We here at the Inner Circle love to feature our board members and members, and especially love it when we can highlight them because they’re involved in something special. Well, Katherine Bahamonde Monasebian, a Women in Retail Leadership Circle advisory board member and executive with Alex and Ani, recently told us about something special she experienced. Monasebian accepted the Chairman’s Award from Big Brothers and Big Sisters of America on behalf of Alex and Ani at the nonprofit organization’s national conference in San Diego this past June. The award was given to Alex and Ani in recognition of the tremendous impact the company has had on the Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) network, and for exceeding a fundraising goal of more than $250,000 in one year.

In accepting the award, Monasebian spoke of the deeply rooted relationship between Alex and Ani and BBBS.

“The Chairman’s Award is truly a recognition for the work we’ve done together,” Monasabien said. “As a company, Alex and Ani embraces the humanitarian efforts of organizations across the world, hoping to inspire others to take a stand for what they believe in. Your mission is so valuable in translating this task into each of your communities.”

Alex and Ani and BBBS have been partners since 2016, when the jewelry company launched its Big and Little Dipper set of two charm bracelets for the charity through its CHARITY BY DESIGN division. Alex and Ani’s CHARITY BY DESIGN has strengthened nonprofit organizations through innovative partnerships and collaborative experiences, resulting in donations of more than $45 million since its launch.

Under the partnership, Alex and Ani donate 20 percent of the purchase price from its Big and Little Dipper sets sold between March 2017 and December 2017 to BBBS. The nonprofit organization matches children or “Littles” facing adversity with strong, professionally supported mentors or “Bigs” that change lives for the better, forever. Since 2016, more than $279,000 from the sale of Alex and Ani bracelets has been raised to help support over 250 mentor relationships at Big Brothers Big Sisters.

The bracelets, which feature charms representing the Big and Little Dipper constellations, are meant to be shared by two loved ones and symbolize love and friendship.

The award also highlighted the unique bond shared between Alex and Ani employees and a local Rhode Island Big and Little mentor pair, Briana and Hannah. Alex and Ani featured the pair in the launch video for the BBBS charms, and over the past year rallied behind them as little sister Hannah battled cancer.

At the conference, Alex and Ani and Big Brothers Big Sisters also hosted a social media contest where attendees were asked to take a photo of something and use specific hashtags, tagging Alex and Ani and BBBS. One winner was selected, winning tickets to next year’s conference and bangle sets from Alex and Ani. This year’s winner was the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks.

Members, do you have anything special you’re working on that you would like to share with Inner Circle readers? If so, please send me an email about it at mcampanelli@napco.com. Thanks!