Xan for the Holidays

Don’t ask me how I got so lucky to work on one of HKA’s yummiest accounts, Xan Confections. I couldn’t tell you why, but I’m certainly not complaining! The chocolates and caramels that Xan produces are the BEST I have ever tasted. From the 29-calorie Saintly Sins to the massive masterpieces known as the Big Mouths, Xan Confections has truly won my heart.

I wanted to share these treats with my family, who I get to see about twice a year, and so I stocked up at Whole Foods before going home on my most recent visit. My Grandma, who is diabetic, loved the low-glycemic Saintly Sins. These truly incredible little morsels are made of the finest chocolate encasing pineapple, strawberry, or raspberry fruit purees – sweetened with organic blue agave nectar – NOT sugar. My mom loved the Jewel Collection - delicate, decadent chocolate gems encasing Xan’s signature soft caramel while retaining the healthful qualities of being vegan and gluten-free. And I got to see my dad, who rarely eats chocolate due to his high cholesterol and other medical issues, quietly enjoying the Honey Truffle, made of raw eucalyptus honey blended with dark 45% Swiss milk chocolate. He really liked that one – and it meant a lot to see him enjoying a sweet treat. I know what I’ll be putting in his stocking this Christmas.

Family is important to the people at Xan too. Susan Johnson, President of both Xan Confections and Susan’s Healthy Gourmet, named the company after her three grandchildren by using the last letter of each of their first names: JaX, HelenA and BeN. Not to be left out, little George came along this past summer and inspired the new LadybuG Truffles. And the Big Mouth Collection is lovingly named after Morton Downey Jr., the father of Xan chocolatier Tracey Downey, and a famed talk show host who was nicknamed “Mort the Mouth.”

As we start thinking about what to get our friends and family for Christmas this year,  Xan Confections is a gift to keep in mind. They have truly mastered the art of exceptional chocolate, and don’t leave anyone out – dietary restrictions or not. I know they’re going to be a big hit under my family’s Christmas tree this year… even Santa might find chocolates instead of cookies on the fireplace! Xan Confections truly has something for everyone.

Keep up with Xan Confections on Twitter and Facebook

FUNdraisers

Our nonprofit clients are busy busy busy this time of year, and it doesn’t slow down as the holiday season approaches. I had the opportunity to be part of two wonderful fundraisers this fall:  the Komen Orange County Race for the Cure and Working Wardrobes’ Blue Jeans and the Blues. One overall thing I observed at both these events: our nonprofits and the community are truly amazing. Despite the economy, people are still coming in droves to support these ever-important causes. To put it simply: it’s inspirational.

The Race was just as magnificent as ever this year. HKA worked harder than ever to secure media exposure for this event and I’m proud to say we were successful, despite the fact that several media outlets had shut down since last year’s event (including KDOC’s Daybreak OC and Your Cancer today). The Orange County Register’s supplement and Race day story captured the event and stories of survivors.

And survivors’ stories are powerful. These women warriors captivate me during the Survivor Tribute each year. One woman revealed that she was  recently diagnosed and currently going through treatment, but at the end said she’d “always wanted to be a blonde,” then promptly yanked off her wig and waved it around amid cheers from her fellow survivors and everyone watching. I still get chills thinking about that moment.

All smiles after the Race!

Exactly one week after the Race, Working Wardrobes held their first ever Blue Jeans & the Blues fundraising event. I am in love with Working Wardrobes’ creativity in its fundraisers. While the Black Tie & Tennies was a favorite of mine last year, this year’s more relaxed gala was just as inspiring. People had a grand time enjoying barbeque, dancing to tunes from sultry songstress Pamela G, and raising money through the casino, opportunity drawings and live auction. 944 Magazine was there to capture great moments of the evening. And of course, team HKA was there in style:

An interesting twist: One of the live auction items was donated by chef Martin Gilligan, a Working Wardrboes success story, who had shared with guests how he had overcome alcohol and substance abuse to become a successful chef at the Kyoto Grand Hotel in Los Angeles. His story touched the hearts of so many at the event, including mine.

Both these organizations change lives and save lives.  And we love being part of that!

Jazz Moves and Tennis Shoes

What a busy weekend for the HKA team!  Last Saturday marked the start of back-to-back events for us beginning with the  7^th Annual Gala: Prohibition Party and Jazz on the Beach.  The early 1930s theme transformed the cove into an exclusive speakeasy in honor of the beach community’s development during the Prohibition era.  Although I had been looking forward to the gala since I first heard about it, I was absolutely blown away by the turnout.  Over 400 guests attended, many wearing Prohibition-inspired costumes, to support CCA’s mission of preservation and continued restoration of the area as well as the expansion of the nonprofit’s educational programs.   While flapper dresses, feathers and fedoras flooded the beach, my favorite get-up of the night went to Steve Murow pictured below with his wife Jeanne:

Guests embraced the Prohibition theme with 1930s-inspired attire

The party took place on the sand of the cove during the slow coastal sunset. Attendees enjoyed authentic Prohibition cocktails, including classics like, “bathtub gin fizz” and “sidecars,” a three-course menu, based on 5-star hotel menus from the Prohibition era and live entertainment by the Brenna Whitaker Jazz Orchestra who performed early 1900s hits like “It Had to Be You” and “Big Spender.”

Brenna Whitaker takes the stage at the Prohibition Party

As the celebration of Crystal Cove’s remarkable past came to a close, the HKA ladies got ready to trade in their jazz moves for tennis shoes at the Susan G. Komen Orange County Race for the Cure.

Survivors raise their roses in celebration of their strength

On Sunday Sept. 27, swarms of pink took over Fashion Island for the annual Race for the Cure.  Although I had participated in the race in the past, this was the first year I got to experience the Survivor Tribute, during which breast cancer survivors are recognized for triumph over the disease in an incredibly moving ceremony.  As the speakers took the stage, I couldn’t help but to tear up at the amazing strength and courage exhibited by all. Being a part of the 2009 race was nothing short of amazing.  Unless you’ve experienced it yourself, it’s hard to imagine what it feels like to be surrounded by 30,000 people who have been touched in some way by this disease and are truly devoted to finding a cure; it’s inspirational, humbling and hopeful all at the same time.

The HKA staff bright and early at the Komen Race for the Cure

One of my favorite things about HKA is the wonderful non-profit organizations we’re involved with and I am so glad I was able to experience these amazing events.  Stay tuned for more HKA staff recollections coming soon.  In the meantime, check out more from the Orange County Register about the Prohibition Party and Race for the Cure!

See HKA in action at these upcoming events!

Team HKA is working hard and looking forward to several great events this month and next.  Our nonprofit organizations do great work for the community and we are so excited to be part of it all, whether it’s working toward finding a cure for breast cancer or helping to preserve a historical part of the community.  Join us at our upcoming events and see the team in action!

Kids On Track Golf Tournament
Monday, Sept. 21 at 9:30 AM
America On Track

Client America On Track is an award-winning nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the social conditions of disadvantaged children and youth through mentoring and life transforming programs. This annual fundraiser includes a special dinner and live auction, and it takes place at the Mesa Verde Country Club. All the funds raised at this event will benefit the On Track Mentoring Programs throughout Orange County.  More info here.

Prohibition Party & Jazz on the Beach
Saturday, Sept. 26 at 6 PM
Crystal Cove Alliance

Orange County’s Crystal Cove Alliance is bringing the Prohibition era to the beach! The theme of this event is tied directly to Crystal Cove’s early Prohibition history when rum was running and jazz was hot.  Guests will travel back to the 1930s by stepping into the speakeasy on Crystal Cove’s beach where they will enjoy live music, dancing, fine dining, and even some authentic Prohibition cocktails (“bathtub gin fizz” or “sidecar,” anyone?).  Funds raised at the event will support CCA’s mission of education and restoration of the Crystal Cove State Park Historic District. And we think that’s just the bee’s knees! Purchase tickets here.

Susan G. Komen Orange County Race for the Cure
Sunday, Sept. 27 at 7 AM
The Komen Orange County Affiliate

2009 will mark HKA’s third time at the Race, held annually at Fashion Island, and we love it every single year. The event is such an inspiring one – the breast cancer survivor tribute at 9 AM is personally my favorite part of it all.  Watching nearly 2,000 breast cancer survivors in a sea of pink walk up and receive their pink roses is always a tear-jerking moment. The first Race begins at 7:30 AM, the second at 9:45.  The Race raises vital funds for mammograms and breast health programs in OC and groundbreaking breast cancer research.  Register here!

Blue Jeans & the Blues
Sunday, Oct. 4 at 5 PM
Working Wardrobes

Working Wardrobes is creating a fun new fundraiser this year: Blue Jeans & the Blues invites guests to come dressed in their best denim-chic and enjoy a night under the stars with sultry blues tunes from artist Pamela G and down-home cooking from Beach Pit BBQ. The event, taking place at the Lakeside Lagoon near the Verizon Amphitheater, will raise funds for an important cause in today’s economy: empowering more men and women to re-enter the workforce.  Purchase tickets here.

HKA Turns 25 Through the Eyes of Melissa Rivers

Interviewing guests on the exclusive red carpet was a dream of mine since I watched my first Oscar pre-show at age 10.  Joan Rivers would ask celebrities questions that we would all think in our head but never dream of asking out loud.  Before the Botox injections and facial remold, Joan was natural and attractive but it was the in-your-face, New Yorker interview style that made her a household name.  I often envisioned myself as her sidekick, using my hairbrush as a microphone, asking questions to the mirror, bantering back and forth with her.  When I graduated from college and entered the Hollywood scene, the red carpet became my obsession.  Working at the Leeza Show catapulted me into a whole new realm where I rubbed elbows with the likes of Jamie Lee Curtis, Patty Labelle and Jennifer Lopez.  As I facilitated their appearances on the show, I envisioned all of the questions Joan and I would ask and how we would comment on their style and appearance while relaying the latest gossip.  Little did I know that my dream would unravel on the length of a blue carpet where I would join a Joan replica in interviewing guests who were coming to honor a phenomenal woman celebrating 25 years in business: my boss, Hilary Kaye.

On August 21^st, I was transformed into a bold brunette with long eyelashes and an East Coast accent.  Not only was I Joan’s sidekick, I was her daughter, Melissa Rivers. As I looked at the people lined up to be interviewed I recognized many movers and shakers in Orange County.  As Joan and I pushed the microphone into each of their faces they were beaming, not because they were on camera but because they were excited to recognize Hilary as someone who epitomized humility, character and integrity in the corporate arena.  These traits are a far cry from the qualities found in the heart of Hollywood.  It was then I realized the significance of this milestone and how Hilary had impacted so many lives.  All the glitz and glamour of the paparazzi taking pictures paled in comparison to the snapshots provided by those who wanted to share their heart about who she is and what she meant to them.  Susan Belknapp, assistant editor of OC Metro and OC Family said, “Hilary sets the bar so high that it is hard to rise to it.”  “Without Hilary Kaye where would any of us be?” shared Karen Gifford, president of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO).  Stepping into the role of Melissa Rivers was more profound than I had originally envisioned, and the cast of figures I got to interview alongside Joan surpassed my expectations.  The HKA 25-year anniversary was more than a celebration; it was a reflection of 25 years of hard work, dedication and consistency.  It was through the lens of Melissa Rivers that I caught a true glimpse of the woman who I know as my boss.