Giving Back

Almost three years ago Kerry and I sat around my parents’ kitchen table and brainstormed about plans and ideas for our new company. We both agreed that using our product to “give back” in some way should be a top priority. We have accomplished that goal and we couldn’t be more excited about it.

www.BellflowerBooks.com has become charitable partners with www.PinkRibbonGirls.org The Pink Ribbon Girls is a Cincinnati-based non-profit that was founded to support young women dealing with breast cancer. The organization offers education, awareness for early detection, support and an outlet to express fears.

Kerry’s mother-in-law is a breast cancer survivor and my mom passed away from Triple Negative breast cancer 18 months ago, so this is a cause that is very meaningful to both of us. One of my mother’s defining characteristics was her ability to recognize the good in people and to make sure they knew why they were loved and how their lives made a difference. That is exactly what a Bellflower Book does for somebody…it allows a group of people to tell somebody exactly why she is loved, supported and appreciated. We believe from first-hand experience that this is the best gift for somebody going through breast cancer treatment or achieving a survival anniversary milestone.

A portion of the proceeds from each Bellflower Book sold will go towards donating books to the Pink Ribbon Girls. These books will be given to women currently undergoing treatment, women reaching exciting milestones (like 5 years of being cancer free!) and amazing volunteers. In addition to donating books, www.BellflowerBooks.com is also extremely committed raising awareness about The Pink Ribbon Girls. Our wonderful software developer, Jared Saunders at www.LittleGreenCube.com, donated his talent and his time to create a special book design to honor this partnership.

Please help us spread the word!
www.PinkRibbonGirls.org

A special thank you to Kerry's cousin-in-law for donating her services as our photographer. Check out her amazing work at www.AngelaDugan.com.

Meaningful Person of the Month

Mac the Bike Guy

The other day I took my daughter to get her first bike. Instead of going to one of the large chain stores, we went down the street to visit “Mac the Bike Guy”. Mac is 89 years old and for the last 17 years he has been fixing up and recycling used bikes and giving them life again. He uses his garage as his storefront and workshop. He has every type of bike you can imagine, but my favorites are the vintage bikes that just need new straw baskets before they are good to go! The best part about buying my daughter’s bike from Mac was his genuine enthusiasm for his product. Not only did a get a great deal on a “recycled bike” but I also had a great conversation with Mac and left feeling really good about my purchase.

People like “Mac the Bike Guy” give a community like mine character. I love meeting people with a passion for something that brings joy to others. Thanks to Mac, old bikes in Perrysburg are rebuilt instead of thrown away!