A Big Idea...An Even Bigger Heart!

To most, philanthropy means the love of all humankind, the spirit of active goodwill toward others as demonstrated in efforts to promote their welfare. Increased wealth among women has resulted in a recent surge of committed women philanthropists who are fulfilling their desire for involvement and change. Although women have traditionally been volunteers, they have not been widely recognized as philanthropic donors, until recently.

Hempfield Township, PA has it's own budding female philanthropist, Cheri Petrini-Hayden, the founder of the popular CHERIDAN COUTURE JEWELRY, INC. & CHERIDAN COUTURE JEWELRY, L.P. a multi-million dollar jewelry wholesale company which features "The BACKLACE® by Cheri" and "The BACKDROP® by Cheri" designs, www.thebacklace.com.

Even before the thriving success of her company and her personal pocketbook, Petrini-Hayden was driven by her outstanding growth as a member of Girl Scouting in her youth. As an Adult Life-Time Member and Registered Volunteer, Petrini-Hayden fully understands the concepts she learned as a child. She lives by promoting the importance of leadership, equality for all, self-confidence, responsibility, integrity, decision-making, teamwork, outdoor skills, and philanthropy to young women and men whom she mentors. Girl Scouts of the USA continues, today, to enable girls to grow into responsible, caring, independent and giving citizens like Petrini-Hayden. She believes that if philanthropy is instilled in someone when they are young, it is only natural that one would continue to fulfill their philanthropic potential.

Through her personal leadership and giving character, Petrini-Hayden represents strength and dedication to her community. She is recognized as a women who set a high standard for philanthropy through her own volunteerism and financial commitment. By 30 years of age, this inspirational young lady became a donor to every imaginable local charity, from educational, religious and medical institutions to cultural preservation programs and animal shelters. "So many good things come out of giving, every one of us has a gift that can be passed along to help another, and it doesn't have to be monetary, exclaims Petrini-Hayden."

Beyond giving and raising money, another important aspect of Petrini-Hayden's philanthropy is voluntarism--the giving of time. Petrini-Hayden's participation as philanthropic donor, activist, fund raiser and nonprofit leader, has inspired others to do the same, especially the young people who look to her as role model with her outgoing and cheerful attitude. Petrini-Hayden is a young leader who inspires philanthropy, who highlights a model of philanthropic practice for future generations, and who illuminates the vital contributions she makes by living a life of humble goodness. "Now is the time to think globally about the problems we can repair and the future we all can create, starting locally, Petrini-Hayden encourages." Click here for an online list of those who took the time to praise her work. Click here: Testimonials

A company's corporate giving habits can help build its reputation and brand loyalty. A focus on philanthropy will affect internal and external relationships by instilling charitable efforts among employees, and will create valuable partnerships in the community. It rings true for Cheridan Couture Jewelry that a positive image resulting from corporate philanthropy has strengthened company marketing and improved their bottom line. Petrini-Hayden's efforts extend beyond what she does through corporate/ entrepreneurial philanthropy. Her acts of donating money, goods, time, or effort to support her beloved charitable causes make for a global company built on local relationships. "We are a world of consumers and I realized just how unsatisfying that was", she says. "I realized that acquiring material things as one's primary focus always runs out of charm. Making a difference in the lives of others - that satisfaction is with you forever".

There is no high road to success but Petrini-Hayden has proved that industry fame, fortune and glamour are not the product of a million dollar check rather they require a million dollar heart. She loves that she "now has a voice that inspires women, young and already established and that means so much to me." Click here to view an online list of some of her numerous philanthropic commitments. Click here: Mission

This uber-humble female philanthropist is contributing time, talent and treasury to our local communities in Western PA. And what would she say about this..."What are YOU going to do, I'm surely not done?!"