Great to be home and inundated with eager clients who just can't wait to get started!  First things first, however.  I must share my thoughts and experiences from the late great Blogger 19 Reunion which took place July 16-19 in Memphis. I can't believe I've already been back for over a week!   I came away from the event with two main impressions 1) In a world of doubt and cynicism a true and pure force for good is alive and well at St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.  2) American manufacturing is not only alive and well but also innovative and cutting edge at the Delta Faucet Factory in Jackson, Tennessee.

 In case you're not aware of "the Blogger 19", Brizo Faucets has wined dined and educated approximately 19 bloggers in New York City  every fashion season since Feb 2010.  I was a part of the second group in September 2010.  Bloggers get to attend a show during fashion week as well as preview products in development for Brizo Faucets (shhhhh).  Fashion designer Jason Wu has a long standing relationship with Brizo. He informs their aesthetic with his own fashion philosophy and they offer him the opportunity to expand his design into the home.   Fashion is not the only cause near and dear to Brizo.  Three years ago they also  teamed up with St. Jude's, the second largest healthcare charity in the US.After settling in at the luxurious Peabody Hotel on Tuesday we were off to St. Jude's the next day.

St. Jude's was founded around over 50 years ago by the late comedian Danny Thomas.  The torch is carried today by his daughter, That Girl, Marlo Thomas.  He was of Lebanese descent, thus the Arabic design details of the Pavilion where we dined and witnessed the remarkable success story of a former patient.Over the last 50 years, thanks to the efforts of St. Jude, the average survival rate for children with leukemia has improved from 4% to 94%!  I was afraid this experience would be gut wrenching and while it was sobering to be sure it was tempered by  such a strong attitude of hope.In order to become a patient at St. Jude's, three criteria must be met.  Children beginning treatment must be no older than 18, they must be referred by a doctor and they must be suffering from a disease that is being studied at the hospital.  That's all.  Once accepted treatment is 100% free.   From there on every detail is addressed for not only the patient but for the families as well.  There is long term (3months to 3 years) housing on site as well as a short term facility.  Families are given food allowances as well. Brizo works with St. Jude's on the Dream Home Program in which designer homes are raffled to raise proceeds for the hospital.  Brizo is, in fact, the first national sponsor donating products to to raise funds.   To date, 246 million dollars has been generated by the Dream Home Program which began 21 years ago. St. Jude is the Catholic patron saint of lost causes but hope is not lost at St. Jude's.  That is a thought and comfort I take with me daily since this experience.   I'm so happy to know about it and share it with you.  I now have a new favorite cause.  They say "if you can't give green give red"!  Money is important but every bag of platelets donated saves the Hospital $700!Disclaimer:  I am not employed by Brizo and my editorial content is comprised entirely of my own opinions and experiences.  The trip however was fully paid for by Brizo Faucets.Next up:  Day 2 The Manufacturing Magic happening at Delta Faucet.