Carmel Magazine

046-074 Shortcuts_SU05 Carmel Magazine 10/23/13 5:41 PM Page 14 SHORTCUTS GIVING BACK Photo: Kelli Uldall Carmel Kitchens & Baths Helps International Women Rising International Founder Carmel Jud (left) coordinates with Carmel Kitchens & Baths owner Gary Courtright (center) and designer Julie Young (right) to sell crafts. The nonprofit has raised almost a quarter of a million dollars for local and international women. ongtime kitchen and bath designer Gary Courtright took over the sell her own children. Her friends petitioned Jud to sell all of the woman's working there since 2001. Kitchen and interior designer Julie Young has her children back, which she was. Girls in India and Nepal are rescued from L popular Carmel Kitchens & Baths as owner in summer 2012, after worked for the company for 11 years, which is now celebrating its 30th anniversary. Known for its high quality cabinetry, finishes, and custom design, dolls rather than their own crafts until she was able to earn enough to buy brothels and are being taught to make silver jewelry, traditionally a male craft. "What I really like about Rising International is that they are helping on the company is also known for its commitment to helping out others. multiple levels," Courtright says. such organization he helps is Rising International. The nonprofit sells crafts events. The showroom hosts twice-yearly shopping events, one right "living in the poorest and most dangerous places in the world," according Young proudly pulls out a basket of dolls she has purchased. "I keep one "As the owner, it is critical for me to give back," Courtright says. One at home parties in the U.S. made by women from 20 different countries to Founder and Executive Director Carmel Jud. Women operating the parties also make a percentage of the profits, but the focus is on the women worldwide. "The average income in Afghanistan is $250 a year," Jud says. "We have women who make dolls and sell them here and are earning $1000 a year working part time." 70 One of the Afghanistani women was a widow so poor she was forced to C ARMEL M AG A Z I N E • H O L I D AY 2013 The company got involved when Young started volunteering to help at before Mother's Day, and one the day after Thanksgiving. at my desk," she says. "I look at it to remind me how lucky I am. Every time I think I have a bad day it reminds me of how much I have." The Shop for the Holidays event takes place on Friday, November 29, from 11am-4pm at Carmel Kitchens & Baths' showroom, 26386 Carmel Rancho Lane, Carmel. For more information, or to host a home party, go to www.risinginternational.org. —Brett Wilbur

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