by YO MUJER. The Inter-American Development Bank has an article on YO MUJER which tells their story in vivid detail.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton speaks at CARE National Conference

The real meaning of Mother’s Day

Sustenance Group’s World Malaria Day event featured by ONE, Nothing But Nets, and Malaria No More.

Net gains for World Malaria Day

Mark Lee, Christina Howell, Mac Powell, Kristi York Wooten, Tai Anderson • Photo by Kaitlyn Pack ©2010 Widescreen Video Productions

In partnership with Marietta First Baptist Church and ONE, Sustenance Group worked to raise nearly $9000 for Malaria No More and Nothing But Nets in honor of World Malaria Day on April 25 (thanks in part to a generous matching gift from the Tony Blair Faith Foundation). Third Day and Scott England performed, former NBA star Ivano Newbill played basketball with the kids, and Paul Howell from the CDC brought more than 500 mosquitoes to demonstrate the number of infectious bites a child can receive in one year if not protected by a bed net. Mayor Steve Tumlin even declared Marietta a City of ONE. Third Day’s Tai Anderson wrote an eloquent piece for the ONE blog, and Nancy Bauer followed up with a post-event blog piece, as well. Video coming soon!

Basketball star Ivano "Newby" Newbill in action • Photo by Nicholas Spratlen ©2010 Acclaim Pro Photos

Paul Hill, Mark Lee, Mac Powell, Dr. Bill Ross, Lauren Waggoner, Tai Anderson • Photo by Nicholas Spratlen ©2010 Acclaim Pro Photos

Paul Howell of the CDC • Photo by Nicholas Spratlen ©2010 Acclaim Pro Photos

Children visiting the bed and mosquito net display • Photo by Nicholas Spratlen ©2010 Acclaim Pro Photos

Scott England and Shane Cole performing • Photo by Nicholas Spratlen ©2010 Acclaim Pro Photos

A special thanks to the volunteers:

Audrey Ruark, Super ONE volunteer and ONE Campus Challenge leader from Kennesaw State University • photo by Nicholas Spratlen ©2010 Acclaim Pro Photos

Let me also say a very special thank you to our faith partners in this endeavor: To Christina Howell for being the catalyst to the whole event; to Marietta First Baptist Church head pastor Dr. Bill Ross, who believed in the World Malaria Day event from the beginning and who took a great leap of faith to open up his church to a bunch of activists; to children’s pastor Lauren Waggoner, who was a key player in putting the event together, and to music minister Paul Hill, who made sure the event sounded great; to Elizabeth Coan, CEE preschool director, for some great ideas and support; And to church members Karla Jacobs, Debbie Schulte, and Erin White: without you we could not make this event happen; to Sherri Grant who drove 3 hours to volunteer; And to everyone else who lent support: Phyllis, Katherine, Jane, Brent, Chris, John, et al: Your actions are impacting the world and making a difference!

WORLD MALARIA DAY, April 25: featuring Third Day!

Malaria kills almost 900,000 people per year… most of them children. You can help – simply by donating a life-saving mosquito net, to protect those children from the potential hundreds of bites they could receive each night.

Mark your calendars for April 25 and a WORLD MALARIA DAY event that’s educational and fun for all ages. You’ll learn about the disease, see mosquito nets in action, and find out ways you can help.

Awesome Grammy-winning band and activists THIRD DAY will perform a short live set and ONE will be on hand to tell you how you can make a difference in the lives of those affected by poverty and disease around the world! Visit Mariettafbc.org to donate.

Presented by Marietta First Baptist Church, Sustenance Group, and ONE.