philanthropy

What goes around, comes around. I firmly believe this.

We are part of something bigger than ourselves, on so many levels. Here I would like to introduce you to a few elements of Alara's greater circle.

Here, the non-profit organizations I and Alara support on multiple levels:

Thrive http://www.allthrive.org/index1.php
The mission of Thrive is to encourage healthy family development through community awareness, parent education and support to children and families. Alara is proud to support Thrive through participation in The Dogtooth Lily Ball, and through our design and creation of their signature “Thrive” pendant. Over half the profits from “thrive” pendant sales go directly to Thrive.

Museum of the Rockies http://www.museumoftherockies.org
Simply put, an amazing museum. You can visit again and again and again, and still not see it all! Alara sponsors the Museum of the Rockies annually, and also additionally supports through its participation in its annual Museum Ball, and The Wine Classic. Whether donating a 2-carat diamond or amazing handmade jewelry featuring Montana gems, we are proud to be a sponsor of this remarkable museum. For its Golden 50th anniversary, Alara is proud to have been asked by the Museum of the Rockies to design some commemorative jewelry to be available in their gift shop. The result of this wonderful partnership between the Paleontology Department at the Museum and Babs is a collection of pendants that faithfully replicate the toe bone of the Maiasaurus, the specie of dinosaur that Jack Horner is credited with discovering, and the state dinosaur of Montana!

Montana Shakespeare in the Parks http://www2.montana.edu/shakespeare/indexSIP.html)
Did you know that more people in the State of Montana have seen a Shakespeare production than have residents of New York City? A crazy fact, and true almost entirely due to this great non-profit, that has been bringing quality theatrical productions to Montana and its vicinity, emphasizing on rural areas, since 1973. Alara’s founder is on the Toast of the Town Committee, and Alara proudly sponsors Montana Shakespeare in the Parks through that annual event.

Missoula Art Museum http://www.missoulaartmuseum.org/
The MAM is all about “free expression, free admission.” Alara is proud to regularly sponsor Artini Thursdays, aimed to make young Missoulians more active in the art community.

Big Sky Youth Empowerment Project http://www.byep.org/
Provides programs featuring outdoor activity and social-emotional learning at no cost to disadvantaged high-school aged youth. Our support of this organization means that at-risk youth can continue to benefit from the truly great outdoors of our region. Alara is a sponsor of this extraordinary organization.

Women Who Wine
My very own nonprofit!

I wanted to create a way through which more women could become involved in local-area charities. I perceived that many women, particularly those who are younger, are under the misconception that philanthropic involvement requires either more time or more money than can be afforded! To bring together Bozeman’s fine females and fine non-profits, I founded Women Who Wine, a social networking group that meets monthly. Attendance requires membership or a guest invitation, a bottle of wine or appetizer, and a $5 entry fee, all of which benefits that month’s local non-profit. The Women Who Wine slogan: “Raising Money for Charity, One Grape at a Time.”