Scottsdale Women Unite in Their Desire to Make a Difference
For Immediate Release
11/1/06
More Information:
Kathy Sandler (480) 861-7511
Three women previously unknown to each other are teaming together in unique ways to make a difference within our community. Working together and supporting each other’s visions, Scottsdale residents Caroline Oppleman, Kay McDonald and Kathy Sandler are all turning their special skills and knowledge toward making a difference in people’s lives.
Through their respective businesses Regalia’s Loft, Charity Charms and The Elisabeth Kübler-Ross (EKR) Foundation, these three dynamos are sponsoring a special event, “Indulge Your Spirit,” on Tuesday, November 14 from 6-9 PM. For a small donation of $10 to the EKR Foundation, visitors will enjoy free wine sponsored by Beth Mahoney of Vista Mortgage Services, Inc., food by Tapino Kitchen & Wine Bar, prize drawings, live music, special pre-holiday shopping and more.
Proceeds from the event, to be held at Regalia’s Loft at 4225 E. Camelback Road, will benefit the EKR Foundation in their mission to continue the pioneering life work of Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross and others committed to compassionate care for those who are near the end of life, those who have died, their loved ones, and their caregivers. One of the foundation’s current goals in the Valley is the opening of "The Elisabeth House," a Community Compassion Center that will provide direct services, community education, research and advocacy surrounding grief and bereavement.
The EKR Foundation was founded in 2004 upon the death of world-renowned author Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, who pioneered hospice in the United Sates and revolutionized grief and bereavement attitudes toward dying patients and their families. She wrote more than 20 books about death, which were translated into more than 27 languages, and brought the concept of “dying with dignity” into mainstream medicine.
Scottsdale photographer Ken Ross, who is Elisabeth Kübler-Ross’ son, met Scottsdale resident Kathy Sandler through a mutual friend and offered her a job as Kübler-Ross’ secretary. Sandler became Program Director for the EKR Foundation and firmly believes in the first-hand impact of one person being able to change others’ lives for the better. “Every day I hear stories from strangers, friends and family about losing the ones they love. They simply need permission to grieve openly and share their experiences. It is an honor for me to offer hope and healing when so many are on a painful grief journey.”
Caroline Oppleman, owner of Regalia’s Loft, suggested an EKR Foundation fundraiser in her store. Oppleman frequently allows charitable organizations to hold special events in her store to raise awareness and funds for their missions. From her grand reopening event benefiting Ryan’s House, to the most recent pedicure event called “Tipsy Toesies” to benefit Cystic Fibrosis, new owner Oppleman has continued Regalia’s Loft’s historical tradition of continually contributing to the community.
“It’s fun to be able to support charitable causes while having so much fun,” she says enthusiastically. “To be able to give of myself by sharing Regalia’s Loft is a real treat.” Besides opening their space for benefits and special events, Regalia’s Loft also participates in a number of gift marts and shows that benefit philanthropic organizations like Junior League.
Caroline has had many different careers and professions in her life, but has always been involved in charity work and in giving back to the community. A very good friend had also been doing significant research on grieving, so she was extremely interested and supportive of the work that the EKR Foundation was involved in. Regalia’s Loft will be donating 10% of all store purchases during the Nov. 14 “Indulge Your Spirit” event to the EKR Foundation.
Regalia’s Loft is also the exclusive retail provider of Charity Charms, a jewelry line that allows wearers to display symbols of, and express their enthusiasm for, various charitable organizations such as American Red Cross or Liberty Wildlife.
Arcadia resident Kay McDonald is the owner of Charity Charms and calls her products “awareness jewelry.” She explains, “It’s special because people always ask about the organizations represented in the jewelry, and wearing charity charms gives you a chance to talk about your passions and the things that mean the most to you.”
Charity Charms has raised over $300,000 for their charity partners in just two years. Charities earn 75% of the proceeds of sales of their charms, as well as a portion of general sales, as well. Although they are now considered an Internet-based national brand, Regalia’s Loft has remained their first and only retail location in the United States.
Charity Charms will be donating 25% of all charm and jewelry sales during the Nov. 14 “Indulge Your Spirit” event to the EKR Foundation.
The Elisabeth Kübler-Ross Foundation has the design of their own Charity Charm and is currently seeking a “charity angel” to sponsor its creation at a cost of $5,000. Tangible benefits to the sponsor include credit on the custom tag, on the Charity Charms and EKR Foundation websites, and usually a tax donation. If a sponsor is identified prior to the Nov. 14 “Indulge Your Spirit” event, the evening will also include a grand unveiling ceremony of the charm design and in-person recognition of the sponsoring company or individual.
All three women agree that making a difference has made their lives so much more rewarding, rich and fulfilling than they could ever have imagined. “It’s not what you have, but what you do for other people that makes life worth living,” smiles Sandler. “I’m learning that every day.”
For more information about the Nov. 14th “Indulge Your Spirit” benefit, visit the EKR Foundation website at www.ekrfoundation.org and www.elisabethkublerross.com or call 480-861-7511.
