New ALEX AND ANI | CHARITY BY DESIGN® Charm Benefits Big Brothers Big Sisters

Big and Little Dipper Set Symbolizes and Supports Mentor Relationships

TAMPA, FL.(March 24, 2016) – Today, ALEX AND ANI | CHARITY BY DESIGN unveiled a Big and Little Dipper Set of 2 benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters. The customized charm set, available for purchase April 7, at ALEX AND ANI stores nationwide, alexandani.com and select authorized retailers captures the essence of BBBS’s mission and increases funds through sale proceeds.

The Big and Little Dipper Set of 2 was directly inspired by Big Brothers Big Sisters mentor matches that consist of “Bigs” mentors and “Littles” mentees. The Big Dipper, like a safe haven, watches over the Little Dipper. This charm represents the unbreakable bond and guidance a Big Brother or Sister provides to a Little Brother or Sister.

“Not only does this partnership raise funds and awareness, it celebrates mentorship across the United States and around the world,” said Pam Iorio, president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. “The strength and reliability conveyed by this charm perfectly aligns with our mentorship model.”

CHARITY BY DESIGN is a collection from ALEX AND ANI focused solely on giving and making the dreams of charitable organizations come true. This collection was created to empower and benefit local and national non-profit organizations.

“ALEX AND ANI forms partnerships with organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters because we share the passion behind the mission; commitment to bettering the lives of youth across the country,” ALEX AND ANI, CHARITY BY DESIGN SVP Nicki Maher said, “Our hope is that this partnership will continue shedding light on the many inspiring young people across the country and helping them reach their dreams and full potential through mentorship.”

ALEX AND ANI will donate 20% of the purchase price from each Big and Little Dipper Set of 2 sold, with a minimum donation of $25,000, between March 2016 and December 2016 to BBBS. Proceeds will go to the national office and local affiliates across the country.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of America
Big Brothers Big Sisters provides children facing adversity with strong, enduring, professionally supported one-to-one mentoring relationships that change their lives for the better, forever. Big Brothers Big Sisters ensures that the children in its program achieve such measurable outcomes as educational success, avoidance of risky behaviors, higher aspirations, greater confidence and better relationships. This mission has been the cornerstone of the organization’s 111-year history. With over 300 agencies across the country, Big Brothers Big Sisters serves nearly 170,000 children (“Littles”), their families and 170,000 volunteer mentors (“Bigs”). Learn more at www.BigBrothersBigSisters.org.

About ALEX AND ANI
ALEX AND ANI creates meaningful, eco-conscious jewelry and accessories to empower the light in you. Carolyn Rafaelian, Founder, CEO, and Chief Creative Officer designs each piece. Carolyn believes that every individual has a positive message to share with the world, and by incorporating powerful symbolism into each product; ALEX AND ANI provides a vehicle for consumers to express their individuality. ALEX AND ANI is committed to giving back to the world that we live in. By using recycled materials with eco-conscious processes and through our CHARITY BY DESIGN division, ALEX AND ANI positively impacts our planet and our communities. CHARITY BY DESIGN has strengthened non-profit organizations through innovative partnerships and collaborative experiences resulting in donations of more than $30 million. An Inc. 500 Company, ALEX AND ANI has retail stores in addition to retail partners worldwide. Its World Headquarters is located in the Greater Providence, Rhode Island area, where its products are designed and MADE IN AMERICA WITH LOVE. Please visit alexandani.com for more information.