The one thing I’m reminded of throughout the holiday season is to stand up for those who are less fortunate.

Since the age of 15, I’ve volunteered at the Salvation Army, and today, I’m lucky enough to work with organizations like the Food Bank for New York City, Generosity Water and MSG’s Garden of Dreams Foundation.

Which is why, this holiday season, I find myself dressing in an understated yet chic way. I do this to show thanks to all of the local heroes who go beyond their comfort zone to do something special for those less fortunate. Like Angelina Jolie, I’ve recently opted for suits because they embody sophistication. I’m loving dark blue and white versions by Rogan, chic Chloe tops and ’50s-inspired Marc Jacobs sweaters.

For this year’s Holiday Rock & Roll Bash, hosted by James Dolan of Cablevision (amNewYork’s parent company), not only was $1.7 million raised for the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research, but the party drew an amazing crowd with Jim at the helm of his band, JD & the Straight Shot. This week, I also took a group of children from the Garden of Dreams Foundation to see the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, and it was a delight to watch them enjoy the show.

And for those who love fashion and philanthropy (my favorite combo), I recently put a pair of worn-once Jimmy Choos up for auction on eBay, with 100% of the profits being donated to Generosity Water  to provide clean water wells in Ghana.

Ambria Miscia and Karina Lepiner take a look inside Kelly Killoren Bensimon’s closet for a good cause, to help Generosity Water.

You saw them last night on EXTRA, now get my glam-rock holiday picks here! Missed the show? Click through to check out the awesome video!

Click here  to get the look !

I wore these Jimmy Choo’s to the FIFi awards and they stole the show. At 4 inches, even Fergie loved them. They only been worn once and 100% proceeds  from the shoes are going to my Generosity account to build a clean water well in Ghana.

Check them out on my ebay account.

Help me help others. Love, Kelly

For some it’s Black Friday, but for Christian girls it’s debutante time and cotillion time. This is a ‘coming out’ for girls in later years of high school and a wonderful old tradition to donate to the hospital. I got to attend with my twin at the piedmont club. Next year, make your own black tie or white tie party fund and  donate to your local hospital and kick off the holiday season with a little glamour.

Expressing true gratefulness is difficult in one day, for grateful deeds span throughout the year. So along with your friends and family, wish everyone thanks. Donate to the needy and it will bring you joy as well as them. Be grateful !

Happy Thanksgiving!

From Kelly, Sea, & Teddy

I was honored to help this year at the Food Bank for New York. There is so much help needed and so many are still left hungry this Thanksgiving. Please donate and help feed a family this Thanksgiving. For those living in New York, please help your community. The Food Bank of New York is  in need of any donations possible to feed families in need. This is the time of year to be thankful for your blessings and to help others in need, even if it is for $1.

DONATE NOW

Being a mom of two girls, I know the importance of giving your kids the best opportunities to grow and learn. I’m very passionate about working with organizations that focus on children’s futures, and the Florence Fuller Child Developement Center  in Boca Raton does just that.

The high-quality early education programs offered at the Florence Fuller Child Developement Center fills a niche for economically struggling parents who have limited options for making the most of their children’s immense learning potential while giving them a foundation for success in school and in life. For all children, innovative socio-educational experiences improve academics and language, as well as help them become more emotionally adjusted. For less fortunate kids, programs like those provided by the Florence Fuller Child Developement Center , have been shown to provide significant differences in their lives, not just while in school, but for decades later.

It was such an honor to visit the Florence Fuller Child Developement Center to meet and play with the little kiddies! They are so lovable and reinforce why children desperately need the opportunity to obtain early education programs. Plus, it was down-right fun to hang out with some energetic kids for the day! (Loosing your adult inhibitions and acting like a kid every once in a while is good for your soul, too!)

My experience at the Florence Fuller Child Developement Center was so positive. Not only did I get to witness smiling little kids get their day brightened with a hug, but it also did a wonder on mine! I’ll always be a fan of centers like the Florence Fuller Child Developement Center because no child deserves to be stuck at home watching TV when they could be imagining, challenging their minds, and smiling all the way there and back.

THANK YOU FFCDC!