We just turned in our final tally for the money we raised in the past few months for the LIVESTRONG Foundation. About $7,000 was donated by individuals and by our own contributions in only 4 months towards the cause against cancer. How cool is that? That’s real money, from real people: real brides and grooms, real commercial clients, real editorial clients and wonderful friends who were inspired by the issue and wanted to help. Thank you!
Very soon, you’ll be seeing another logo displayed near ours… one that indicates our recent membership in a fantastic organization called 1% For The Planet. We’re one of the very first companies in Maine, and the very first photographer in this state to make this commitment. By joining, we’re dedicating 1% of our entire sales before ANY deductions are taken (not just 1% of our profit), to be donated to organizations who are helping protect and improve our natural environment.
I was so happy to hear that my Alma Mater, Bowdoin College, is awarding an honorary degree today to Yvon Chouinard… an icon of responsible businesses, the founder of Patagonia Clothing Company and one of the creators of 1% for the planet. I’m very proud of Bowdoin and their commitment to The Common Good.
Here’s a great short video on Chouinard and 1% for the planet: 
We’re proud to be looking beyond the photos we create to support the people and causes we believe in. And we’re just getting started. We hope other companies will follow our lead, and learn as we have that making commitments to the common good are a necessary and responsible business decision!
Contributing to our community is one of our most important core values… and though our clients love the beautiful images we create, we also know that it “matters” HOW we do business. I’m just thrilled that our business is growing by leaps and bounds every month… and that we’re staying committed to the causes that mean so much to us.
What goes around comes around. Thanks for YOUR support!
Meg - Very, very cool Brian! We just decided that in order to share our blessings we’re asking our friends and family to donate to our favorite charity rather than give us wedding gifts.
You joining 1% is just another thing to add to the list of reasons we’re positive that you’re the photographer for us! The only thing is…..we just wish you were nicer and had a better sense of humor….kidding!!
M & B
Joanna Vanderbilt - Good for you Bri!
You’re a ROCK STAR and we are so psyched for all that you’ve done. Thanks for taking the lead on another worthy cause. That’s a powerful commitment!
I’m psyched to see you this fall at the LL bean shoot!!
Jo
Pat - Hey there Bri-
I agree- what comes around-does go around! It is amazing to see how it works out in life, but it just seems to find a natural cycle. I truly enjoyed Yvon’s interview and his book- thanks for sharing this with all of us. Congrats on being the first photographer in Maine to join the 1% club- great work!
-Pat
brianwedge - Ha!!! I know… I’m an awful guy! Just wait… at your wedding there won’t be any photos above your knees. Pay back Meg, pay back!!!
I knew you guys would dig this, and I’ve been trying for years (with Christine’s support) to make a real serious commitment. Life’s short and though I won’t cut back on our fundraising for kicking cancer’s butt, we just need to pay an “Earth Tax” for all the beautiful locations we get to use as backdrops.
Yours especially. Can’t wait for that Colorado wedding next month. And congrats on doing your part too… that’s awesome. Maybe you ARE deserving of a few good wedding photos after all!
Can’t wait to see you and Bill!
-b
Jim Kenz - Environmental issues have been an area of interest and value to me, and we are so pleased to know that this amazing photographer that we hired purely for the promise of incredible images… also has a social conscience.
The Patagonia name is well known to many who love the outdoors as representing the highest quality possible. We were not aware of the extent to which Chouinaard… and YOU are going for the sake of all of us. Thanks for the introduction to Yvon Chouinard and story behind the company. Your dedication and contribution to our planet is inspiring!!!
Thanks for being a member of “1% for the Planet”.
Jim