Emilie Christenson
Photos: Dunlop Photogrpahy
Giving in style
Jaffi’s is a high-end boutique that has been part of the Neptune, Florida, beach scene for the past 23 years. And while the store’s beautiful clothing, accessories and gifts embrace the community’s laid-back beach lifestyle, the store also embraces ways to give back to the community.
“From day one, which was March of 2001, we’ve hosted fashion shows and community fundraisers for different nonprofits,” says Owner Emily Christenson.
Fashionable fundraisers. One of the causes Jaffi’s supports, called Dreams Come True, is a local version of Make a Wish Foundation. Jaffi’s also holds fashion show fundraisers and an annual denim swap for The Pace Center For Girls.
“I think it is important to support the people who support you, and our community provides us with so much support.”
— Emilie Christenson
“We ask our customers to donate gently used denim in exchange for a discount on new denim,” Christenson says. “We always carry trendy denim so our customers’ donations are like gold.”
Jaffi’s also supports The Donna Foundation, a local charity that helps support women living with breast cancer, with a raffle featuring highly sought after items donated by local merchants and a sip and shop.
Jaffi’s giving back gift sets feature items from Tyler Candle for $25. They support a different cause each month.
A positive force. Jaffi’s started donating to The Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund because having two employees with Type 1 diabetes made Christenson aware of the seriousness of the condition. “We have a promotional item that we sell to give them money and we do have a sip and shop for them.”
Jaffi’s also carries promotional items for other nonprofits.
“Being a positive force in our community is very important to us. All of these organizations have a direct impact on our community and either help save lives or make them better. This is why we are happy to help with our time, talent and financial resources,” says Christenson.
Starfish Awards recognize companies in our industry that are making a difference through charitable donations and efforts. Know of a company that is deserving of an award? Submit a nomination at www.seasideretailer.com/starfish-award.
