Jeannine Gallo learned the importance of giving back at the age twenty-four when she was struck with a serious illness that involved a painful eight-year recovery. Her greatest accomplishment, she says, is that she is here today; in fact, she “considers her life a miracle.” And, she adds, “The most significant healing moment was when I realized I was actually able to give something back, “Since then, making a difference to others has become the core of all her future personal and professional endeavors.
After fifteen years of running her own fashion accessory business and volunteering at community agencies, such as the Junior League, Jeannine has combined the two things she loves most: to create jewelry and to help others. The result has been "Jewels for a Cause”. In this business she designs signature pieces to raise funds and awareness for non profit organizations, and to causes that help mothers and children, and those with autism, breast cancer, heart disease, lupus and more.
Jeannine’s specially designed jewelry is given to the non profits at wholesale to sell as fundraisers. In addition, she gives 15% of her sales to the organization. Jeannine’s collection can be viewed at the Nassau County Museum of Art and is being marketed to hospital gift shops.
Jeannine’s dream is for "Jewels for a Cause" to make a significant impact in the community and to help improve the lives of others just like herself. Jeannine is grateful to the Long Island Center for opening the doors to great connections -- that have all become her “angels” -- in getting “Jewels for a Cause” off the ground.
The Center is equally grateful to Jeannine for her dedication and hard work.” Jeannine is a good role model for all women……..she brings lots of good ideas and enthusiasm to the committee …..and is always ready to step up to the plate,” reports Center Membership Chair Bonnie Laffie. Bonnie -- and many of us in the group -- “hope Jeannine remains an active member for a long time.”
And we wish her good luck in accomplishing her dream of expanding “Jewels for a Cause “ to help an ever-growing number of organizations.
Article written by: Long Island Center member Joyce Litwin Zimmerman, a marketing copywriter, (www.joywriter.net) provides small and medium-sized businesses with print and e-communication vehicles.