As of this Friday, July 22, 2011, my charity: water site will no longer accept online donations. In order to make a donation to this great cause (whether or not you want to take home any of the sweet items I have up for grabs), you'll need to send a check directly to us with the following information:
Natrix Produxions
1902 Waltzer Road
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Thanks so much :)
Whether or not you know the full story of why I decided to launch my charity: water project, there are many people to thank for their undying support and motivation. I'd like to take this chance to thank a very good friend of mine, Charlotte. We met a few years ago via another great friend. I like to think that music brought us together. Just as I spent many years behind a mic, she still spends much of her time on the road working with some of the world's biggest and best bands.
Today, our friendship brings you one step closer to owning your very own HEART memorabilia! (You know, Ann & Nancy Wilson?! THAT HEART.)
From now through THIS FRIDAY, July 22nd, you can bid on any (or ALL!) of the three great packages/items seen below from the one & only HEART. 100% of the earnings will go directly to my charity: water project.
TO BID ON AN ITEM:
I would like to give a VERY special thanks to both Ann & Nancy Wilson of HEART for donating these items. I know you probably don't do this a lot but it means more than the world to me. Thank you!!!!!
And don't forget to share this with your friends....Sharing is caring :)
Last week, we launched our biggest charity project ever and this week, we have our first winner! Congratulations to Brandye A. from Healdsburg, CA. She bid on the Black Charlotte Russe Espadrilles and won them. Her $20 bid goes directly to our "Digs For Water" campaign through charity: water. With just $20, one person in a developing country will now have clean, safe drinking water for A DECADE. (Yep, that's 10 years!)
Our goal is to raise $500 by July 22, 2011. With $500, we can provide clean water for 25 people, or 5 families of 5. Bid and donate now!
To thank Brandye for her support, we asked her a few questions:
Haha! Great news. Thanks again, Brandye!
To do your part and support our "Digs for Water" campaign, visit our gallery of items and bid!
Growing up, I was very involved in community service and humanitarian work. I dedicated every summer growing up to visiting my family in Colombia. During those months, I'd visit with the several people, primarily children, that had been rescued from the streets and sewers of Colombia, now living in homes established by the Children of the Andes Foundation (Fundación Niños de los Andes). I also spent many summers working for the Community Child Care Council of Sonoma County, the American Red Cross, and tutoring elementary-aged children in math and English through Sonoma State University.
Despite donating to several great causes through the years, (Redwood Empire Food Bank, Kids In Need Foundation, the Japan tsunami relief effort, to name a few) it's been a very long time time since I've take on something huge.
I learned about charity: water years ago and fell in love with their mission. With a simple $20 donation, one person in a developing country can have access to clean, safe drinking water for 10 YEARS. That's a DECADE. (Makes you think of all the simple glasses of water you drink, doesn't it?)
So, as I was putting away my laundry the other night, I began staring at all of the clothes, shoes, purses, etc that I have. What a luxury it is to not only have all of these things but to have the ability to purchase these things whenever I want! I reminded myself that none of these things are things I need, they are things I want. And then I realized that there are nearly 1 BILLION people all over the world who don't even have safe, clean drinking water. It hit me like a freight train.
From now until July 22, 2011, my goal is to raise a mere $500 for my "Digs For Water" campaign. (Digs is a reference for clothing, plus it's a nice play on words for the hard work we're putting in to making a great change for good!)
Now, I ask you to do one or both of two things:
1. Learn more about my "Digs For Water" campaign and DONATE to give 5 families of 5 clean, safe drinking water for the next ten years.
2. Bid on any of the items below!
How do I bid on an item?
All shoes start at $20. Purses and bikinis start at $10. Bidding goes up in $5 increments. To bid on an item, leave your bid in a comment below. A winner will be chosen once the final and highest bid has remained unmatched for 24 hours. Each winner will receive a charity: water wristband to show their support!
100% of the proceeds will benefit my "Digs For Water" campaign. (I'm continually adding more items so keep checking back!)
NOTE - I've had several emails, texts and Facebook messages asking if people can donate their own articles of clothing, shoes, accessories, etc. to my cause. The answer is HECK YES!!
If you have any questions or would like to donate any of your own "digs" to this cause, I would love to hear from you! Email me here.
Peace & Love! :)
Descriptions:
This post doesn't need much more of an introduction than the title entails, so I'll just tell you that I'm VERY EXCITED for this year's competition. The contestants vying for this year's honor range in age, backgrounds (both ethnic and industry), talent and more. These next 5 minutes will give you a little bit of insight as to what you can expect at this year's Mr. Healdsburg Pageant.
And if I should stress anything, buy your tickets!! This show sells out every year and it's ALWAYS a damn good time. BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW. Enjoy!
Check out some of the campaigns the guys are running online:
See you there!
Samantha
**UPDATE** 2 more contestants have signed on!! I'll be interviewing them soon so stay posted :)
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The annual Mr. Healdsburg Pageant is a parody of the traditional, anachronistic beauty pageants we grew up watching on TV. It is a fundraiser to keep the wonderful Raven Performing Arts Theater in Healdsburg open for the community. The theater is host to dance recitals, theater performances, film nights, election nights and so much more!! For more information, visit http://www.raventheater.org.
Mr. Healdsburg 2010 was a HUGE success. Another success for the City of Healdsburg, for the Raven Performing Arts Theater, and for the man who won his chance to represent the "Small Town For All Seasons" for 2010 - Mike Bairdsmith, aka Mr. Right Now.
The annual beauty-spoof pageant is back for another year and you can believe it's going to be bigger and better than ever. Every year, Healdsburg's finest vie for a chance to be the man who welcomes new businesses into this charming city. The man to wear the crown at the St. Patty's Day Parade as well as the Fourth of July and Santa Parades. The man who can wear his sash proudly and say, "This is my town!"
However, this honor is not easily earned. Each man must prove he has what it takes to wear the crown for an entire year before passing it on to his successor. So, who will succeed the presiding Mr. Healdsburg, Mike Bairdsmith, aka Mr. Right Now?
Our contestants must prove their valor by passing a few very important tasks:
As the host in my third year of the annual Mr. Healdsburg Pageant, I've already begun interviewing the men who are eager to win this year's honor. My first interaction was with Jim Morris, the Director of Consumer Sales and Marketing at Michel-Schlumberger. I have to say that I'm very excited to see Jim have his chance at becoming the next Mr. Healdsburg. He is a charming guy with a killer sense of humor. He's smart, loves his town and is pretty damn sure he could win this thing.
I am running for Mr. Healdsburg because I don't want to have to buy drinks at the B&B for the next year. I want to march in the St. Patrick's Day parade and the FFA Parade with hot babes by my side, and I like cutting ribbons at new business openings. Oh, and I like kittens. If I win, I will immediately depart on a world tour sharing Healdsburg love around the globe.
- Jim Morris, candidate for Mr. Healdsburg 2011
If you've attended the Mr. Healdsburg Pageant before, you know exactly what to expect. If you have never attended, it's pure and utter madness that will leave you laughing out loud and loving the City of Healdsburg more than you already do!
Tickets for Mr. Healdsburg are on sale now at the Raven box office or website. This 21 and older event SELLS OUT EVERY YEAR so make sure to get your tickets today!
Look forward to seeing you all there!!
Samantha Vega, Hostess With The Mostess
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The annual Mr. Healdsburg Pageant is a parody of the traditional, anachronistic beauty pageants we grew up watching on TV. It is a fundraiser to keep the wonderful Raven Performing Arts Theater in Healdsburg open for the community. The theater is host to dance recitals, theater performances, film nights, election nights and so much more!! For more information, visit http://www.raventheater.org.
Earlier this morning, I proved once again that customer service is more important than nearly any aspect of your business. If as a business owner, a manager, etc, I do not consider this a top priority, it will fail. Not to mention the fact that every single last person you hire, from corporate down and whether they're on the clock or not, is a representative, a face of your company and what it stands for. Everything comes back to the customer service you provide - how you appear to people, how you act towards people, how you treat people and what you do to keep them coming back.
Earlier this morning, I was refunded my $200 after the incident you'll read about below. To Elizabeth, the customer service rep who emailed me from Twitter, kudos on a job well done in keeping the line of communication open and following through. To Vivian Butcher, the manager of the Alamo branch located at the Port Columbus International Airport, a couple of things: No, I shouldn't have to call anyone more than once to get a call back but because technology is so magical sometimes, I understand you did not receive the message. But above all, thank you for calling me back, fixing the issue and apologizing profusely on any miscommunication so as to try and retain me as a possible customer.
I can honestly say that I don't know whether or not I'll ever rent from Alamo or any of Enterprise's subsidiaries again but one thing's for sure - Redemption is sweet (and I mean that for both parties).
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On May 21, 2010, a few friends and I flew to Columbus, Ohio for the annual Rock On The Range music festival. Other than the awesome insanity that you can expect at a festival like this, our trip to ROTR was a 5-year bucket list item waiting to be checked off. So we bought our plane tickets, packed our bags and headed out west!
In planning the trip, we also had to book a rental car. Since I own a timeshare, which works with points, I figured that since I'd already paid for them I might as well use them. What ensued and resulted was one of the worst cases of customer service and business I've ever confronted.
Below, you'll see the letter I wrote and sent to the entire executive staff of Enterprise Holdings (they own Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Alamo, National and WeCar).
Yes, this is partially a "bitch-fest" but it's also to make a point - You screw your customers over, they will talk. And talk and talk and talk and talk. They will tell everyone they know and they will make sure people know to never do business with you. Having worked in customer service and relations/marketing/PR/community management since I was 14, I know what it means to "give the people what they want". I know that LISTENING AND DELIVERING produces more respect than almost anything else. Not to mention taking the blame and admitting you were wrong.
Take a page from Ann Taylor's book. Their customer service is top-notch and, by far, some of the best in the industry.
So, Enterprise, listen and deliver or be prepared to have your customers eat you alive. Mmmm...Tasty!
- Posted By Samantha Vega
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(download)
Join Natrix Produxions on June 5, 2010 for Single Night! (And no, you don't have to be single!)
This fabulous event will be hosted by the next generation of farmers, winemakers and movers and shakers of the Russian River Valley Winegrowers. It is a Single Night, with Single Vineyards, Single bites of food and Singularly awesome!Come out and enjoy a showcase of Russian River Valley's finest wines offered by the growers and winemakers who partnered to create these small-lot gems. Set in C. Donatiello Winery’s state-of-the-art cellar, and surrounded by Pete Avdoulos’ Liquid Metal Fine Art Paintings, you’ll mix and mingle with these rock stars of wine. (And who doesn't love them??)During the Single Vineyard tasting, you'll not only have a change to taste single bites of local artisan food specialties. Join our next generation vintner and grower “Cellar Teams” as they use amusing antics to promote their Group Bid Adventure Auction Lots that will raise funds for educational programs and future events. This will be the most fun you’ve ever had at an auction! Start following the fun on Facebook!
After the Single Vineyard tasting, they’ll switch up the night and move onto the crush pad for the Adventure Auction. A no-host bar featuring wines under $25 (offered by the taste and glass) and wallet-friendly grilled goods will continue to fuel the fun. The adventures lots, personally hosted by vintners and growers, are designed for 6 to 10 people so bring your friends to bid as a group! (To purchase your tickets, click here.)Single Night will be hosted by Franco Finn of the Golden State Warriors and Samantha Vega of 101.7 The Fox.Items up for auction include:• Plane rides over the Russian River ValleyAfter a thoroughly entertaining evening at the Raven Theater in Healdsburg that included an old skool basketball uniform with tiny red shorts (featuring his name on the backside, of course), juggling of tennis balls and scarves, a ruffly pink tuxedo and fans that sported "Mr. Right Now" t-shirts and afro wigs, Mike Bairdsmith was crowned Mr. Healdsburg 2010!
This year's Mr. Healdsburg Pageant featured some of the youngest and most diverse contestants our stage had ever seen: Dan Minaglia (Mr. Can't Touch This), 22, born and raised in Healdsburg, who graced the audience with his own version of Larry The Cable Guy's SHORT shorts and flannel, only to pound a beer and smash the can on his forehead; Derrick Montanye (Mr. Good Time), 24, born and raised in Healdsburg and best friends with Dan Minaglia, who showed off his best Risky Business sliding skills and lip-synced like a pro; Hardy Wallace (Mr. Tweet Lips), 36, who makes his from Atlanta to take a dream job in his dream place (Wine Country!) and entertained the crowd with an exotic musical set featuring a tambourine, eclectic lyrics, and a very fashionable wrestler's costume; John Gavello (Mr. Goofy), 51, who owns Goofy's of Healdsburg and showed the audience his softer side by performing a lovely country song in true country style; Kevin Roach (Mr. Renaissance), 23, born and raised in Healdsburg, whose charm and good looks wooed many a lady throughout the evening, placing him in the Final 3. Kevin performed live, firs, with an acoustic song (his softer side) and then a sweet breaksdance (his party side); Michael Baker (Mr. Big Stuff), 40, who also made quite a few fans by lip-syncing in a bushy-tailed "Puck-like" costume (think 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'); Sean Sentenn (Mr. Ooo...Shiny!), 36, who rocked the crowd with his own parody version of "Wine In A Box" (yes, Franzia White Zinfandel).
A huge thank you to everyone involved - stage manager, lighting and sound crew, backstage hands, security, concession stand volunteers, etc, but most importantly, co-producers Carol Noack and Marva Whelan-Wiedemer for their outstanding dedication and hard work. It was another great year for Mr. Healdsburg and another huge success for the Raven Theater.
Don't miss Mr. Healdsburg, Mike Bairdsmith, as he proudly represents the city of Healdsburg all year long at great events.
(Pictures to come!!)
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The Mr. Healdsburg Pageant is an annual event is a parody of the traditional, anachronistic beauty pageants we grew up watching on TV. It is a fundraiser to keep the wonderful Raven Theater in Healdsburg open for the community. The theater is host to dance recitals, theater performances, film nights, election nights and so much more!! For more information, visit http://www.raventheater.org.
Hey friends!
An update on our Christmas Caroling!! Natrix Produxions and friends went caroling in downtown Santa Rosa back on December 23rd to collect donations for the Redwood Gospel Mission here in Santa Rosa and we collected over $200 in just a few hours!!It was such a huge success for all involved, we're already planning for next year!!
If you'd ever like to help out with donations (clothes, food, money, etc) and do something good for the community in which you live, find out more by contacting the Redwood Gospel Mission:
Redwood Gospel Mission
P.O. Box 493
Santa Rosa, CA 95402
http://www.srmission.org/
Thanks and we look forward to seeing you next year for some festive (and oh-so-fun!) Christmas caroling!!
- NP
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