Our Story: Beauty is the Lending Hand

For April and Chris Cornell, to give is not only a social responsibility, it is an honor.

When they were starting their business over a quarter of a century ago, the Cornell's traded unusual and exotic goods they collected during their travels overseas. They were particularly drawn to the beauty and intrigue of the culture of India and found much inspiration there. Business thrived and the Cornells began creating and manufacturing their own designs? They began manufacturing in 1991 and built their first facility in New Delhi, where traditional Indian printing methods are still used today.

As they grew their business in India, the Cornell's developed a deep concern for the impoverished conditions in which many children and families live. They were compelled to find an effective, lasting way to give back to the people and communities they had come to know so well.

To achieve this, in the early 1990s the Cornell's established what is today the Giving World Foundation. The objective of the foundation, based in Burlington Vermont, is to provide a handhold, not a handout, to those in need throughout India. The primary mission of the Giving World is to help disadvantaged people become self-reliant. Individuals who have the opportunity to help themselves are able to build self-esteem. A stronger sense of self worth empowers them to achieve solutions that improve their quality of life.

Concern India, an organization managed in India, develops programs specifically targeted to support women and children, often the most severely underserved. Educating mothers and their children influences the entire family, and ultimately has positive impacts on the broader community, as well.

The Giving World Foundation continues to grow, with the ongoing support of April and Chris Cornell. For April and Chris, to give is indeed an honor; to behold their impact in the lives of so many, they believe, is surely their best reward. April says, “We know firsthand and feel personally involved in many of the projects the Giving World supports in India. In New Delhi, for example, we fully fund a school for first-generation learners, as well as educational programs for disenfranchised women and children.”

During every trip abroad, the Cornell's visit several projects to see how their donations directly benefit people in need. According to Chris, “You could say, ‘we’ve kicked the tires’ and feel assured peoples’ lives are being changed for the better. We know the projects are well administered; only a small portion of our donations go to overhead costs.”