Real Estate Company Hosts Third Annual Putt for Charity

Mel Foster Co. is hosting its third annual Putt for Charity event. This year's event will be on Thursday, November 10, 2011 at 6:00 p.m. at a new location, The Golden Leaf Banquet & Convention Center in Davenport.

Putt for Charity is a miniature golf tournament that includes 18 custom holes designed for your entertainment. Proceeds will benefit the Domestic Violence Shelter of Family Resources, an organization that provides shelter services for families fleeing domestic violence situations. In addition to meeting the basic needs of women and children in the shelter such as food, clothing and shelter, the shelter provides both individual and group counseling for all residents.

Cheryl Goodwin, Family Resources CEO/President stated, "On behalf of Family Resources and the hundreds of women and children we serve annually at the Domestic Violence Shelter, my genuine thanks to Mel Foster Co. agents and staff for choosing our program as the beneficiary of this year's Putt for Charity. Our generous community is what allows us to continue providing priceless service to our most vulnerable."

"Each year our agents and employees select a charitable organization that is near and dear to their hearts, and Mel Foster Co. is pleased to contribute to help end violence in our community by donating the 2011 proceeds from Putt for Charity to the Domestic Violence Shelter of Family Resources Inc," said Kris Ratigan, Marketing Director at Mel Foster Co.

Each golfer will enjoy 18 holes of miniature golf, as well as hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar. There will be door prizes including a chance to win $5,000 compliments of Radon Solutions. Non golfers can purchase a "Caddy Special", a social only ticket. Registration deadline is Friday, October 28.

"Last year's event raised $14,000, and we are confident that with our community partners, agents and employees we can raise the money again!" added Ratigan.

For more information or to register, visit http://www.melfosterco.com/putt

About Mel Foster Co.
Founded in 1921, Mel Foster Co. is the Real Estate Leader of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois serving Davenport, Bettendorf, Moline, Rock Island and the surrounding Quad City area, and it is Iowa's largest independently owned real estate company. The company specializes in residential sales and offers services in insurance, commercial, farm and land sales, land development, and management, relocation, career development, new construction and senior services. Visit our website at http://www.melfosterco.com for more information.

About Family Resources
Family Resources mission to strengthen children, families, and individuals by providing quality services that engage community resources to create effective solutions. Last year our domestic violence shelter housed 270 women and children and was often at capacity. The funds raised through the fashion jackets online Mel Foster Putt for Charity will provide extra resources greatly needed by so many in our communality. Visit the Family Resources website at http://www.famres.org for more information.

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Black Friday Sale at San Francisco Clothing Store Skunkfunk–Up to 50% Off Sustainable Clothing

Environmental and social responsibilities are always in fashion at New York and San Francisco clothing store Skunkfunk. This year, the fashion-forward retailer of organic cotton, recycled polyester and Lyocell attire is making shopping fun and rewarding with a special sale on Black Friday and all weekend long at their three retail locations.

A fishbowl at the register will be filled with discounts of up to half-off the total purchase amount, and Skunkfunk shoppers will get to play the exciting pick-your-own-discount Go Fish game.

"We're hooking up customers with 'reel' savings during our Black Friday Go Fish Promotion," said Kyle Retzik, owner of Skunkfunk North America. "Every shopper will fish for discounts as deep as 50% off their total purchase—it's going to be fun and exciting!"

Savings don't end on Black Friday. Saturday and Sunday, November 26 and 27, all merchandise will be marked down 30%. The doors at the San Francisco men's clothing and women's clothing store open at 10 am, and New York doors open at 11:30 am.

Skunkfunk's Fall / Winter 2011 Collection, "Fight the Grey," features a broad range of styles for men and women and includes dresses, jackets, coats, sweaters, skirts, tops, t-shirts, bags, wallets, scarves, hats and gloves. The complete collection is available exclusively at Skunkfunk's retails stores in Manhattan and San Francisco.

Skunkfunk works hard to bring positive change to three areas of their fashion industry: people, planet and prosperity. Textiles are carefully chosen based upon their impact to the environment, and include recycled polyester, organic cotton, and Lyocell.

RECYCLED POLYESTER
Polyester comes from crude oil, a natural sca women's jackets rce resource with a low renewability ratio. Recycled polyester is processed in a less energy intensive way than creating virgin fibers, and it's a perfect option to give a second life to post-industrial remains or post-consumer plastic waste.

ORGANIC COTTON
Organic Cotton is a natural fiber cultivated without the use of synthetic chemicals, such as pesticides or fertilizers, and is not genetically modified.

LYOCELL
Lyocell is a light and silky textile made from regenerated cellulosic fiber that comes from eucalyptus wood pulp. The biodegradable fiber is extracted under a sustainable closed-loop process that saves energy.

For more information about Black Friday, holiday shopping, or any of Skunkfunk's products, call (415) 692-7678, go to http://www.shopskunkfunk.com, or visit one of their three stores located at 1475 Haight Street (Haight-Ashbury) and 302 Valencia Street (The Mission) in San Francisco or 181 Orchard Street (SoHo) in New York City.

About Skunkfunk
Skunkfunk is a Spanish-born New York and San Francisco clothing store that specializes in environmentally-friendly women's, children's and men's clothing. Skunkfunk has stores in San Francisco, New York City, various European cities and online. Their clothing is also sold in multi-brand stores throughout the United States.

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ActivewearUSA.com Has Acquired Certain Assets of DeezFit.com

ActivewearUSA.com today announced it has acquired certain assets of DeezFit, a Minneapolis, Minnesota based company that sells fashionable women's performance activewear.

Through this acquisition, ActivewearUSA.com expands its customer base with individuals that are proven to enjoy and purchase women's activewear online.

"Dee Burton has done a wonderful job growing DeezFit as an on-line retailer of high-performance fashion coats women's activewear" says Avi Woolman, Founder and CEO of ActivewearUSA.com. "We look forward to providing DeezFit customers with the same fantastic customer service they have received from DeezFit to date, and providing them with more than 60 additional high performance women's activewear brands to choose from."

As part of the acquisition, Dee Burton, CEO of DeezFit, will join the advisory board of ActivewearUSA.com.

"I am delighted to be involved with ActivewearUSA.com", says Dee Burton. "This will allow our customers to buy an even greater set of activewear brands from the leading multi-brand activewear company with a strong focus on customer service. Moreover ActivewearUSA.com sells activewear brands that our clientele is already familiar with, such as Margarita Activewear, Alo, MPG, Bluefish, Element V and many more."

About DeezFit
As a certified fitness instructor and personal trainer, Dee Burton has seen it all. Dee believes that wearing the right clothes at they gym can make you feel amazing enough to go the extra distance in the gym and beyond. Dee has worked with scores of professional athletes and taught hundreds of fitness classes, but she is still a fashionista at heart. Since her life revolves around hard workouts and high style, Dee made it her mission to find athletic wear that delivers on both function and fashion.

About ActivewearUSA.com
ActivewearUSA.com was founded with the goal of providing the best yoga clothing and women's workout clothes on the market, to encourage women to look and feel their best while enhancing their life through fitness. ActivewearUSA.com carries more than 70 high performance, super stylish activewear brands.

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Salesians Assist Victims, Prepare for Long-Term Recovery after Cyclone Strikes Southeast India

In response to the devastation caused by the recent cyclone that struck southeast India, Salesians in the region plan to create a Disaster Management Endowment Fund as well as launch a farmers' association to aid in agricultural recovery efforts.

The Salesians' work will go far beyond the immediate relief that was needed in the days following Cyclone Thane. The disaster will have long-term effects on the economy of the region, as entire communities must rebuild. In addition to restoring their social development and education programs in operation prior to the cyclone, the Salesians must now rebuild their own missions and lead community recovery efforts.

"Beyond these immediate needs, we must offer mid- and long-term assistance," says Father Johnson Antonysamy, director of the Salesian mission in Chennai. "We are facing a years-long process of reconstruction."

Infrastructure support is just one area of need. To restore the standard of living, the Salesians plan to women's coats online create a Disaster Management Endowment Fund to help underwrite the costs of rebuilding roads, restoring electricity and other long-term needs. For those displaced, houses that once had thatch roofs must be rebuilt with stronger materials to better withstand extremes in weather.

In addition, farms essential to the livelihood of their owners have been devastated. In some villages, almost 80 percent of some long standing crops – such as rice, corn, sugarcane, and bananas – have been destroyed. According to Fr. Antonysamy, some estimate it may take seven years for farmers to recover and rebuild these crops. In some villages, entire cashew groves were destroyed with not even a single cashew tree left standing. Estimates indicate it will take years to re-grow these groves, Antonysamy adds. The Salesians are launching a farmers' association to aid in agricultural recovery efforts, including options for financial assistance.

Given their long-standing educational work in these communities, the Salesians hope to help residents not only envision a sustainable future, but to participate in building it.

"We are resilient here in southeast India," says Fr. Antonysamy. "Together with the people we serve, we will build a better future."

On the evening of Dec. 31, 2011, Cyclone Thane barreled through the districts of Cuddalore, Villupuram and Puducherry. In its wake, residents dealt with leveled homes and uprooted trees; flooded farmlands that destroyed precious crops; and the death of dozens of men, women and children.

People were without food, water, electricity and shelter. Those with thatched roofs had their roofs blown off and more than 20,000 people were displaced. Destruction to Salesian property in Puducherry, Cuddalore and the missions in Gedilam and Maranodi Vinnarasi resulted in shattered windows, sheared off roofs, destroyed water heaters, and ruined equipment in several vocational centers. But despite their own losses, the Salesians stepped in during the immediate aftermath and provided shelter in their missions, meals, clean water, clothing and comfort to those affected by the devastation.

Salesian Missions – the U.S. development arm of the international Salesians of Don Bosco – has set up a fund to assist in the relief and rebuilding efforts. To give, go to SalesianMissions.org, click on "Donate Now" and select "India Cyclone Relief Fund."

ABOUT SALESIAN MISSIONS:

Salesian Missions is headquartered in New Rochelle, NY, and is part of the Don Bosco Network—a worldwide federation of Salesian NGOs. The mission of the U.S.-based nonprofit Catholic organization is to raise funds for international programs that serve youth and families in poor communities around the globe. The Salesian missionaries are made up of priests, brothers and sisters, as well as laypeople—all dedicated to caring for poor children throughout the world in more than 130 countries and helping young people become self-sufficient by learning a trade that will help them gain employment. To date, more than 3 million youth have received services funded by Salesian Missions. These services and programs are provided to children regardless of race or religion. For more information, go to http://www.SalesianMissions.org.

For more news like this, go to MissionNewswire.org.

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Ohio Woman Invents What She Calls "The Product of the Decade for Women, Period!"

Thanks women's coats to entrepreneur and inventor, Vida Calender, of Hamilton, Ohio, women can finally throw out their old granny panties and own a pair of real Period Panteez! Until now, women have had to worry about accidents while on their period, especially while sleeping or exercising, but with Period Panteez, worry no more! Period Panteez are a trendy, triple-layered boy short that provide support and peace of mind, protect clothing and bedding, and prevent accidents and embarrassment.

From tween girls to mature women, Period Panteez offer the solution that all ladies have been looking for, whether they know it or not. After buying brand new soft sheets and then having to sleep on itchy, uncomfortable towels to protect her bedding while menstruating, Vida said, "There's got to be a better way!", and Period Panteez was born. "I'm comfortable knowing I won't ruin my clothing or embarrass myself with leakage. I love the product! I do not worry anymore about leakage and that is a huge relief! Thank you!", commented Jackie, a focus group participant from Hamilton, Ohio.

After more than four years of research and development, countless prototypes, and extensive product testing, Period Panteez will have an official product launch today from 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. at Tri-County Mall at 11700 Princeton Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45246. To celebrate the launch, Period Panteez will be giving away Tri-County Mall gift cards and other free promotional items all day at their kiosk, as well as fun giveaways the entire month of April on their website at http://www.periodpanteez.com.

Once Vida had her "Aha" moment and discovered that nothing like her invention existed, she applied for a patent, located all necessary suppliers, and not only began manufacturing her product, but began transforming her dream into a reality! "My dream is that through Period Panteez, I can help improve the quality of women's lives, from tweens to grandmas, and help make the world a better place by putting people first, period", said Vida.

"The product is fantastic and solves a problem I have had since my menstruation cycles began, and helps me to feel totally confident that my period nightmare isn't going to happen!", said Lauren, a focus group participant from Oakland, California.

Press Contact:
Vida Calender, Inventor/President
Period Panteez, LLC
vida(at)periodpanteez(dot)com
1-888-878-8364

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Store Supply Warehouse Prepares Retailers for Graduation and Mother’s Day Shoppers

With graduation and Mother's Day approaching in May, retailers must prepare for last minute shoppers picking up gifts for graduates and mothers alike. Setting up retail displays, and offering appropriate retail packaging are just a few ways retailers can prepare for the upcoming gift-giving time of year.

For graduation, Store Supply Warehouse encourages retailers to focus on retail merchandise displays. With various sized mannequins and display racks, retailers can create clothing displays that showcase the latest men's and women's fashions. For kids preparing for the next step in their life, new clothes are a necessity. Whether going off to college at the end of summer, or entering high school for the first time, retailers can show off the most fashionable looks so that kids are up to date on the latest trends.

"We have male mannequins, female mannequins, and children-sized mannequins, so that all sizes and styles of clothing can be highlighted, especially at a time when parents purchase new clothes for their recent graduates," said Matt Wohlstadter, President of Store Supply Warehouse.

While graduation dates are scattered throughout May, one particular date remains most important: May 13, Mother's Day. While a variety of gifts might be purchased for mothers, jewelry tends to be the big women's coats seller of the season. With more jewelry being purchased than usual, retailers should ensure that they are fully stocked with jewelry gift boxes, jewelry displays, and jewelry price tags.

Additionally, customers can look forward to a new line of retail bags just in time for Mother's Day. The Fashion Prints and Fashion Color collections offer bright colors and specialty animal prints that mom will love. With a wide variety of tissue paper, ribbon, and raffia, retailers can coordinate colors with the bags, so that customers can walk out of the shop with their gift completely wrapped.

"Because gifts for mom are usually purchased by children and husbands, retailers can really increase sales simply by offering giftwrap solutions. Wrapping is time consuming and can prove to be a difficult task for some people, and retailers can provide a convenient service that will satisfy the shopper and make mom happy," added Wohlstadter.

As both graduation and Mother's Day near, Store Supply Warehouse reminds store owners that it's never too late to stock up on the latest display fixtures and packaging supplies. Store Supply Warehouse guarantees all items to be in stock, and all orders placed before 3 p.m. to be shipped on the same day, arriving to the retailer just in time for graduation and Mother's Day.

For more information about Store Supply Warehouse or to view their retail supplies, please visit their website: http://www.storesupply.com/

About Store Supply Warehouse
Store Supply Warehouse was founded in 1994 in St. Louis, and has since seen immense growth, selling retail fixtures and retail store supplies, including display cases, racks and shelving, shopping bags, hangers, pricing and tagging guns and mannequins. The distribution chain takes pride in its quick transaction process, efficient delivery, and quality customer service. Products are available for purchase through Store Supply's catalog, which is updated and distributed four times a year, or online at http://www.storesupply.com. Same-day shipping is guaranteed on all orders placed before 3 p.m. The company's main office is located at 9801 Page Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri, 63132. Contact Store Supply directly at 800-823-8887 or by email at contactus(at)StoreSupply(dot)com.

IGIGI by Yuliya Raquel’s Voyage Exotique takes Full-figured Fashionistas on a Magical Journey around the World Rich in Colors and Enchanted Luxury

IGIGI by Yuliya Raquel's latest collection Voyage Exotique is a delightful summer escape inspired by some of the world's most captivating and exciting regions including Japan, Africa, The Tropics, and the Mediterranean jewel, Ibiza. Raquel's muse, plus model Grisel Paula, begins her journey dressed in ethereally beautiful Japonesque prints and continues onto an adventurous and sandy safari where she becomes a powerful and mesmerizing African queen. Next, she is in colorful and rich patterns inspired by the lush greenery of a tropical paradise. The journey ends in Ibiza where a glamorous Grisel is the life of the party dancing the night away before a dive into the warm waters at sunrise. Voyage Exotique is now available at http://www.igigi.com and select specialty stores worldwide.

"Summer is the most exciting time of the year to escape to exotic, fun, and historical places for vacation, and I wanted to have our fashionista channel a world traveler going across the globe visiting different popular destinations perfectly dressed for each climate and occasion. I concentrated on pieces which are both bold and beautiful as well as easy to pack and wear for an effortless and chic style." said Yuliya Raquel, IGIGI Founder, Head Designer, and Creative Director.

Voyage Exotique includes dresses and separates ruched and draped in signature Yuliya Raquel style that carry the season's most sought after trends. Maxis and cocktail dresses in daring and vivacious floral, animal, and color-blocked prints, and lace; and business and casual separates in breathable, soft linen are just some of the highlights of the collection.

Headquartered in San Francisco, Ca, IGIGI by Yuliya Raquel was founded in 2000 with a mission to transform the world's view of beauty by providing full-figured women with fashion-forward, quality, and well-fitting clothes that would help express their beauty. Collections are designed in-house and produced locally through independent San Francisco Bay Area contractors. IGIGI by Yuliya Raquel has been featured in major fashion and life style magazines likeMarie Claire, The Oprah Magazine, People StyleWatch, Ladies Home Journal, Glamour, and Essence, and it has been a favorite among celebrities such as Nikki Blonsky, Kim Coles, KayCee Stroh, Jill Scott, Kelly Price, Ashley Fink, Martha Wash, and Gabourey Sidibe. IGIGI by Yuliya Raquel collections are available online at http://www.igigi.com and select boutiques worldwide. IGIGI by Yuliya Raquel was honored with the Best Plus Fashion Retailer of the Year award (Full Figured Fashion Week, June, 2010), and made Internet Retailer's Top Hot 100 list (December, women's jackets 2010), and received About.com Critics' Choice Best Plus Designer Award (March, 2011).