“All of our charitable programs have evolved from the idea of making a diff
erence,” said Kim Holstein, president of the homemade soft pretzel company, whose products are sold at retail and online. “It’s always been important to us.”
Critical to their mission is “Pretzels with a Purpose,” several programs they run to serve the community. “Pretzel Dough” lets schools raise funds for their organization, while “Pretzel Power” brings high-school students into their bakery to job shadow at different positions within the company. Partnering with the Chicago Entrepreneurial Center, they provide paid internships to high school students who want to become entrepreneurs. Kim and Scott are also active members of Future Founders, which connects teens with various business professionals. “We’re passionate about teaching others they can start with nothing and build something from it,” continued Kim.
Kim & Scott’s contributes to a variety of events like the Breast Cancer Walk, Special Olympics, MS Walk as well donates pretzels to food banks
for the homeless. In addition, they’re committed to planting a tree for every online sale during April for Earth Day.
Employees are also encouraged to volunteer. “Our employees have teamed up to run in “Relay for Life’ together and get involved in other charitable events. Giving back is just part of our culture.”
Posh Nails — Beauty’s More than Skin Deep
Supporting their customers and their community has always been an integral part of the plan for Jane Grach and Janet Rakhman, co-owners of Posh Nails and More in downtown Highland Park. The two women are extremely committed to the Jewish United Fund, who provided great assistance when they immigrated to the US from Russia. They opened Posh Nails in 2000, and since that time have opened their doors and hearts to many non-profit organizations “Because of the JUF, we are here,” said
Janet.
“We believe in supporting our regular customers who’ve been coming to us for many years,” said Jane. Posh Nails gives out gift certificates to organizations that are sponsoring silent auctions. They also helped raise funds recently for Food Allergy Initiative by hosting a party and offering their services the salon in exchange for donations.
“If it’s important to our customers, it’s important to us. We’re convinced the more you give, the more you get.”
Fun(d)raising Events at Stashs
Bobby Dubin, owner of Stashs in Highland Park since 2002, has always been community minded. From the very beginning, he began partnering with schools and other non-profit organizations by supporting their fund-raising efforts with gift cards or in-store events. “We’ve stepped up to the plate for local schools, synagogues, Y-Me Breast Cancer and many other causes,” he said.
Best Futures, a charity that creates employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities, looked to Stashs for assistance. Dubin arranged an event in the restaurant and helped Best Futures successfully launch the concession stand at Centennial Ice Arena in Highland Park, which now employs 20 special needs teens and young adults.
Dubin recently opened two new Italian bistros inside of Stashs as well as the 2nd Street Market. The market, which sells local, organic produce online with pick-up in store, donates proceeds to schools and organizations. “We’re part of the community and there’s no better feeling than being able to help.”
Jewish Business News is always looking for companies that make charitable projects a part of their company. To submit your business for consideration, please email mt@thejewishbusiness.com.
Mira Temkin is a Highland-Park based copywriter with both advertising and editorial expertise. She can be reached at mt@thejewishbusiness.com.
About Mira Temkin
Our company gives 5% to 501C in the form of monthly residual income.