Good+Foundation
#VBGIVESBACK DayEvent Recap
GREENWICH
Veronica Beard | 252 Greenwich Avenue
Host:
Veronica Miele Beard
What's the significance of giving back for you?
Giving back for me is natural and very maternal (without the kids). It’s caring on another level for something beyond ourselves. We are fortunate to be in a position to give back. A little thought, time and effort from all of us can make an enormous difference to others!
What do you love about Good+?
We’re in awe of Jessica Seinfeld for being so ahead of her time in addressing the core needs of low-income fathers, mothers and caregivers; the coronavirus outbreak has only magnified the issues. We are incredibly motivated to amplify the Good+ message and support its initiatives, including the distribution of microgrants to those in need.
Veronica Miele Beard in the green Lila dress with, from left, Ella, Milo and Mimi Boublik
NANTUCKET
Veronica Beard | 11 South Water Street
Host:
Veronica Swanson Beard
What's the significance of giving back for you?
I feel so lucky to be in a position to give back. We’ve been so fortunate and it’s so important to share that with those who haven’t been.
What do you love about Good+?
We have both been personally involved with Good+ for over 10 years—it’s been an honor to witness the profound impact it has made on families and communities across the country. When the COVID-19 outbreak began to escalate, we knew there was no one better to turn to than the Good+ Foundation to get help where it is needed most.
Veronica Swanson Beard, left, and Beth Blake Day
NEW YORK – UPPER EAST SIDE
Veronica Beard | 988 Madison Avenue
Host:
Charlotte Groeneveld of @thefashionguitar
What's the significance of giving back for you?
It is part of me and I would not feel whole if I couldn’t do my part. It’s a forever feeling of not being able to do enough, but every bit helps. This is important for everyone who considers connecting to a charity to know—don’t worry about changing the world overnight. Just bring whatever you can to the table to contribute to the bigger goal, to long-term change.
What do you love about Good+?
Good+ is an organization that is not stuck in successful systems and setups and just riding it out; they are continuously looking for even better ways to really help those who need our help. They are on the forefront of it and you feel this through everything: every single activity, event, and all the people who are closely involved. Everyone is so driven to make a difference and you very much feel the real compassion. Needless to say, Jessica is in it with her whole heart, and that drives everyone, too!
Learn more about Groeneveld in our interview here.
NEW YORK — AMERICANA MANHASSET
Veronica Beard | 2110G Northern Boulevard
Host:
Allison Aston
What's the significance of giving back for you?
Giving back is a gift. I live my life trying to do better in my community. I always raise my hand to help and want my children to do the same. Thank you, Veronica Beard, for giving me the opportunity to make shopping guilt-free!
What do you love about Good+?
I have known and donated to Good+ from its beginning! Jessica’s vision was spot-on from the beginning and the ongoing programs are truly helping to make the world a better place, one family at a time.
From left: Natalie, VB Manhasset store associate, Audrey Hoh, Wandy Hoh, Arriana Boardman and Allison Aston
LOS ANGELES — PALISADES VILLAGE
Veronica Beard | 1062 N. Swarthmore Ave.
Host:
Jen Garcia Allen
What's the significance of giving back for you?
It’s about gratitude—not only an appreciation for what we have, and showing my kids that, but having that same willingness to help others as so many have done for me throughout my life.
What do you love about Good+?
The mission, people and the focus. Jessica and the team are constantly evolving what we do and how we do it to best serve our communities. And seeing that impact and sense of hope on people’s faces is a feeling that will never get old for me.
Jen Garcia Allen
HOUSTON
Veronica Beard | 4444 Westheimer Road
Host:
Courtney Zavala
What's the significance of giving back for you?
It's all about paying it forward. Growing up, I was the first kid with divorced parents. I went from a home with a working dad and stay-at-home mom to being a latchkey kid with a mom working three jobs. Giving back allows me and my family to help those who need a boost. It’s important to not forget those around us, who need help in order to get back on track.
What do you love about Good+?
Good+ does so many great things, but I especially love the focus on single dads. It’s a well-rounded program, from the essentials (cribs and diapers) to family services and job training—all things that are building blocks for success.
Courtney Zavala in the Amani dress
The Solomon Sisters of @stylishlysolomon by Veronica Beard at Bal Harbour Shops
Veronica Beard | 9700 Collins Ave
The Solomon Sisters of @stylishlysolomon
It is an opportunity to recognize the role that luck has played in our success and pass that on to others who have been less fortunate. Of course passion, dedication, skill and hard work are all factors, but one has to acknowledge the concept of luck as well—being born into a privileged family, getting a good education, having financial opportunities that others may never be presented with…. Contributing to charity is simply the smallest attempt we can make in leveling the playing field for others who haven’t been as fortunate. It is our hope to use our growing platform to help others and contribute positively to the world and perhaps even play a part in creating opportunities for others to realize their dreams.
As sisters, the power of family is especially dear to us. They say it takes a village to raise a child and Good+Foundation is an excellent example of the village coming together to help families. Success starts with people having the opportunity to nourish their minds and creativity, but this only happens when people’s minds are not focused on the need for literal nourishment and security. To contribute to such a noble and life-changing cause as supporting new mothers, investing in early childhood and engaging fathers, enhances family and creates community betterment and, thus, is truly a privilege.
Veronica Beard | 8471 Melrose Place
Mary Kitchen
In the current world where so many people are struggling—either because of the weak economy or health issues—it is more important than ever to give back. We are in the fortunate position to be able to do just that: My husband I both believe to whom much is given, much is expected. And now that we have young daughters, we are even more committed to helping the communities in which we live, as well as teach our children how they can be charitable too.
It efficiently and transparently helps families in need. It gets "goods" to families who need them. As soon as you enter a Good+ warehouse, you see its mission in action. And once you see that, there’s no way you don’t want to help.
Veronica Beard | 44 Highland Park Village
Melanie Charlton Fowler
I am so grateful for what I have that anything I can do for others is not just an afterthought but a way of life.
I love the fact that it helps those in need, directly and immediately with their biggest pressures—food, housing and basic necessities. This kind of direct action is what we need right now to help fight the effects of a slumping economy and lasting pandemic.
READ MORE ABOUT OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH GOOD+FOUNDATION
2. Jessica Seinfeld Q&A, Part II: Learn more about the nonprofit's good works, from anti-poverty programs to child-support reform
3. Good+ & Nurse Family Partnership: The Veronicas' personal connection to Good+ begins here
4. #VBGivesBack In Action: Virtual volunteering with Good+ and Team VB
5. Good+ Behind the Scenes: Meet the men and women making things happen
