The holidays are a time for giving — from family gifts to canned good donations to a dollar or two to the bell-ringing Santa on the street. And for Lola’s in West Hollywood, Calif., the holiday season is all about giving profits.
Through the end of the year, Lola’s will donate 100 percent of the sales of three select holiday Martinis to their designated charity. Each Martini is a reflection of the charity itself, explains Lola’s owner Loren "Lola" Dunsworth. The charities were selected based on personal affiliation and Dunsworth’s desire to help good causes in the area. “We wanted to cover our bases and the issues that matter most — global humanity (One Drop); local animals (Amanda); and those that matter most during the holidays: children (The Help Group).
This is the first year for the charity cocktails, and it won’t be the last, she says. “I know that people are struggling and don’t have too much at the end of the day to give to charities (I know charities are hurting too) and I thought this would be a painless way for people to do a little something over the holidays,” Dunsworth explains.
Read on for information about each of the cocktails and charities:
The ONE DROP Martini — $13.50
Cold TY KU Sake, lychee juice, orange juice & a lychee garnish
We all drink from the same well. Water is our common bond, uniting us as human beings and as citizens of this planet. And yet, while water flows abundantly in some parts of the world, in others it is a source of poverty, sickness and death. Every eight seconds, a child dies for lack of access to safe drinking water. Isn't that sufficient reason to take action? Today, I continue to dream of a fairer, more just world. A world where every human being has access to safe water and can live in dignity and health. The wildest dreams can come true when we all invest our energy, willpower and creativity. One drop at a time, one step at a time, we can do it.
The ONE DROP Foundation is an initiative of Guy Laliberté, founder of Cirque du Soleil ONEDROP.org/en
The Amanda Martini — $13.50
Lemon juice, sage leaves, maple syrup, Ketel One Citroen & organic apple juice
In Latin the name “Amanda” means worthy of love, so our charity is named not for a person but for our philosophy toward our dog and cat companions. They are worthy of our love and protection. For over 30 years our mission has been to rescue as many loyal pals from the shelters and then find them loving new homes. At the same time we endeavor to educate the public about the importance of spay/neuter in order to reduce pet overpopulation. www.amandafoundation.org
The Help Group Martini — $13.50
Espresso, Godiva Chocolate Liqueur, vanilla vodka, cream & espresso beans
Founded in 1975, The Help Group is the largest, most innovative and comprehensive nonprofit organization of its kind in the United States serving children with special needs related to autism, Asperger's disorder, learning disabilities, ADHD, mental retardation, abuse and emotional problems. www.thehelpgroup.org
Editor’s Note: Have a charitable promotion to share? Let us know! E-mail Managing Editor Emily Hanna Mayock at ehanna@questex.com.