It’s no surprise that Mother’s Day is an important holiday on a jewelry store calendar, but Joanna and Brad Marks decided to mark the occasion in way that extends beyond gift-giving. The owners of IW Marks Jewelers wanted to support the community in a meaningful way, so they created the IW Marks Love Mom Charity Challenge, raising awareness for local organizations in the spirit of generosity and kindness — two mom-approved traits.
The second annual IW Marks Jewelers Love Mom Charity Challenge participants include The Sunshine Kids, With Merci, Free the Captives and The Lone Survivor Foundation. Each charity was chosen by local celebrities who either created the organization or volunteer for a cause close to their hearts. CultureMap readers will select the winner in online voting now through May 14.
Retired Navy Seal Marcus Luttrell and his wife Melanie chose The Lone Survivor, an organization they created as a way to give military members and their families a voice and hope after returning home upon deployment.
Houston Texan outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus is raising awareness for With Merci, his organization that provides advocate services and support to families of children with disabilities and special needs.
Former Houston Astros star Lance Berkman and his wife Cara are supporting Free the Captives, a a faith-based nonprofit fighting teenaged human trafficking in Houston.
Houston Texan defensive end Christian Covington is raising awareness for The Sunshine Kids, a non-profit organization dedicated to children with cancer.
“We are proud to be a part of the community and appreciate the big hearts and initiatives of so many who work to hard to help others,” Brad Marks said. “The Charity Challenge is a fun and meaningful way to engage the community, and nice way to honor mothers too.”
Voting for the IW Marks Love Mom Charity Challenge ends on Mother's Day (May 14), at 11:59 pm. Voters are limited to one online ballot per day.
The charity that receives the most votes will be the beneficiary of a $2,500 donation from IW Marks Jewelers.
Brad and Joanna Marks.
