NextAid and Make-Up Designory
With Help from DJ Rap, Colette, Samantha James and Eve Falcon
Launch New Promo Campaign For
MUD Cares Palette of Eye Colors
To Fund Construction & Education for Red Rhino Orphanage Project in Kenya

LOS ANGELES, CA – Believing that everyone deserves a beautiful future, the nation’s leading make-up educational institute, Make-Up Designory (MUD), created the MUD Cares Palette of Eye Colors to benefit NextAid and one of its partners in Africa, the Red Rhino Orphanage Project (RROP). 100% of the sales from the limited-edition four-color eye shadow palette are being generously donated to NextAid to help RROP build a foundation for a better tomorrow. Once the specially commissioned palettes sell out the funds will provide construction of orphans’ homes in a poverty-stricken town 25 miles southeast of Nairobi, Kenya. Each of these eco-friendly structures will provide long-term shelter, food and medical needs for some of the most vulnerable orphans in the area. NextAid has increased efforts to sell the remaining palettes with the launch of an extensive online promotional campaign with the help of lovely superstars Colette, DJ Rap, Eve Falcon, and Samantha James. To help spread beauty from the inside out, purchase the palette online at http://shop.mudshop.com/mud-cares-palette or MUD retail stores located in Burbank and SoHo.

The MUD Cares Palette, retailing for $25.00, is a quad of eye shadows developed and created by Make-Up Designory. The four colors were hand-selected by members of NextAid to bring out the natural beauty of every skin tone. Stay grounded with Spanish Gold and Dulce de Leche, create a warm glow with Cashmere, or visualize a better world with vibrant Moss. The powders are soft and finely milled with just a touch of sheen. The shades work for most skin tones and complexions.

By selling only 1,000 palettes, MUD will raise $25,000 to fund the final construction and initial operations of two homes expected to house 16 children at Red Rhino Orphanage Project. Each of the timber-framed sustainable structures will provide basic necessities including medical supplies for rescued children, children at risk, and orphans in a safe, encouraging and healthy environment. The project also funds the children’s educational pursuits, from elementary school through secondary and university or trade school.

NextAid co-founder and director, Lauren Segal-Avenna explains, “The children Red Rhino Orphanage Project is caring for are some of the saddest cases in the region. These are kids that have absolutely nowhere else to go. These were once babies who were literally left on door steps, trash heaps… totally abandoned.”

In late 2009, four incredible talents from DJ culture came together for a MUD makeover and photo shoot at MUD’s Burbank studio to help NextAid spread the word to their combined global fan-bases. Los Angeles-based DJs and artists Colette, DJ Rap, Eve Falcon, and Samantha James, all generous supporters of NextAid, freed up their busy schedules and volunteered their time. Look for the NextAid/MUD web-banners featuring the four DJ beauties splashed around the internet this spring. Visit MUD’s blog to see the behind-the-scenes photo shoot http://www.mudblog.net/blog/make-up_designory_nextaid_building_a_foundation_for_a_better_tomorrow.

About RROP:
The Red Rhino Orphanage Project’s mission is to house and educate some of the most unfortunate children in Kenya, enabling them to become contributing members of society and leaders of the next generation. RROP is committed to providing the children it serves with a sanctuary from the immediate and pressing dangers of life, housing, food and medical needs. The orphanage will work in partnership with the surrounding community in ways that foster local commerce and positively impact the environment. The project also funds the children’s educational pursuits, from elementary school through secondary and university or trade school. Additionally, RROP sponsors the locally run rescued baby home Springs of Hope in the nearby town of Machakos. The completion of the homes will allow the overflow of older children from Springs of Hope to move to the newer RROP facilities. For more information on RROP please visit http://www.rrop.org.

About Colette:
With her disarming doe eyes and a heartwarming demeanor, Om Records’ Colette possesses the unmistakable voice of post-millennial house music. Her sweet-but-sultry, classically trained voice highlights any beat that flows behind it, making the former choirgirl-cum-Chicago-house-siren a mainstay in the global dance music scene. In the late 90s, Colette started the SuperJane troupe with fellow Chicagoan DJs Dayhota, Lady D and Heather, paving the way for women seeking equal time behind the decks as their male counterparts. In 2007, Colette released Push, the highly anticipated follow up album to her critically acclaimed Billboard Magazine No. 1 charting debut album Hypnotized. Inspired by her house music upbringing in the birth place of the beat, Push harks back to the days where electro, house, hip hop and freestyle music ruled the airwaves and does something few seem to do these days: create a complete album of hits that will grab anyone with a love for good music. Despite international acclaim, Colette continues to stay grounded in the Windy City with her monthly residency at the Metro/Smart Bar. For more on Colette please visit http://www.djcolette.com.

About DJ Rap:
Over her 15-year career, DJ Rap has moved effortlessly between genres, staking her claim on various styles within the electronic spectrum, while simultaneously pushing the limits of rock and pop. The First Lady of Drum ʻnʼ Bass and the undisputed Queen of the Turntables, her music has infiltrated club systems and car stereos worldwide, and her numerous forays into video game and motion picture soundtracks have solidified her pedigree as one of dance musicʼs most successful and prolific artists. In February 2010, DJ Rap will release Synthesis (Ministry of Sound), a brand new studio album that weaves together a full compliment of synthetic textures and organic moods, and paints a lucid picture of her journey as a songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Also, check out Metasyn, the spankin’ new by-product of DJ Rap and fresh up ‘n’ comer Chemical Hero dishing out a brand new drum&bass sound that is unlike anything this side of the moon. Learn more about DJ Rap here http://www.djrap.com.

About Eve Falcon:
Anyone watching E! Entertainment Television over the past year has no doubt seen internationally renowned DJ, producer and vocalist Eve Falcon heating up the decks on the channel’s “12 Sexiest Hollywood Jobs.” Known for her impeccably programmed DJ sets that transcend genre pigeonholing, Eve Falcon has once again brought her flair for music on a fresh new production with renowned DJ and producer DJ Rap. The result is the banging progressive house tune “Good Times,” a peak time floor-filler with uplifting vocals courtesy of Eve herself. The tune is slated for release on DJ Rap’s Impropa Talent imprint in the coming months. Also, Eve’s newest mix, “Bloom,” continues to raise eyebrows and garner accolades as another flawless audio journey. A perfect example of Eve’s unique signature style and energy, the mix has been described as “…sweet beats and smooth transitions make Falcon’s mixes long lived pleasures” – http://www.evefalcon.com.

About Samantha James:
Songwriter and performer Samantha James has spent the past seven years honing her estimable skills as a modern-day singer/songwriter within the dance/electronic/soul genre. Her sultry style, vocal cadences, and international rhythms are largely influenced by such artists as Sade, Basia, Amel Larrieux, Bebel Gilberto and Morcheeba. On her debut album Rise for San Francisco based indie label Om Records, Samantha teamed up with producer and co-writer Sebastian Arocha Morton (ROCAsound) who states, “talented, beautiful, passionate, and dedicated… Samantha James is the real thing – as both recording artist and stage performer. She is a welcome and beautiful new face in the world of dance-electronic music.” The soulful songstress, much to the pleasure of her adoring fans, is in the process of completing her highly-anticipated second album, with the first single due to be released in February – myspace.com/sammyjmusic.

About Make-Up Designory:
Founded in 1997, Make-Up Designory (MUD) is a private, post-secondary institution that provides rigorous training in the field of make-up artistry for film, television, fashion, and retail. At their two thriving campuses in Los Angeles and New York, students from around the world gain expertise in beauty make-up artistry, hairstyling, character make-up, special make-up effects, portfolio development and more. In addition, MUD develops and markets a line of professional-quality make-up products and precision tools, which are supported by expert tips and tested in challenging, real-life situations. MUD products are available through select retailers in the United States, Asia, and Europe, as well as online. For more information about MUD products, please visit: www.mudshop.com, or to learn more about the school, please visit www.mud.edu.

About NextAid:
NextAid’s mission is to improve the lives of children and youth in Africa by promoting and implementing sustainable solutions. NextAid raises awareness for, and partners with, community-based projects and grassroots organizations in Africa and believes that an integrated approach is the best formula for establishing real and lasting change. Through music events and public education initiatives, NextAid provides empowering opportunities for concerned individuals to make a difference – learn more at www.nextaid.org.

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For more information, photos or interviews, please contact Green Galactic’s Lynn Hasty at 213-840-1201 or lynn[at]greengalactic.com.

Proceeds from all three gifts support NextAid’s work to create sustainable solutions for African children orphaned by AIDS. For more information on NextAid, please visit http://www.nextaid.org.For Immediate Release: December 1, 2009

Los Angeles Humanitarian Organization NextAid
Offers Three Green, Philanthropic Holiday Gift Giving Options
Benefitting African Children in Need

Funk Aid for Africa CD • MUD Cares Eye Shadow • “Send a Child to School”

LOS ANGELES, CA – Los Angeles-based humanitarian organization NextAid offers three “green” holiday giving options that benefit African children in need. All three philanthropic gifts are perfect for those who want their holiday giving to mean a bit more:
1.) Funk Aid for Africa, a critically acclaimed CD mix of funky goodness released by Dubspot
2.) MUD Cares Palette of Eye Colors – earthy eye shadows by Make-Up Designory (MUD)
3.) NextAid’s “Send a Child to School” program

Proceeds from all three gifts support NextAid’s work to create sustainable solutions for African children orphaned by AIDS. For more information on NextAid, please visit http://www.nextaid.org.

Details on NextAid’s three philanthropic/green gift giving options …

Funk Aid For Africa CD:
Funk Aid for Africa is a compilation created to raise funds for African children affected by AIDS by harnessing the positive power of music. It’s a funky soul vitamin for your body, mind and spirit – seamlessly blended into a super tight and tasty collage of dubbed out dancehall, reggae, funk, and afro-beat by DJ OBaH. All those involved, from DJ OBaH to the artists (like J Boogie and The Pimps of Joytown) who wrote the tracks, and Dubspot Records who generously produced/released the CD, have donated their time, skill and compositions. All proceeds from the sale of this compilation are going towards the construction of a “green” sports facility at NextAid’s environmental community center in Dennilton, South Africa. The complex serves as a beacon of hope in a community devastated by AIDS and poverty. The CD is priced between $10 – 12 (depending on site purchased from.)
http://www.funkaid.com/ (info/buy)
http://www.dancetracksdigital.com/search/release.php?x=release_info&release_id=46108 (preview/buy)
http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=312426116&s=143441 (buy)
http://www.amazon.com/Funk-Aid-For-Africa/dp/B002BLA9PW (buy)

MUD Cares Palette Eye Shadow:
MUD Cares Palette ($25.00) is a quad of eye shadows developed and created by Make-Up Designory (MUD). Shades included are Spanish Gold, Cashmere, Dulce de Leche, and Moss. 100% of the proceeds go towards building homes for children in Africa who have been orphaned by AIDS. Each color is soft and finely milled with just a touch of sheen and the palette works for most skin tones and complexions. The sales of this specially-commissioned eye shadow will fund the final construction and initial operations of two children’s homes in a poverty-stricken town located 25 miles southeast of Nairobi. Each of these eco-friendly homes will provide long-term shelter, food and medical needs for 16 local orphans. The project also funds the children’s educational pursuits, from elementary school through secondary and university or trade school.
http://shop.mudshop.com/mud-cares-palette (info/buy)
http://www.mudblog.net/blog/make-up_designory_nextaid_building_a_foundation_for_a_better_tomorrow

NextAid’s “Send a Child to School” with goGogetters campaign:
A $75 donation to NextAid will assist in sending a child to school for a year. NextAid is working with a well-respected South African organization, loveLife, to be the beneficiary of NextAid’s “Send a Child to School” (aka goGogetters) campaign. goGogetters is a loveLife program that supports the many grandmothers (gogos) who have been dedicating their senior years to the wellbeing of orphans and vulnerable children. NextAid is raising funds for the schooling needs of some of the most vulnerable children who participate in the goGogetters program. All it takes is $75 to enable one child’s education for a year. This donation will ensure that a child is equipped with a school uniform, shoes and school supplies – all critical to a child’s education, especially as many children drop out of school due to embarrassment when they do not have these items. We all know that education is the ticket to a better future and this program presents an affordable and tangible way to make a difference.
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=328589150284 (details)
http://www.nextaid.org/donation.htm (donate)

About NextAid -
NextAid’s mission is to improve the lives of youth in Africa by implementing and advancing sustainable solutions. Through music events and public education initiatives, this Los Angeles-based humanitarian organization raises awareness for and partners with community-based projects and grassroots organizations in Africa. NextAid adheres to a holistic and integrated approach in addressing the spectrum of challenges associated with establishing lasting change. http://www.nextaid.org

NextAid images from the field: http://www.nextaid.org/photogallery.htm

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For more information, photos, or to arrange interviews, please contact Green Galactic’s Lynn Hasty at 213-840-1201 or lynn (at) greengalactic.com.