Your wedding gift to guests can save lives

Dearest Couples,

Since last week, there hasn’t been a moment when the news or Internet, hasn’t been inundated with stories and pictures of the mass destruction in Haiti. Like so many other moments in our lives; 911, the death of Michael Jackson and others, no matter how much we wanted to turn away from it, we are drawn to it like a moth to a flame. Can you for one second imagine, what it is like to have almost an entire country – your country be reduced to rubble in a matter of seconds? The closest for me has been 911, when the towers went down and that’s nothing in comparison. What if that earthquake (and god forbid), struck New York.

On so many of the various social networking sites we have been asking people to give what you can to various relief programs. The thing is…what happens when the buzz ends? Like those people who survived Katrina, who are still homeless, help will be needed for the foreseeable future.

So what does this have to do with you or your wedding right?

Yes, this is a wonderfully exciting time for you. You are planning your future with the person you love. There are dresses to pick out, a venue to choose and bands to listen to. I’m not trying to take anything from you. I want you to enjoy every moment of this process. I want this to be a special time in your life.

But why not consider something you can do – right now or when your wedding happens 6, 9 or 12 months from now. Instead of searching for something to give to your guests, why not give a true gift that will continue to provide hope and share your love with others. Give a donation.

A donation to an organization is an opportunity to show your guests;
Thank you for coming to our wedding and because you cared for us, we are caring for others by giving a donation to (insert any charity you want). I’m sure your guests will love it a lot more than a trinket they probably won’t use anyway.

Here are a few charities to check out. They provide relief both National and Internationally.
Red Cross: Text "HAITI" to 90999 to instantly donate $10 RedCross.org
Yéle Foundation: Text "Yele" to 501501 to instantly donate $5 Yele.org
Doctors Without Borders: DoctorsWithoutBorders.org (I have a friend who works for this organization.)
World Vision: WorldVision.org

Because I believe in being honest and giving credit, one of my colleagues on the examiner.com, has compiled a brilliant list of organizations that will provide help. Please take a moment to look at it and then, do something. This is the year to ‘Make Things Happen’, as my friend Lara Casey says. Coming up shortly, I’ll have some great news to share about what some of us in the wedding industry are doing to help the people of Haiti.

Come on, you know we’re more than just pretty dresses.