A new online company was launched last week that combines
shopping and supporting your favorite charity at the same time. With its chic
and fun graphics, and variety of quality products from jewelry to clothing to
house wares, shoppers feel they are in an upscale boutique in the trendiest part
of town. With retailers such as Gap, The Body Shop, Philosophy, Karen Neuburger,
Chantal, Bed Head Pajamas (just to name a few), finding something for yourself
or unique gift for someone else has never been this much fun.
Uptown Liz was founded by marketing and public relations
specialist, Ramona Russell, to promote products from companies whose proceeds
directly give back to charitable organizations. Through the online database, you
can search by cause or product, with the knowledge that every time you link to a
company and make a purchase, you are making a difference. “The mission is to
build a bridge between compassionate consumers and concerned companies in order
to improve the world around us,” says Russell.
Not only is this company one of the coolest things on the
web, it was created straight from the heart – in memory of the founder’s late
sister, Elizabeth Ann Overturf “Liz”, who died at the age of 28 years old on
February 1, 2006 from a long and painful battle with breast cancer. Overturf was
a fashionista; she loved clothes, handbags, shoes, jewelry and perfume. One of
her dreams was to own a clothing boutique with her sister. Because this was one
of many dreams cut short for her, Russell decided to create Uptown Liz and
launch it on what would have been her sister's thirtieth birthday, July 17,
2007.
“My vision for this company is to create a consumer movement
where everyone will shop this way,” says Russell. “We all wish we could do more
for the causes that we care about - whether it’s donating money or volunteering
- but most of us can’t due to time and financial constraints. So I came up with
a way where people can feel they are giving back by doing something they already
do – shop. It’s retail philanthropy – the opportunity to purchase quality
products that benefit worthwhile causes. Shopping has never felt so good.”
For more information, go to www.uptownliz.com or contact Ramona Russell
by phone at 916-835-4300 or email at ramona@uptownliz.com.
