Lady LUX

Kiehl’s Since 1861 is busy making a difference. Its newest philanthropic initiative will get underway during the brand’s 160th birthday bash, a star-studded cocktail party to be held at its Third Avenue flagship in New York this evening. The affair centers on presenting Kiehl’s Gives, an ongoing charity endeavor, and highlighting the label’s new Global Ambassadors: Julianne Moore, Pharrell Williams and the Scissor Sisters, reported WWD.

The three chosen ambassadors will each emphasize a key issue: Moore, children’s well-being; Williams, the environment; and the Scissor Sisters, HIV/AIDS. A total of 24 charities will be involved, with each charitable area supported by eight organizations.

The public can get involved by voting on their favorite charities, starting when the Kiehlsgives.com site is unveiled on June 15, up until Aug. 31. That means the distribution is all up to people like you. The lucky winners of the vote receive a share of $160,000, given away in honor of the brand’s birthday. The funds will be allocated in proportion to the poll, with each charity receiving a minimum of $20,000 and the top ones walking away with the largest share.

“It’s a wonderful way to build awareness of the overall importance to give back, and spread the message of Kiehl’s mission statement,” said Chris Salgardo, Kiehl’s president, USA, in a statement. “Kiehl’s Gives is a celebration of our causes, our customers, and our communities.” Kiehl’s has a history of reaching out, having invested in helping local communities since its infancy.

The site will feature a short film series, available exclusively at the website, which displays the three celebrities as they express their personal commitments to issues that move them.

Growing up in a military family, Moore travelled the globe, experiencing firsthand the lack of resources for children. She quickly developed a desire to help, leading her to work with the nonprofit Save The Children.

“It was evident pretty early on that not all school systems are created equal; there are school systems where there isn’t enough money for even the basics, where there is extreme poverty,” Moore said to WWD. “I could see this even as a kid, so when I had the chance to make a difference as an adult, it was important to me to do.”

Williams is also excited about the opportunity to do some good.

“As an ambassador, I have committed to lend my image and reach to help build awareness for eco-charities around the world,” Williams said to WWD. “On a personal level, the partnership gives me a global platform to help educate and inspire people to learn more about how to encourage green practices among the future generation.”

Williams has been active with Kiehl’s, collaborating on Earth Day projects and designing an eco-tote available in Kiehl’s stores.

For Ana Matronic, lead singer for the Scissor Sisters, AIDS is a personal cause. The singer’s father passed away in 1990 after succumbing to AIDS, inspiring in her a passion to work to save others from the deadly disease.

“When we heard about the project — which is the idea of doing good in your own community — to me, that was a no-brainer,” Matronic told WWD. “We want to encourage those shopping to shop with a conscience. It’s exciting to see results at the local level, too — doing good doesn’t just have to be supporting a starving child in another country.”

Her work includes efforts with New York charity The After Hours Project, which provides groups such as prostitutes and homeless people with services to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS.

Be sure to check out the site come June 15 and vote for your favorite nonprofit!

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