MadeToOrder has elected Half the Sky Foundation of Berkeley and Beijing as its sole philanthropic beneficiary.

Half the Sky is dedicated to helping children in China who will spend their childhoods in orphanages. The program uses volunteers and paid staff to give children "stimulation, individual attention, and an active learning environment," according to Executive Director Jenny Bowen.

The Foundation takes its name from the Chinese adage, "Women hold up half the sky."

Barbara Brown, MadeToOrder's CEO, said the firm decided to channel all its philanthropy in one direction in hopes of having more significant impact. In addition to making an initial commitment of $3,000, the partners also agreed to dedicate a portion of profits each year to Half the Sky and match individual employees' contributions.

MadeToOrder has placed a link to the Foundation on its website at MadeToOrder.com and will feature the charity in its collateral and packaging materials.

"Corporate charitable alignment is good for business and for the world, and is a social responsibility of living in a great nation," Brown explained. "It is part of the fabric of capitalism and freedom. We believe that we — at MadeToOrder and throughout corporate America — must embrace charitable giving as part of our business culture."

Brown learned about the Half the Sky from a radio news broadcast. She said she was touched by the plight of the orphans, the majority of whom are girls. Women make up a majority of the MadeToOrder partners, who own and run the company.

MadeToOrder was formed in 2002 by a handful of logo merchandise sales professionals dedicated to the highest possible level of individual client service. MadeToOrder recorded $11 million in sales in 2005.

The cause also appealed to MadeToOrder because China is becoming an ever larger source of supply. "This just felt right," Brown said.

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