I have had a particular soft spot for animals. Anyone who visits my home knows this within moments of walking in the door. With four cats roaming the house, and a few neighbor cats that come for regular daily visits (and treats), you can't help but notice I am a lover of the furballs. Starting out a business not only meant a sense of personal freedom and expression, but also being able to give back in a way I never thought I could. For me, giving goes beyond just writing a check to an organization and taking the tax deduction. I have been trying to think of a way that I can use my products to help raise money for groups and organizations that do so much to raise awareness and provide homes for animals in need. I was reading a blog the other day: http://luckydogrescueblog.blogspot.com/ and was amazed at what this women has been able to do in order to help animals. She has done so because she believes that helping animals is the reason she is on this Earth. She is simply doing what her gut tells her, acting on her belief, and taking a stand for what she knows it right. I feel the same way, and because of that, I need to make my business, my company, become something more. I need to believe that while I am engraving a beautiful cutting board, or etching a piece of glass, that my time and effort can also go to those in need.

I am considering a new line of "charity" boards and products. I would love to be able to take animal rescue logos and engrave them onto a cutting board, etc..., but I am thinking the trademark red tape would make it a headache, if not just impossible. I am thinking the next best thing is to come up with my own designs that will raise money for organizations, and having something like 30-40% of the sale going to a specific group. Maybe change the group weekly or monthly?

Right now, the idea is a work in progress, but it is something I am passionate about and know is the right thing for me and for my company to be involved in.

-Belinda