Wonderful and innovative program!

i tried to vote for useful, but for some reason the site won't let me. it worked for the other two though.

oh never mind. it marked it now.

great

Fantastic project with worthy goals!

beautiful people, beautiful video!!!

I wish you every success with this project - the art and innovation that comes out of South Africa is breath taking.....we need to support and promote it!

very informative! i hope this wins!

Best of luck!

You have developed a very special program for people who truly deserve your love and help. Thank you for inspiring us and for your help in making this a brighter and more beautiful world.

amazing program!

I love this program.

It's truly refreshing to see that some people in this world are still working for the benefit of the unfortunate.

this video is great! :) wonderful.

great video!!! I think you all are doing great things!

Good luck! It's good to see positive action being taken.

Great video!!!!

Hi this is great in kenya we call it marvellous.Thank you

this is so cool!

thank you for creating the future and leading the way!

great video!

awesome work, keep it up! really hoping you guys win! It is deserved!

I am looking forward to visiting home in the hood soon!

cheers, Fre

wonderful and inspiring. Good luck!

Not only inspirational, but good karma to be mirrored by all!

African Art is above no other, their time, effort and enthusistic skill and hand craftmanship, goes in every piece. I have some handmade african necklaces here at home made from paper from one of our Ministies. I give them out to our Affiliated members of our HIV/AIDS Support Group as an inspiration from others who are living with HIV/AIDS in African. This video is a work of ART and an INSPIRATION!! Bro. Ken, Indianapolis, Indiana

Very inspiring, useful and funny.

Great project. Wish you the best.

I think this is a great program.

This video is inspiring. Thanks for bringing this story to light and supporting such a worthwhile cause. The goods these South Africans create are beautiful

loved it

This totally ROCKS!

it is an inspired video

pretty good project

Nice intro. First mentions the program, then goes into the back story with the challenge. Then goes right into the solution to the challenge. This is an excellent combination of storytelling with being succinct in the business message, done entire with photos. What's interesting is that no graphics or video interviews were done at all, but would it really have needed it? I am able to pay attentiona and follow the narrator the entire time. Best audio quality, branding, and excellent closing.

This video is awesome.

We would like to volunteer?

thank you for this inspiring experience!

this video was wow made me very inspired

It was quite an inspiration when I watched it...

Very nice program and the art looks wonderful. I really like 3:06's picture, very cute! :D

great video

Great program! Good luck! :)

seems like a very good program :]

hope everything goes as planned... very interesting video. good luck ;)

great video, fantastic project with worthy goals!

I believe it is a great idea to bond to other cultures by making art that will help them, how can I get more info about this?

good luck to all of you! (;

beutiful images and inspirational video

Great video,well done. You did a good job! A good program developing love. Hope you guys can win

wonderful video.

Great Spirit!!! keep going

It's really great!

It's really great!

A great and inspiring video! I really like the beaded dolls at 3:04!

great video! very eye-opening!

A wonderful program that provides opportunities for the future. I wish the best of luck to this program!

Beautiful video!

Awesome!

great video

hello ms sutton. i have watched this video

Very good movie, best of luck

You have my votes!

inspiring :)

Wow. Just very very awesome:]

Good luck w/it all.

It's really nice to see a program that not only brings about substantial change, but fosters cultural pride. Amazing video! This is definitely a worthwhile cause.

This video was really inspiring. Great program !

This is a such a wonderful program and beautiful art. Keep the inspiration going! Thanks for helping the world become a better place!

This looks great! I want more AFRODUDE pillowcases!

Interesting and engaging program.

Speechless! Seeing the beadwork in person is a completely different experience. So proud of the work you are doing!

definitely inspirational!

Wow this is really terrific. I really want to know more about these guys. They are great and this is very cool. Very inspiring.

great video and project.

very inspiring video for a wonderful program!!!

love this! :D wish i could do more to help!

innovative. this program will bring about a great opportunity for many people. best of luck !

great program (:

great program!!!!! (^_^)

this program is great, it's nice to know that there are still people out there to help others when they are in need.

it's a great program and it shows the joy that people have helping those in need.

awesome

This video was very informing and interesting!

great program !

good program.

it's great to have seen the work and now the video! keep it up!

great event tonight! i'm happy to vote!

Wow! Great presentation! I really get what you guys are doing now.

Thank you for your touching presentation tonight. This video is a great success, you should be proud.

Loved the video, when is the next house event?

Seeing the beadwork in person is a totally different experience. Go Home in the ‘Hood!

That video is a thing of beauty – rhythms and great images. I love it.

amazing how they do some many things to enjoy life, even though they may own less things than other people or live in poorer conditions. they still find ways to have fun with what they have... very inspiring... =]

It was a horrible drive, but worth every minute. Super inspiring.

It was a horrible drive, but worth every minute. Super inspiring.

Truly an inspiration

great video. You've got my vote!

Wow! I'm blown away. I impressed with what you all are doing

Please, please see how soon you can get more of the yellow pillowcases. They are the coolest.

Wow, this vid makes me want to go down to S. Africa and check these folks out!

Inspiring!

I want one of those panguins!!!! wow what a video. Ya'll have my vote!

I will be in touch. I’d love to have you come speak to my graduate class regarding socially conscious business practices.

Love the shots of the center! Looks great!

Looks like a great cause! Good Luck!

very creative idea hope it succeeds.

Great! INSPIRING!

So professionally done! I can't believe you did that in house. I mean, can you say 'jack of all trades'? Go artaidsart

it is so affirming to see an organization where you know that the funds go directly into the community, and not as a gift, but as a way to help the community help themselves.

i am going to spread the word about this so that we can replicate this model in the community that we visit in Africa. maybe a collaboration is in store!

Interesting program, very innovative!

What a wonderful way to promote not only a great cause, but also the culture. The artwork is amazing! Beautiful video and best of luck!

Good work,please keep it up

Nduka

Nigeria

ArtAidsArt has been doing amazing work for years. Their recent project is phenomenal. Please vote for this project!

Terrific program count me in

Sandra

amazing program! I'm glad that this program is helping many people in Africa. Best of Luck!

wonderful program

Good luck! Hope for the best.

Good luck and hoping for the best for this program.

This video is inspirational also showing the help for a great cause.

We are proud to support a project that was created with the input and participation of those who are benefiting. This is a new era and we have to leave that old colonialism stuff behind.

Art Aids Art has taken social entrepreneurism to a new level. Your deep work with a particular community reflects an understanding that there is no quick fix to the problems that face South Africa. This work must be sustainable and the business plan and forward thinking model you have created is as close to a sure thing as there can be. Great implementation. Great product. Great call to action. I will give you word of mouth marketing wherever I go!

What an incredible community feeling. Inspirational talk!

Yes, inspiring. But why is no one talking about the quality of the art? That is an amazing array of totally unique products that I have not seen anywhere. It is evident that you are working with new artists who aren't carried by other shops. And you know when it comes to Fair Trade and Crafts, I've been to most of them. Congratulations!

OK, sorry for giving you grief about today... You know I don't normally do ANYTHING on a national holiday :), but it was great to see the work you are doing and the incredible art. I'll mos def be back in touch around the holidays for your sale... Oh yeah, and I'll spread the word about the Renegade Craft Fair.

This is a very wonderful and inspiring program! This is truly a great video! Keep up the good work!

cool

great program! good luck.

This was a very inspiring and useful video. This comes to show that there are at least some people in the world who are willing to help the less fortunate. We are able connect are with other cultures of the world.

Made me cry...what character and strength he has

This video was amazing. It was very inspiring. And it reprented Africa very well.

Very innovative. Keep up the good wor.

inspirational video ! (:

inspirational video ! (:

cool! nice way to raise money. wow that shoe bead looks awesome. how long does it take to make the bead figures?

Nonetheless nice program to help Africa

The program is beautiful, especially since there isn't a lot of opportunities there. Its inspiring, and the effort is remarkable! The tea section was nicely done, and their arts are extraordinary. Its a aspect of difference! It was cuteeee!

The program is beautiful, especially since there isn't a lot of opportunities there. Its inspiring, and the effort is remarkable! The tea section was nicely done, and their arts are extraordinary. Its a aspect of difference! It was cuteeee!

such an inspiring video!

what a wonderful and inspiring video :D

wow!

they look so beautiful GO HOME IN THE HOOD!!!

nice video. best of luck at winning! :]

great video!!! I think you all are doing great things!

this is a very nice and interesting vedio. They are so creative and their art are awesome. Keep up with your good work!

wonderful and amazing video!

Amazing!

I think this is a wonderful and very inspiring project!

awesome! great video, and a very innovative program

this video is truly inspirational. the program sounds great :)

this is such a heart touching video! i hope this vote helps a lot :)

nice video!

very colorful.

great program!

this is a very inspiring video. you guys deserve to win.

Awesome!! Inspiring and funny =)

I loved seeing the video on a small screen, but seeing it full size was even better. The table cloths were stunning. You should try to order those for sales, too.

this is a very inspiring video. you guys deserve to win!

This sounds like a great program! Best of luck!

this is so inspiring. you guys deserve to win!

you guys deserve to win!

very inspiring video, i love the beaded figurines, so original and unique

great video !!! and wonderful programs

hi

wow....what a beautiful art work and, beautiful video!

Thanks for taking the time to share this in person.... Really great turnout and a great group of really interesting people, too! My church is trying to get a group together to go to Cape Town. Who knows?

I wish every reunion would be this cool. I don't usually stay out late (on a work night), but it was way worth it. Thanks for bringing us together for such a fantastic cause. I will definitely reach out to the network.

OK, why did we not have any projects like this to visit when we were doing study abroad in the Women's Leadership Program? I would have loved to get involved. Oh the trials of "real life"! And yes, I will be ordering some things online.

p.s. I am sending this link to other people, it's so fantastic! Hopefully people will spread the word and get out the votes you deserve.

The video stands alone, to be sure, and is a nice complement to the story. I like how you didn't just follow the story line by line, but added new dimensions that let me know more about the business. You have got to start keepin normal hours when this is over! I am going to check and see if my local cafe will host a little screening.

Glad to be voting again

I think there should be another category of "best products" because I have looked through a lot of the videos (ok, not all, but many) and really feel that the variety and quality are tops. You all are doing a great job. Thanks for inviting me to participate. It was great seeing you. Kisses!

Alright, NONE of the people I invited showed up (sorrryyy), but still a good evening -- informative and the vibe was supportive. Next time I think we should show the video at the beginning and the end.

Excellent variation of ideas... truly is inspiring

What an intense presentation. Sorry for keeping you up till all hours! Those are just really important questions when one is throwing around words like "sustainability"... and you answered them right on with total clarity. Thanks for taking on this mission.

Superb job, this video left me in tears. Thank you for all of your hard work.

the art looks really pretty and the video is very inspiring.. keep up the good work and best of luck.

wow, it is very inspiring. keep up the good work.

afdsaf

that's a fantastic project!!!

this is truly inspiring!!!! =]

GREATTTT VIDEOOOO!(: very interesting!

this project is very useful, it inspires me alot. and i love the beautiful artworks.

Great idea! We organize a lot of events with conscious organizations, everything from shopping events to help raise money to fun parties to help educate people on the environment and other issues that need our help. Congrats to you as well!

thank you for taking your time to create this video

great!

That is a super video, and I'm not just saying that because I had 3 lattes :) (haha)! Thanks for hosting. I hope we do this again during the summer... after your success in the contest!

i really liked this video. it really inspired me to help other.

this videa really inspired me to help others

very insightful

very insightful

this program is so awesome. i really want to get involved!

i think that the video was very inspiring!

i think that the video was very inspiring!

i think that the video was very inspiring!

i think that the video was very inspiring!

it was a very inspiring video

it was a very inspiring video

it was a very inspiring video

it was a very inspiring video!

it was a very inspiring video!

it was a very inspiring video!

I wish you all the luck in the world. Great program!

I recently visited the people in Kayalitsha involved in this project. It was inspiring and heart warming and I can personally attest to the fantastic work being doing there. This is an outstanding organization and they are truly making a difference. I can't wait to go back again.

This is great work! Thanks for making this happen.

Great video! Nice, easy voice + well-planned message + great photos = easy to understand! We've got a bumper sticker here: "Art Saves Lives". Here it is!

God bless Dorothy, Tom, Chloe, Chris and everyone at Art Aids Art. Your work is inspiring!

Home in the Hood is indeed inspiring!

Fantastic!

the bomb

Excellent!

Amazing!

What a great idea!

you all are doing a great thing for these people. it is a great project and all of you should be proud of trying to make a difference and helping others. i wish you all luck on your project.

Good luck. You deserve to win!

I have known about this arts program every since Judith Zitter (JZ) took me to see these wonderful works of art about four years ago. It is beautiful how the program has evolved to the activities shown on the video.

beautiful video

Woww this is a wonderful progam!

its a fantastic project with worthy goals!

i wish this project the best of luck , these people deserve the help that , and this something that will help make a better world.

i wish this project the best of luck, these people truely deserve the help from this, and this can help make a better world .

inspirational video!

"Home in the Hood" truly touches people where they live and provides an economic base for women and their families helping them to produce beautiful and inspiring art for the world.

"Home in the Hood" truly touches people where they live and provides an economic base for women and their families helping them to produce beautiful and inspiring art for the world.

"Home in the Hood" truly touches people where they live and provides an economic base for women and their families helping them to produce beautiful and inspiring art for the world.

Love the community feeling of the gathering. It is good that you are using this as an opportunity to educate but also to bring the neighborhood together. I am going to try to get people to attend your next one. Keep on keepin' on!

Go Art Aids Art!

inspiring and awesome ...... go red shoes!

Great work and great project. Some suggestions. I don't think the beadwork translates on a computer screen because it looks far more impressive in person. I have a friend who does stuff with 3-D tech and I am going to see if he can help with some 360degree options for viewing the dolls and animals online.

at a great place for a presentation! right around the corner from home and I've never been here. whodathunkit? good luck!

Vote Now! We want to fund this fantastically innovative and creatively enriching project! Vote before Sunday May 30 at midnight!

Joyful video. Wishing you continued success. Thank you for your hard work! You are appreciated. XO

Vrey cool!

48 hours to go! Thanks to all of you for your votes. Encourage your friends. EVERY VOTE COUNTS in a competition that's this close. For those of you who'd like to be involved as volunteers, beadwork party hosts, black doll & children's book collectors, etc., please visit our website by clicking on Art Aids Art in our story at the bottom of this page. We'd love your involvement.

...and students can launch an Art Aids Art chapter at their college or high school. Lots of opportunities for participation!

Great Work. You will definatly reap great results.

Very inspiring.

this program is great to help people in need because not many care for others but this shows that they do. It also shows that there spirits are lifted and they don't let anything bring them down.

SORRY I COULDN'T STAY LONGER! LOVED THE EVENT TODAY, I LOOK FORWARD 2 MORE! HAPPY TO BE PART OF THE HOOD

Love the diversity of products and the way the people can be involved. Good luck to everyone!

Thanks for the lovely event today! I'll forward this to people to get out some last minute votes. Congrats

South Africa rocks! I want to go to world cup! Yeah!

school chapter? i'm there! i will try to get some of the greek orgs involved to. go AAA!

Consider me a member of the 'Hood!

I remember the Wizard of Oz themed event, that's when I became a fan! Keep up the hard work! Yay for red shoes and Home in the 'Hood.

u sold me in the first 15 seconds! luv the rythm

I found you through VolMatch. Totally coolio!

It's really interesting how you didn't use any video. I looked at some of the other videos and I am surprised how you were able to convey your story through photographs only. I appreciate your creativity and ability to convey such a strong sense of community. I commend your business plans and your persistence to instill hope in people who have very little. Bravo artaidsart! -Russ

i hope you win. i think that the # of people that are helped by this really sets it apart from the rest!

totally cool vid... my church doesn't have wifi so i'm going to swing by tomorrow early to get a copy so that people can see it and hopefully vote later in the day....

First the Lakers now ArtAidsArt!

Never seen anything like it. I didn't see anything about Fair Trade status but you can surely qualify if you try.

OMG, luv d beadwork! cant wait 4 renegade craft fair!

Given the opportunity, people will work to provide for themselves. Deep down, I don't think anyone wants to live off of handouts. I saw this in the Peace Corps and you people have the right idea in going about things this way.

By the way for some reason it won't let me vote for Useful. I'll try logging on again.

great presentation. your vision comes through. wish i had known about this before because all my friends are on vacation now.

Nice intro, good story blends info about the community with info about the business in an engaging way. My vote is cast.

Incomparable!

Incomparable!

please click all three ratings for this project! it's a fantastic organization & it's so close to being in the top 5...

Great job! Sending the link to some family

How long have you been around and what is your main networking tactic? I noticed that you mentioned World Cup 2010 is your organization networking to make tourists visit your township site

Also, why did you decide on only using photos and not video?

Well done!

Thanks for the ?s, David. Our U.S. marketing to support S. Africans has been going for a couple years, but Home in the 'Hood is a new group of businesses designed to more directly impact the community of Khayelitsha. In the Cape Town area we network through tourism offices, community centers, word of mouth (township style), etc. While 2010 will give a tourism boost, we want to be sustainable. Re: video, we used photos (some by local artists!) b/c they can quickly show 4 biz's in 4 short mins.

Thank you for all the hard work.

Art Aids Art is an amazing organization

Hey there fellow finalist - I feel so much synergy with what you are doing - down to Dorothy -- former teacher and the ruby slippers! If I can't win then i want you to and for us to joint venture - It would be perfect! Love what you are doing best of luck.

@david_bw: To add another voice, I would say that our most effective networking is relational -- face to face, when possible. We create connections by nurturing shared interests and dovetailing our efforts.

@PiggyBackBooks: We would love to collaborate! The Dorothy/Red Shoes/Teacher/50th Birthday similarities are beyond coincidence! Let's be in touch.