The Arbonne Charitable Foundation ™ and Big Brothers Big Sisters Denver Event

On Saturday, November 17, 2012, the Arbonne Charitable Foundation held an event in Denver, Colorado with the local Big Brothers Big Sisters. Foundation staff, along with our amazing Arbonne Angels — Angie Walker, Carla Burchell, Riley Burchell, Mary Wright, Ann Wandishin, Stacie Pereira and Katie Edmiston — helped educate teens on the effects of the media and how to be successful in the workplace. Special thanks go out to our two speakers, Carla Burchell and Mary Wright, who provided personal insight and experiences to bring these topics to life for our attendees.

Carla started off the day speaking about the direct impact the Internet and media have on bullying and peer pressure. Open discussion activities were an important part of the day, encouraging teens to share personal experiences and knowledge on the subject matter. Some of the staff and volunteers even learned a thing or two about communication on social media sites.

After the teens and Arbonne Angels enjoyed getting to know each other better over lunch, Mary spoke about ways to be successful in the workplace. She used her own experiences searching for jobs and going through the interviews to guide them in navigating through their own job searches and interviews. Mary also talked to them about how to manage time and money by creating schedules and a personal budget.

The event wrapped with the teens completing a “Declaration of YOU” activity, in which they listed five positive attributes about themselves along with five goals for the future. The teens were encouraged to place their declaration where they can see it every day as a reminder of how far they have come and how far they will go. One attendee even expressed his dream to become a singer and serenaded the attendees with a snippet from the song “Call Me Maybe” by Carly Rae Jepsen.

The attendees walked away with exciting raffle prizes and goodie bags, along with the knowledge and drive to reach for their dreams, accept themselves for who they are, and become a leader within their communities.

The Arbonne Charitable Foundation and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County, CA

On November 10, 2012, the Arbonne Charitable Foundation (ACF) welcomed the Bigs and Littles of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County to the Arbonne home office in Irvine, CA, for an educational day of exploration into the effects of the media and self-image in the lives of teens.

Arbonne Angels Tamara Leider and Jill Bush started the day off speaking about social media, bullying, peer pressure, and communication. Their experiences as consultants, mothers, and life coaches created an automatic connection with the teens. Attendees willingly shared their stories and experiences in regards to these topics. The entire room was moved by what each teen had to share and many of the teens found that they could identify with one another because they are facing many of the same issues and challenges in life.

Lunch was an opportunity for Bigs and Littles to get to know each other, our event speakers, and the Foundation staff on a more personal level. Not to mention the assortment of freshly made tacos, chips, and rice that left all attendees full and happy. After lunch, attendees were surprised by a visit from Keith Rhodes, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County and Inland Empire, who gave thanks to the Arbonne Charitable Foundation along with each Big and Little for taking the time out of their Saturday to participate in the day’s events.

Joanna Margot spoke in the afternoon and focused on self-image and self-confidence. She was able to connect with the teens by sharing her childhood experiences and her positive outlook on life. Joanna encouraged each teen to share their achievements and positive attributes about themselves with the group. Teens were then given creative materials to make their own dream boards that included goals and aspirations for the future.

Attendees walked away with Arbonne goodie bags and the confidence and knowledge to start changing the world and accepting themselves wholeheartedly.

October 7 – 13, 2012 was an opportunity for Arbonne Angel’s to give back to a teen in their lives or in the community through Be an Angel Week. During this week, volunteers were encouraged to spend at least two hours with their teen and engage in activities that celebrate them as an individual. The home office also got involved by holding a book drive and bake sale. Books were donated to Sheltering Books, Inc and all proceeds provided by the bake sale went to support the Foundation. Four sites were active in book collections and included: Irvine, Greenwood, Addison, and Levlad.

Total Books Collected: 662

Total Bake Sale Donations: $250.00

Be an Angel Week Participants

Tonette Orihu and Megan Bormacoff

Tonette attended an event at the Monrovia Community Center with Megan Bormacoff. The event included various classes in fitness and personal development for girls aged 10 – 18 years old. Tonette and Megan were able to share basic skincare and color techniques with some of the participants but the highlight of the day came with the visit of 50-time Olympian Kim Rhode. Kim shared her journey to the Olympics with the girls and encouraged them to never give up on their dreams. The girls thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated their contribution to this event.

Way to go Tonette and Megan!

Rachel Jensen

October 12, 2012 Rachel embarked on a journey with her daughter Allyson (12) and her three friends Emely, Solange, and Michel on an Arbonne field trip to the Corporate office in Irvine, CA! The girls who have all been good friends since elementary school got to experience picking up products at will call and taking pictures in front of the office. Each girl adores Arbonne and Rachel is convinced they will become consultants as soon as they turn 18! Looks like it was well worth the trip from San Diego, CA.

Denise McGowan

Denise spent the day with her two lovely daughters Bethan (14) and Cerys (12) making petticoat dresses for children in Uganda! They finished off the day making stained glass angels and a mosaic mirror. Talk about true Arbonne Angels!

The Arbonne Charitable Foundation_TM and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Kansas City, MO

November 3, 2012, marked a special day for the Arbonne Charitable Foundation, as we hosted our first event with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kansas City. The teens in attendance had a fabulous time learning about the effects of media and self-image in their lives.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kansas City partnered with the Foundation team, along with some of our own Arbonne Angels^TM— Jan Camp, Leslie Humphrey, Nicole Sanchez, Elizabeth Thompson, Christy Dreiling and Linda Loveless. A special thank you goes out to Christy and Linda, who inspired the teens as the day’s speakers, bringing awareness to important issues like body image, media pressures, self-confidence, reaching and achieving your dreams, and online safety.

Christy shared inspiring stories about her life journey, and her ability to connect with the teens made an incredible impact. Her positive, upbeat attitude spread hope, love and inspiration among the attendees, who were amazed to see how their personal experiences were not so different from the people sitting next to them.

Lunch was spent sharing stories and giving each volunteer time to get to know about the girls’ dreams and aspirations. One 16-year-old attendee shared her dream to work in the fashion industry, her ability to speak French fluently, and her experience studying abroad in France when she was in 6th grade.

Linda finished off the day sharing how she turned a sewing hobby into a successful full-time career. She educated each girl on personal image and how to feel good in your own skin. Each attendee walked away with Arbonne goodie bags and the confidence to be community leaders.

Overall, we were so happy to see smiles, receive hugs, and create memories with the Bigs and Littles in Kansas City. Thank you to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kansas City and to our fabulous Arbonne Angels. It is because of you this day was possible.

Below are quotes from the teens at the event in response to the question, “What did you learn today that you didn’t know yesterday?”

“I need to stop putting myself on the back burner.” – Tyler, 14  

“I learned that there’s nothing wrong with being unique and positive.” – Andrea, 16

“I learned that I can do a lot better in life with my dreams.” – Koreonia, 14

“Don’t fight anger with anger.” – Tegan, 14

“I need to focus more on quality versus quantity when it comes to my friends.” – Breanna, 15  

“I learned about fake Facebook pages and rumors, and the difference between blocking, unfriending and unsubscribing.” – Quameya, 15

In honor of Be an Angel Week, the Arbonne Charitable is delighted to share stories about seven of the angels among us who are doing amazing things to make a difference in the lives of others. In turn the Foundation encourages all of our Arbonne Angels to share their stories with us during Be an Angel Week by telling us about your own experiences. Submissions can be emailed to haloweek@arbonne.com

*Note: If you send photos, please include completed Be an Angel Week Waiver Release and Consent Form with your submission.

To view today’s and previous Angels Among Us click here

During this week, do something special for a teenager in your life or in the local community, something that celebrates that person as an individual. Commit yourself to spending at least two hours with this person. Be creative and inspire us — and check below for fun activity ideas:

• Teach a talent, hobby or interest you have and complete a project with your teen. Do a sewing project, teach a song on the piano, cook your favorite dish, or even write a song together.
• Have your teen choose a non-profit organization or cause for which they would like to volunteer for the day and accompany them.
• Plant flowers in a community garden or create your own planter.
• Provide a tutoring session for a subject in which your teen is struggling.
• Take a teen to participate in a fun activity such as a going to a movie, sporting event or theme park; taking a fishing trip; bike riding, or visiting a museum.
• Have a teen teach you a special skill he or she has (e.g., jewelry making, drawing, shooting free throws, etc.)
• Create a timeline of positive events or achievements in your teen’s life. You can also include goals for the future. Display as a reminder of how much he or she has achieved and to celebrate their accomplishments.
• Work with your teen to establish a goal he or she would like to accomplish by the end of the week (ace a test, finish a project early, or begin a new workout regimen). Create a schedule that contains milestones to check off and track the progress made throughout the week. Create a banner or poster to display as a reminder that someone is always cheering them on!
• Have a beauty/spa day with your teen where you both get facials, manicures and pedicures, etc.
• Help your teen get organized: organize your teen’s room, give tips on time management, and create a daily schedule that includes school, work, friends and other responsibilities.
• Create a music playlist or CD with your teen that he or she can use to keep themselves positive or share with someone special. Choose songs that are uplifting and motivating. Or make a CD for each other.
• Put together a mentor/teen lunch, barbecue or tea where teens and mentors can come together to celebrate one another.
• Invite a teen or a group of teens for a fun-filled evening in! Include activities like karaoke, board games, video games (Rock Band, Mario Kart, etc.), snack making or even an inspirational movie.
• Grab some disposable cameras and create an inspirational photo album! Photograph your neighborhood, a favorite spot, friends, family, pets, your favorite book, or anything that gives you inspiration. Share your books with each other or create the book together.
• Have your teen come up with a theme for the day and create activities around it. If the theme is “the outdoors” you can go for a hike, have a picnic and go fishing. If your theme is “glamour” you can shop at your local mall, have brunch, and get your nails done. Be creative and emphasize your teen’s interests.

Don’t have a special teenager in your life? Here are some ideas on ways to connect with teens in your community.

• Contact a local high school or middle school for volunteer opportunities.
• Contact a local religious organization to discuss youth group volunteer opportunities.
• Contact an organization like your local Boys & Girls Club of America, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, and Girl Scouts or Boy Scouts to discuss how you can get involved.
• Contact your local community center for teen activity nights at which you can volunteer.
• Visit the Volunteer Match Website for local volunteer opportunities.

Create a photo journal of the activities you engaged in with your teen and send them to us! Provide descriptions along with your pictures so everyone can get a glimpse into your “Be An Angel Week” experience. Send your photos and description to haloweek@arbonne.com.

*Note: If you send photos, please include completed Be an Angel Week Waiver Release and Consent Form with your submission.

Live to Bloom was an inspiring day for teenage girls in Olathe, Kansas. The event featured a dynamic team of Arbonne Independent Consultants — our Arbonne Angels — who worked with the girls on areas such as job applications, workplace professionalism, mock interviews, and dressing and preparing for an interview. They also received hair and makeup and skincare tips.

Not only did the Arbonne Angels offer their knowledge and expertise of the professional world, but they were part of a special day of mentoring, creating new connections and making new friends.

Many thanks to event organizer Linda Loveless, and all of the the other Arbonne Angels (in alphabetical order): Gina Carlson, Sherry Dace, Nisé Davies, Nessa Doria, Christy Dreiling, Valerie Edwards, Lori Enomoto, Janet Fournier, Lori Funk, Misty Gleaves, Ashley Heady, Kim Hoffman, Debi Hurst, Meredith Iler, Katie Kopp, Joi Lee, Debbie Lundquist, Carol Mathis, Tara McGraw, Amy Mosser, Kerri Nachlas, Anne Peterson, Pamela Potts, Cheryl Slack, Geoff Pankau, Lora Park, Bridget Wieczorek, and Kelly Wilson.

Many thanks to event organizers Linda Loveless and Pamela Potts. And a warm thank you to all of the other Arbonne Angels (in alphabetical order): Gina Carlson, Sherry Dace, Nisé Davies, Nessa Doria, Christy Dreiling, Valerie Edwards, Lori Enomoto, Janet Fournier, Lori Funk, Misty Gleaves, Ashley Heady, Kim Hoffman, Debi Hurst, Meredith Iler, Katie Kopp, Joi Lee, Debbie Lundquist, Carol Mathis, Tara McGraw, Amy Mosser, Kerri Nachlas, Anne Peterson, Cheryl Slack, Geoff Pankau, Lora Park, Bridget Wieczorek and Kelly Wilson.

Orange Coast College, Costa Mesa, CA
This event benefited almost 400 underserved teenage girls and was hosted by several organizations that joined together to provide formal dresses and self-esteem workshops. In these self-esteem workshops, the girls received information about stress management, body image and beauty. Arbonne donated thousands of dollars in skincare and cosmetics to support the beauty workshop and Arbonne staff and Arbonne Independent Consultants — our Arbonne Angels — provided individual makeovers and words of encouragement to help these girls feel valued and beautiful.