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Although promoting our beaders' necklaces always puts us on cloud nine, the last weekend in March Paper to Pearls was brought Down 2 Earth. This eco-sustainability event which was held at the Boston convention center, demonstrated the many ways in which people can have a more environmentally friendly lifestyle. Among the many D2E offerings were organic foods, ways to turn your home green, and a fashion show of environmentally friendly clothing for which Paper to Pearls was the jewelry of choice! With the help of Boston University student volunteers who staffed our booth and passionately promoted the Paper to Pearls story, we exceeded sales expectations. People loved the idea that the necklaces are made primarily from recycled papers and how the project is transforming our beaders' lives. Thank you Boston for your support!
Find out more starting at http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/green/gallery/down2earth?pg=14
 Paper to Pearls has recently donated necklaces for silent auctions in support of causes that mean a great deal to us. We will thus have a presence at the annual American Cancer Society Gala on May 10th, with a large basket of necklaces whose sale will support cancer research. We also contributed necklaces to Doorways, a wonderful community-based organization in Arlington, VA that provides services to those who are abused, homeless or at-risk. We love the idea that through their work disadvantaged women in Uganda are providing support of disadvantaged women in America. Meanwhile, a former Paper to Pearls volunteer is spending a portion of the summer in Nepal with the Little Sisters Fund, a scholarship and mentoring program for motivated South Asian girls living in extreme poverty. She raffled our necklaces at a fundraising event on behalf of the Fund. Our beaders would be very pleased!
Through our Campus Campaign initiative, Paper to Pearls has enjoyed outstanding support from a number of campus organizations over the last few months. Schools that recently participated include Harvard, Boston College, Boston University and William & Mary. Boston University's "BU to Uganda with Love" campaign, highlighted on this page, is a great example of the interest and creativity that went into these efforts.
Another innovative idea was a fashion show organized by the African Cultural Society (ACS) at the College of William & Mary. ACS decided to sell our necklaces during a show that featured the work of a Nigerian designer. In the photo below, the lovely ACS ladies model the necklaces.
About ACS:
The African Cultural Society (ACS) is an educational and social organization whose main goal is to promote awareness of Africa from an African perspective by disseminating information about its history, culture and current events.
The organization serves as a liaison for African students at William and Mary. ACS is not only for African students but is open to everyone interested in learning more about Africa.
 Paper is fashionable! The Feb/March issue of Travel Girl magazine features Paper to Pearls necklaces in a "Go Green: Reincarnated Jewelry" section on "eco-friendly, eco-fashionable, and eco-fun" jewelry. Travel Girl highlights what everyone who sees our necklaces knows — that jewelry made from even the simplest material can be beautiful. Unfortunately, you can't view the article on the magazine's website, but you can order the issue from travelgirl.com.
 Paper to Pearls is taking over education, one school at a time! In early February, The Recycle Club at the George C. Round elementary school in Manassas, Virginia took on the challenge of learning what it is like to be one of our Ugandan beaders. Starting from scratch, they learned to properly cut magazine paper, roll it into beads and create a necklace design. Having learned the technique, they then became Paper to Pearls spokespersons (spokeschildren?), creating a sales display and offering a selection of our own beaders' necklaces to friends, family, and teachers. So what did they learn? First, that Ugandan women have found a beautiful way to recycle old paper. Second, that it takes a lot of time, technique, and talent to make the beautiful necklaces. Finally, this project drove home how much $15 — the price of a single strand necklace — means to a woman who just wants to support her family.
 The World Affairs Forum at Boston University held a successful Valentine's Day fundraising event for Paper to Pearls, which they called From BU to Uganda with Love. Read the article, "Bead Sales Raise Funds, African Awareness" in BU's Daily Free Press to learn more. Thank you WAF!
 Just before Valentine's Day, The Bailey Law Group in Washington, DC arranged an art show for "friends and family" and generously invited Paper to Pearls to participate. Although our jewelry is not art in the traditional sense, the beautiful Ugandan designs generated a lot of attention, and gave us an opportunity to discuss the plight of the northern Ugandan women and children. The necklaces proved very popular as Valentine gifts. It was Washington to Uganda with love!
If you are interested in hosting a special event that can include Paper to Pearls, please contact us at voices@vfgc.org. We love making a difference, and you will too!! |
