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Some unique hardwood maple baskets woven by artisans in Ohio have been
used to deliver hope-bringing millions of women potentially life-saving
information about breast cancer.
Through sales of these baskets, Horizon of Hope®, a partnership among
The Longaberger Company, nearly 60,000 independent Longaberger home
consultants and the American Cancer Society (ACS), has raised nearly
$12 million for ACS since 1995 and reached an estimated 18 million
women.
In 2005, more than 200,000 Horizon of Hope baskets and thousands more
related products were purchased. Every year, $2 from the sale of each
basket and other campaign products go to ACS to fund research and
education programs.
"We truly are at our best when we gather together, and Horizon of Hope
allows us to unite our sisterhood behind a cause that touches nearly
all women in some way," said Tami Longaberger, chief executive officer
of The Longaberger Company. "Thanks to the amazing efforts of our
60,000 home consultants, millions of women are benefiting from life
saving breast cancer research and education."
Many home consultants plan their own Horizon of Hope annual community events.
Susan Kantor of Bartlett, Ill., is preparing for her tenth Horizon of
Hope event, and nearly 1,000 guests are expected to attend. Kantor says
attendance has continually grown every year since her team's first
event, and this year cumulative donations will exceed the $300,000
mark. A committee of 20 women on her sales team plans all details of
the event for months before it takes place, and many more team members
are involved by inviting friends and helping out at the event.
"Horizon of Hope gives me, my sales team, our customers and other
friends a chance to do something wonderful for all women," says Kantor.
"This is a cause that unites us because it has touched so many of us in
some way."
Theresa Razzante from Highland Heights, Ohio, also plans annual events
with her team that she says have had immediate and positive results.
This year is her team's eleventh event, with more than 500 expected to
attend.
"For months after our dinner one year, I had ladies share stories with
me that they went for a mammogram-some their first one ever-because of
our event," said Razzante. "I feel like I am making a difference in my
community and in my families' and friends' lives."
The Horizon of Hope Web site, www.horizonofhope.com, includes
testimonials, information on funded programs and studies, and important
prevention steps.
The 2006 basket was designed as a jewelry box and features wood splints
bent into the signature pink ribbon design, symbolic of breast cancer
support.
Offered in either Warm Brown or Whitewashed, the baskets are priced at
$36 each or two for $64; a solid-wood lid in either color with a wood
knob is available for $18, and a drawstring fabric liner is available
for $14. |