I found this article today on My Daily Find and thought it such a terrific idea that I wanted to share it with everyone.  The article was written by Amanda Traxler and for the complete article go to My Daily Find.

“When finally ready to bring several of her own product ideas to market (including exquisitely patterned, environmentally friendly fabric gift-wrap), Gail Lara realized she wanted to help other women do the same.

“I thought, ‘Why don’t I invite other women who are also doing this to come together?” said Lara, founder of Made in the Valley a website launched in July that serves as a vehicle to help women retail their products while also donating 10% of its proceeds to local charities.

The 14 local entrepreneurs who sell one or two items from their lines on the site have each designated a charity to receive the proceeds of their product sales.

With her concept, Lara has accomplished several objectives, including encouraging consumers to buy locally, raising awareness and funds for charities at what is clearly a crucial time, and promoting a return to the art of gift-giving.

“What I’m really trying to do,” Lara said, “is promote meaningful goods. I think the art of gift giving has been lost. Often, there’s really no meaning to gift-giving today.”

Among the products featured on the site are fragrances, soaps, lotions, delectable chocolates and teas, as well as jewelry, hand-made greeting cards, T-shirts, specialty bow-ties, and a tool to teach productive action and behavior called The Thinking Spot.