Moo Roo handbag company supports MUSCby Heather WoolwinePublic Relations Hollywood starlets are supporting the MUSC Children’s Hospital, and it’s all because of the designer handbags they’re choosing to carry. Patti LaBelle, Alicia Keys, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and the Dixie Chicks have modeled Moo Roo handbags at many red-carpet events, designed by Charleston’s own Mary Norton, Moo Roo CEO and head designer. But the glitz and glamour of success haven’t clouded Norton’s priorities. She believes that with hard-earned success should come community involvement. “It’s funny, I just was asked in Target last week which of my children had been sick and used the Children’s Hospital because Moo Roo is so involved with MUSC,” she said. “My answer was that thankfully none of my children have ever needed it, but it sure was nice to know it is right here in our community. Many cities and towns are not blessed with such great care for children and I believe that often Charleston residents take the Children’s Hospital for granted.” Norton and her staff celebrated the grand re-opening of the Moo Roo showroom on King Street Sept. 9 and a recent opening of a New York City showroom as well. “When I decided that we would make the MUSC Children’s Hospital our primary local charity, the staff wanted to know what we could do as a team to be involved. Our Christmas and Mother’s Day Moo Roo days in the Atrium are what we chose to do ‘hands on’ as a team,” Norton said. Norton and her staff have visited the Atrium on the seventh floor of the Children’s Hospital several times, bearing handbags and an assortment of accessories so patients could decorate one-of-a-kind creations for their moms, sisters, grandmothers, etc. Last May, Moo Roo held a sample sale for the Children’s Hospital Fund and generated $5,000 in donations within the first 15 minutes of the sale. A second sample sale is slated for November. “We try to find a way to incorporate some sort of giving, whether it be time, talent or treasure, with all of our Moo Roo events,” Norton said. “We hope to challenge other local businesses to donate to our beloved Children’s Hospital and fundraise in non-traditional forms, such as letting staff donate their time to volunteer, giving a portion of sales for special events, or simply asking what the Children’s Hospital may need at any given time. “We all run the risk of having or knowing sick children. What a miracle it is to have one of the nation’s best children’s hospitals here in Charleston. We are truly blessed!” Friday, Oct. 1, 2004
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