Rafaelian receives CMI award

Carolyn Rafaelian, founder, CEO and chief creative officer of Alex and Ani, has been honored with the Child Mind Institute Corporate Advocate Award for her advocacy and support for mental health awareness.

What steps have you taken to advocate for mental health awareness?

Our culture at Alex and Ani is focused around the importance of wellness and health for our employees and global communities. We know that with peace of mind comes talent, focus and happiness. Employees have benefits such as acupuncture, chiropractor sessions, art workshops and incentives such as fitness reimbursements for stress reduction. We offer nutrition education and an on-site nutrition-focused café.

Working with charitable partners that promote mental wellness, select designs support nonprofits such as CMI and PeaceLove Foundation, offering expressive arts to those impacted by mental health disorders.

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Why did you choose to support the Child Mind Institute with your teddy bear charm?

First introduced to the CMI through our partners at Bloomingdale’s, we were inspired by the mental health resources CMI offered to families and children. We chose the teddy bear as a design for its iconic symbolism for CMI, as they are the recipient of funds raised through Bloomingdale’s annual favorite, the plush Little Brown Bear. The charm symbolizes love, comfort and the carefree days of childhood that all kids are entitled to, making the symbol a natural and purposeful fit.

Why is it important for companies to give back to charities?

It’s a simple way of thinking: The more you have, the more you have to give. Receiving so much Rhode Island support has helped strengthen how we support others around the world. It’s our responsibility to give back and made it our mission to create a new formula for how it’s done. Through CHARITY BY DESIGN, we don’t just offer financial support; we share time, talents and resources – all to help create a new generation of philanthropists who have the power to do good. •

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