What’s on your Christmas list this year? A new camera? Laptop computer? Tiffany’s jewelry? For over 35,000 residing in New York City, their Christmas wish is a warm, safe place to sleep. Women in Need (WIN) is an organization that endeavors to make this wish come true.  Founded in 1983, WIN provides shelter, childcare, supportive housing, and counseling to homeless families. These resources help families persevere through tough times and gives them hope for a brighter future. WIN provides shelter for over 2,500 people, including more than 1,800 children.
On Thursday December 16, 2010 I had the privilege of attending The Yagolicious Beauty Affair, at the Beauty Bar in NYC, to help raise money and awareness for WIN. As soon as I walked through the door I was met by glitter, decadent red velvet cupcakes (courtesy of Chloe’s Cupcakes), and beauty.
The Yagolicious Beauty Affair was every girl’s dream- a night filled with manicures, makeovers, and massages.
Guests were all smiles at the manicure table!
For me, this was not only a welcomed repose from a week of college final exams, but also a way to help WIN sustain and provide for their 6 shelters in Manhattan, the Bronx, and Brooklyn. Each guest brought two toiletries to add to the WIN Christmas Baskets.
Guests receiving relaxing massages!
Yagolicious Cosmetics was the gracious host who made this night possible.  Founded by Yago Mo ’Nique, Yagolicious Cosmetics is a feminine yet edgy cosmetic collection that avidly supports charities such as WIN and Divabetic (an organization that promotes diabetes education).
On my train ride back to school, John Lennon’s “Happy Christmas (War Is Over)” came on my ipod. The lyrics “So this is Christmas and what have you done, Another year over, and a new one just begun” resonated with me. What have I done? The Christmas season is about giving- and not just expensive gifts- but gifts of love, motivation, hope, perseverance, and strength. Let’s try to emulate Yagolicious Cosmetics this holiday season and incorporate beauty and festivity with charity and love to help make it a joyous Christmas for all.
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