At least four young women across the globe will get the opportunity to receive an education and fulfill their potential thanks to the positive response of the “Girl Power” pieces designed by MSM students for Bella Vita Jewelry in downtown Little Rock. More than $1,000 in profits has been donated to Heifer International’s “Send a Girl to School” initiative since the shop began selling these items in early 2018.
The MSM Art Department held a competition for design submissions after being contacted by Brandy Thomason McNair, designer and owner of the Bella Vita Jewelry, in late 2017 about creating a unique t-shirt design that illustrated the theme of girl power. The colorful design submitted by Bella B. ’20 ended up winning the voting contest that followed on Bella Vita Jewelry’s social media. In addition to printing t-shirts, Brandy also had coordinating sticker sets made that featured all the designs submitted. She and the students collaborated together to decide where the proceeds should go and ultimately decided on Heifer’s program, one that highlights the Sisters of Mercy critical concern on which Mount St. Mary is focusing this year: women.
Per Heifer International’s website: “Girls often suffer the most from gender discrimination. They are often denied the opportunity to go to school because resources are limited. Heifer International and our partners support programs designed to give every girl the chance to fulfill her potential. Join us in breaking this cycle.”
It’s not too late to support this wonderful cause. Proceeds from the sales of the student-designed t-shirts and sticker sets will continue to be donated to Heifer International until the items are sold out. You can find these items on Bella Vita Jewelry’s website, or learn more about Heifer International’s “Send a Girl to School” initiative here.
Mount St. Mary Academy, sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, develops young women with a moral and intellectual foundation rooted in Catholic tradition. Mercy-minded and college-prepared, our students meet the future with wisdom, compassion and integrity.