Charity: Water’s December 2008 ball took place this past week at the Metropolitan Pavilion. I got to have some down time with Scott (the founder) in Mexico, which doesn’t really happen all that often. Scott gave a riveting talk in Mexico at The Summit and it brought nearly a third of the group to Charity’s benefit, which was a good enough reason for a reunion. It was a tremendous turn-out. They raise $450,000 for clean water projects across 17 different countries and 100% of the money raised goes directly to the programs. In addition to the Summiteers (Josh, Eben, Graham, Nikki, Ben K., Ben H., Caroline, Natali, Elliot, Alex, Ryan, and the list goes on)– I got to see Esther again, who had just come back from documenting Charity’s projects in Kenya (and provided most all the photos you see here). Would love to have her join me again this coming year to Mozambique; let’s see what we can work out.

Regardless, if you’re interested in giving to a charity, I’d highly recommend looking into Charity: Water. You can check out their “Give on your Birthday” program, which has been a highly successful fundraising model. Though I know there has been issues with regenerating aquifers in various parts of the world because of improper well drilling and lack of water conservation, the Charity mission is a strong one and restores faith in people’s idea of what charity is because 100% of the public’s money goes to basic water and sanitation facilities in developing nations.

It was terrific to catch up with Adrian. We pledged to get some friends together for another dinner at his house. And if you fashionistas are curious about my outfit: It’s a brilliant hemp-silk vintage-inspired dress handmade by Carasan with hand-sewn glass beads and a fair-trade kalamkari purse by World of Good. As mentioned in an earlier post, the awesome feathered headgear was acquired at the coolest little Brooklyn sample sale from a number of my sustainable style peeps. Photo by Emma Grady over at Treehugger.com.

Emma, Rose and I pose for a picture.

Photos by Esther of Esther’s photos from Rwanda

The displays were impeccably done. Scott’s team does an impressive job in communicating Charity’s message.

I had plenty to talk about with the Teen Time Live crew.

Esther and I take a T.O. for a sexy little shot.

a cute candid capture by Andrew Bicknell

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I’ve been feeling creatively and intellectually adventurous as of late. Maybe my flair for fashion as a medium to communicate messages of sustainability is lessening–or maybe since I’ve written my book Style, Naturally (due out Feb 1!!) I’ve been feeling the need to expand my horizons; or more likely, I just feel the need to intellectually grow and I’m getting the creative jitters. Over the last few months I’ve had massive amounts of inspired flotsam bumping around in my skull causing a creative contusion that needs to spew forth sooner or later. I’ve gotta find some release because I’m buzzing around like one of those cutely psychotic wind-up Japanese toys and I’m certain it’s not good for my ticker long term.

Not sure if this is a solution to my challenge–or if it will just aggravate matters, but I’ve immersed myself into the evocative medium of film and media. Sure, I’ve been doing work for Planet Green and putzing around on my camera (some may call it “experimenting”), but I’m taking a few leaps forward and thrusting myself into a whole new world, which I always find…stimulating. Actually, a couple months ago, I joined my friend Paul at the PAUSE Conference in New York and like a sponge, soaked up everything that was said. Bring it on, Bi*tches. Bring it on.

Can’t wait to let you in on what I’m up to with all of this, but a girl’s gotta keep some secrets, so I’ll share things with you a little later. In the meantime, check out some photos from The Pause.

Acclaimed director, Mark Romanek addresses the audience at PAUSE. Mark is incredibly candid and humble, which made the interview so pleasant. The guy is seriously talented though and nearly choked up to his video with Johnny Cash, which you can view here.

G-Munk’s stuff was cool, but he had a serious preoccupation of toys and sex on the brain.

The story boards behind the story…

All images courtesy of FITC

I was able to rock out my cerulean blue hand-dyed silk dress by Leila Hafzi; hand-beaded belt by Carasan; and a Niger-Parisian necklace by Ombre Claire.

It was actually my first time going to a Global Green event, but since I was on a holiday circuit of New York benefits, I figured, “Hey, why not?” I actually had a blast. I suppose they design these things so you actually have fun.

The best parts of the night for me were three-fold:

1.) The performances given by Slam Poet Steve Connell (he shook me up a bit) and Zimbabwe-born Danai Gurire who gave a moving reading by “Miss Rita,” an 81-year old New Orleans resident who was the recipient of one of Global Green’s new homes/energy audits.

2.) Out-bidding everyone on the silent auction for the Ecoloblue Atmospheric Water Generator for my good friend/manager/business partner Alexander. It’s quite possibly the happiest I’ve ever seen him. Quite seriously this is the one thing he’s really wanted and he is a damn difficult person to shop for. This said, it’s a pretty neat contraption. Its basically a water cooler without a top. It extracts water vapor from the humidity in the air, purifies it, and turns it into sparkling or flat drinking water. Not bad. And perfect for places with groundwater shortages.

3.) Getting a chance to chill with Edward again and delving more into his great work–from The Highline to low-income housing projects started by his grandfather. By the way, I’ll fill you all in about the Massai Wilderness Conservation Fund (MWCF), (which was another benefit I headed to last week).  It’s a damn good project (they all are, right?) and we’re all looking for some $ to put into the trust.  But no, this one is great. It’s focused on preserving the Massai culture, funding education, and helping acquire critical ecosystem in Kenya. Boo to all my friends who didn’t come to the event! Anyway, I may swing by that way and check out the project in May or June 2009 on my way to Mozambique. That’s the tentative plan right now. These things get hi-jacked all the time, so I’ll update you all when it’s closer.

Evelina from Vegan Queen slipped me this bag. It’s a bit too divalicious for me, but I’m sure plenty of girls will want to swipe it up.

More images over at Global Green Flickr

Talk about a concert! Took up my agent on an offer to chill with Tina Turner, which was a blast. God that woman is 69 years young and still can belt out the notes. Not only that, but I’m embarrassed to say that she has better legs than me and all my girlfriends combined. It’s great to see that Tina still packs the house and gets the crowd going. Thanks Wire and Getty Images for the snaps for the evening.

Barbara, Molly, Tina Turner, Faith and I before hearing Tina belt it out at her concert at Madison Sq Garden

Photo op with Steve from Amway who took care of us backstage

Anne and Barbara at the makeup lounge before the concert

My agent and I catch a laugh with Barbara. Is it just me or do I look like I’m planning something mischevous here?

Anna and I chill in the makeup lounge

Tom and Katie sneak in behind the scenes

Flew back yesterday from The Summit with 70 other totally ADD serial entrepreneurs. Man, what a trip. In addition to the odds being in the girls’ favor (1:11 girl:guy ratio) ha! jk! the crew was amazing; there was an amazing cross-section of entrepreneurial minds, especially from the tech space. I normally don’t hang with that crew, so it was just a total blast. Viva la Mexico!

Catherine Levene (Daily Candy); Graham Hill (Treehugger); David de Rothschild (Adventure Ecology) and I chill poolside in Playa del Carmen in between mingling and more mingling.

Scott Harrison strikes a pose outside of Cancun, Mexico where Jake Strom (TOMS) arranged a last minute shoe drop. Scott later went on to give a presentation on Charity: Water that touched the whole crew. So forget what I said before, I’m postponing my trip to go the the Charity: Water ball on December 15th. It’ll be a whole Summit reunion too - as I think the whole NYC crew and some of the left coast contingent will be coming too.

Scott, David and James chill out during dinner. Images compliments of H. Rowland!

Stay tuned for more down the road. I’m certain after this event they’ll be more biz collaborations. As I said, most of us will be re-uniting at Scott’s event on December 15th, so come out, buy some wells, and have a good time.

What I learned at the Summit:

• Tech entrepreneurs are not as dorky as you think they are
• West Coast can’t win at tug-of-war unless they cheat :o)
• Don’t tackle Tim Ferriss unless you want to be broken in half on your back in the sand
• So many good ideas, so little time

LOHAS (Lifestyles of Health & Sustainability) Conference has just launched the videos from our discussions. Check out a little bit about the launch of Discovery Network’s Planet Green and the questions that were asked in the audience.

View the videos HERE.