Pink Initiative totes

Starting next month, new wedding clients who order an album will receive their finished book in an emilie inc. photography organic, unbleached cotton tote! As a reminder of your Pink Initiative contribution toward breast cancer research from your creative fee, I have implemented a special logo with a pink ribbon for these bags, perfect for toting around your album or everyday needs, like at the grocery store. I also had a few mugs made for coffee in the new studio. Oops! Did I say studio?! Check back in a few days for official word on that exciting news!

the pink list

In the spirit of emilie inc.'s Pink Initiative that launched earlier this week, I'd like to share a few ways you can support breast cancer research and education.

Give:
National Breast Cancer Foundation
Susan G. Komen Foundation
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Do:
Donate your wedding dress to Brides Against Breast Cancer
Get a Maine breast cancer license plate in October
Buy breast cancer awareness postage stampsWear a pink ribbon
Click here every day to grant someone a free mammogram
Make a quilt
Host a wine tasting party
Watch The Breast Cancer Diaries
Participate in the 2008 Boobie-Thon
Read The Middle Place by Kelly Corrigan
Host a tea party
Visit Jacki Donaldson's website and leave a comment that you're proud of her
Plant some pink tulips
Add the pink ribbon application to your Facebook profile
Mark your calendar for the Portland Ballet's Dance for the Cure in October

Get going:
Maine's First Annual Tri for a Cure triathlon
Avon Walk
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk
Susan G. Komen National Race for the Cure
Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer 3-Day

Shop:
2008 V-6 Warriors in Pink Ford Mustang
Lace up for the Cure collection by New Balance
ToeGoz breast cancer flip-flops
WrightSock pink ribbon socks
Pink yoga mat by matsmatsmats.com
Pink ribbon yoga gym bag by New Balance
Cook for the Cure by KitchenAid
Riedel pink stemmed wine glass
Christmas ornaments
breast cancer keychain by Coach
Estee Lauder pink ribbon collection
Garden Paper stationery
3M pink Post-It notes

Indulge:
Simply Divine Heavenly Brownies Awareness Brownie
Pink & white M&Ms
Enjoy a Yoplait yogurt and save your lid

Share:
Remind a friend to do a self-breast exam each month with WCSH Channel 6's Buddy-to-Buddy program
Share your story on breastcancerstories.com
Start a blog

National resources:
American Cancer Society
National Breast Cancer Coalition
BreastCancer.org
TheBreastCancerSite.com
HealingWell.com

Local resources:
Maine Breast Cancer Coalition
Maine Cancer Foundation
Breast Care Center at Maine Medical Center

perfect pricing™ Pink Initiative

I am excited to formally announce the implementation of emilie inc.'s perfect pricing™ Pink Initiative.

As you know, perfect pricing™ is the à la carte pricing structure I created for my wedding packages (in addition to a base creative fee, clients add the elements they want to customize their wedding photography coverage-- an engagement session, digital negatives, an album, etc.). In a period where people are often over-scheduled and short on time to give of themselves, I thought it most appropriate to commit a percentage of each wedding creative fee to breast cancer research. The charity I have chosen is The National Breast Cancer Foundation.**"The (NBCF) extends women's lives through education about breast cancer and early detection. The organization provides hope to women and families affected by breast cancer through a community of caring support and encouragement that enables those diagnosed with breast cancer to have fulfilling lives during their treatment and afterward." ~NBCF mission statement

The idea for the Pink Initiative is a personal one. 17 years ago last week, my mother's best friend Donna passed away from breast cancer. I was 12 years old then and can still recall visiting Donna in the hospital as if it were yesterday, watching as my mother carefully fed her lunch in bed and later applied her lipstick. It was my first experience losing someone to this disease and Donna's legacy has always been the motivation behind my involvement in breast cancer activities.

Donna's life has touched mine in another profound way, as well. In their sorrow, my mom and Donna's husband Steve helped each other in their shared grief and developed a friendship that eventually turned to love. Steve and my mom married, and I am blessed with a stepfather who I have long admired for his kindness, strength and compassion.

For many years since I have volunteered both time and money to breast cancer charities (including several walks, the most notable being the Avon 3-day, 60 mile walk from Baltimore to Washington, DC, in 2002 with my dear friend Andrea). I currently volunteer locally for the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer and Daffodil Days, and Komen's Race for the Cure.

I encourage you all to make time or give money to a charity that you are passionate about. If you would like to see where your favorite charity ranks in the use of its funds, check out the Charity Navigator, a very helpful service, by **clicking here.**

**Although the NBCF is the only charity that will benefit from the Pink Initiative, emilie inc. also gives annually to St. Jude's Children's Hospital and the Make-a-Wish Foundation.