Now that the Facebook images of the aftermath of Hurricane Irene from our friends in places like The Outer Banks or the Catskills have stopped getting as much space in the stream, now that the news has moved on to the next story, let’s not forget that there are still people suffering with life as they knew it in shambles. I caught myself complaining that my dishwasher was broken the other day and then quickly realized that I am a total jackass. So I thought I’d repent by writing this post, and letting you know one of the easiest ways you can help is by donating to The American Red Cross. While these waters have receded, they left towns and families absolutely devastated.

By the way, this is a great link to keep bookmarked, as you can make a donation to whatever part of the world is most in need of help.

Image is a TwitPic from @DonMeltz.

Look! Mini Area Bruno beds! Anki Spets, founder of Area, was asked to design a table for the DIFFA (Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS) Dining by Design event held in NYC. Anki designed a table setup with 10 miniature Bruno beds with Area bedding and little figurines in the beds reading the NY Times (the table sponsor).  She used different Area fabrics to tile the background of the booth.

They also gave each diner a piece of clay to be creative during dinner (a great little ice breaker!). Nice show, Anki! Love it!

Hi, just wanted to update our Haiti information. I’m watching the telethon right now, and if you are worried about giving to a charity that is legit, or that can get help there the fastest, the HopeforHaitiNow.org website is doing the job.

The Red Cross website must be a little overwhelmed right now, which is a good sign, but please don’t let it that stop you  from trying to make a donation to help the relief effort in Haiti. As I waited for my donation to process today, I felt badly that the only times I tend to donate to the Red Cross is after a huge, front page, horrific disaster. I need to remember to support their efforts all the time, without having to be reminded to by tragedy. Anyway, keep trying over the weekend if you haven’t already at RedCross.org.

Jonas Camille Hector: Marine Suite – #6

Also, as Haiti is on your mind today, go over to Return to Bohemia and check out the collection of Haitian art that Kitty has posted there (image above is via Return to Bohemia).

Our friend Vanessa de Vargas let us know about a great project she is involved in called Family Shelter and they need help. Here is her description of the project:

I just recently came on as Lead Interior Designer/Coordinator for this fantastic new 18 room shelter project called Upward Bound House in Culver City. I have organized 17 other Los Angeles based interior designers, who like myself are all putting in our time and effort to decorate our own room for the new shelter.

Each designer essentially adopts an apartment for a year that will help with temporary housing for 4 families.
The shelter will be opening its doors Feb 1st, so we are working around the clock to get the rooms designed in time for the new families.

We are in need of donations to furnish each of the rooms that include chairs, tables, shelving units, side tables, lighting etc. And are especially in need of new bathroom and bedding accessories.
Each designer has to come up with their own donations (we do not have a decorating budget) so I am asking you to please help us with a small donation.

All donations are tax deductible, just provide me with your address I can mail out a receipt for each donation.
Cash, checks, any products and gift cards ie Ross, Bed Bath and Beyond, Marshals, TJ Maxx, Home Goods etc. would be perfect stores that we can purchase from.

You can make the check or gift card out to:
Vanessa De Vargas
633 Palms Blvd. Unit A
Venice, CA 90291

Thank you for taking he time to read my note and hope that with the support from our friends, family and colleagues we can create a beautiful space for these families!

To read more about the project and to learn how you can get involved, read this article at California Home and Design and learn more about Upward Bound House, click here.