Press Articles 2/13/07: The Norwalk Hour, Part 1   2/13/07: The Norwalk Hour, Part 2   12/22/06: Norwalk Citizen News

CONNECTICUT FIRST TO “FUNDRAISE NATURALLY” WESTPORT, Connecticut. October 10, 2006 — Last year, a group of 4th and 5th graders in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida said “NO” to  “fundraising as usual”.  They were supposed to raise money for a class trip by selling candy bars and potato chips, but learned in school that these foods were unhealthy, and couldn’t justify selling them to their friends and families. Concerned Connecticut students looking for a healthy fundraising alternative can be the first to “Fundraise Naturally”.  Fundraise Naturally is a program offered by Natural Neighborhood of Westport, Connecticut in which schools and organizations can sell natural necessities, like organic soaps and candles, to bring in a 40% profit.  “It’s a way to build healthy profits and healthy communities simultaneously,” states Rosie Haas, Natural Neighborhood owner. Haas, a consumer advocate and natural products retailer, adds “We started out as a direct sales home party business, but with the outcry from parents for healthier snacks in the schools and a new mandate from Governor Jodi M. Rell for state institutions to switch over to chemical-free cleaning products, the natural fundraiser became the next logical step.”  The Fundraise Naturally catalogue contains everyday necessities like non-toxic cleaning products, handcrafted soaps, and candles made with pure essential oils and organic soybean oil rather than toxic petroleum wax.  Product prices range from $4.25 to $20.00 per item to fit well with everyone’s budget and encourage participation. Fundraise Naturally suppliers include Vermont Soap Organics of Middlebury, Vermont and Lumia Organic of Boulder, Colorado. Both manufacturers are pioneers in the natural products industry, having been proactive in setting standards for quality, safety, and social responsibility.  Larry Plesent, the owner of Vermont Soap Organics, regularly travels to emerging countries to teach villages how to start their own soapmaking businesses, and Lumia Organic is the first company to grow organic soybeans, which promotes responsible farming practices and strengthens farm communities.