Eye Candy That Becomes Real Nourishment for Kids

It takes a certain kind of person to successfully carry off a bold, sparkling belt, such as the ones create by Nicole Barr of B.E.L.T.S. Inc. They sparkle. They shine. They’re ablaze with color. And they show the wearer is capable of thinking far outside the closet. Far enough to provide nourishment and aid to some of America’s neediest kids.

Barr, who grew up and came of age in a Philanthropy-minded family, came up with the idea of the non-profit B.E.L.T.S. Inc. (as in Because Every Life Touches Someone) when she wanted to marry the concept of bold, statement-making accessories with a great way to ensure the intended recipients receive everything they are promised. The sale of one belt, for example, provides one child with a backpack that gets refilled every weekend with nourishing non-perishable foods for a full year. Barr works in close association with the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma to ensure the neediest children are identified and fed when school is not in session. She gave $50,000 to the Oklahoma City Food Bank, feeding 360 kids per week for 1 year. Outside of the U.S. other proceeds from belt sales went into a donation for La Casita, a home for abandoned children in Cancun, Mexico.

Barr made a splash at the 2007 American Music Awards, gifting celebrities in the hopes of gaining regular customers who will be a part of a solution for childhood hunger. She also displayed samples from a forthcoming jewelry line, as well. Those who sparkled plenty included Paula Abdul, Leeza Gibbons, Mario Lopez, Beau Bridges... and Kellie Pickler, who wears her belts on her U.S. tour. Nicole Barr B.E.L.T.S. Foundation will be honored next year at the Roger Neal SHM Golden Globe and Oscar suites and dinner next year.

B.E.L.T.S. Inc. belts can be viewed and bought online at www.beltsinc.org.

This week, there will be one lucky reader who will win a belt, but if you like what you see, we encourage you to visit the web site to see how you, too, can use fashion as a tool for bettering the world.

Winners will be randomly selected and notified December7, 2007. US only. Rules