There’s no discomfort quite as unsettling as tragedy breaking loose in your hometown. Orlando, Florida is where I grew up– where I learned about the importance of diverse culture, love conquering hate, and embracing individuality. I know I’m not alone in sharing gut-wrenching feelings of anguish, anger, and frustration; that in a single evening in today’s day and age, one woefully unbalanced man can steal the lives of so many innocent others. While we can’t rewrite the past or bring back the precious lives lost, we can do our part to support and honor those affected by the Pulse Nightclub shooting. Please continue to pray for Orlando, as well as the LGBT community around the world, and consider donating to the families and organizations in need.

I started working with Kendra Scott in Hyde Park (Tampa) in May, and I’m elated to announce that both of Kendra Scott’s Florida stores have partnered with Equality Florida, the organization sponsoring the Orlando Victim Relief Fund, to host a state-wide Kendra Gives Back Event benefitting the Orlando Pulse Victims Fund this Monday, June 20th, from 4pm – 8pm. 20% of all Florida sales will directly benefit the Orlando Pulse Victims Fund, which supports crisis and grief counseling, medical bills and funeral expenses for the victims’ families. For those who cannot attend in person, please call the Tampa or Boca Raton locations, as they will gladly accept phone orders with complimentary shipping. Here is their contact information: Kendra Scott Hyde Park/Tampa: 1511 W. Swann Ave, Tampa, FL 33606, (813) 644-8999 | Kendra Scott Mizner Park/Boca Raton: 411 Plaza Real, Boca Raton, FL 33432, (561) 430-2520.

So whether you need belated graduation gifts or you’re celebrating a summer birthday, this coming Monday, June 20th would be the BEST day to make a purchase and aid a community in need simultaneously. Remember to call or come in between the hours of 4-8PM, since 20% of all Florida sales will directly benefit the Orlando Pulse Victims Fund during that time period. Oh, and please keep my hometown of Orlando in your prayers. Thanks, y’all!