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Growing up in the Deep South, one of the expressions you hear all the time is, "pretty is as pretty does..." As a kid, this meant very little to a young Mister GoLightly, but as a fully realized adult, I now know this anecdote truly makes all the difference in the world.
The other night as a record breaking 10.3 million viewers tuned in to watch the most beautiful women on the planet strut their ample stuff down the glittered catwalk of Victoria's Secret's, I couldn't help but think to myself, "Wow, it would be amazing if just a portion of this program was dedicated to making the world a better place." As a person that works with both charities and models on a regular basis, I know for a fact a great number of these girls come from very poor countries. Therefore, not only do they come to America to pursue lucrative modeling careers, but they also come in the hopes of making a much better life for their families back home. This is perhaps why I wish VS would have shared the bigger picture with their captivated viewing audience. But all is not lost this holiday season thanks to the beautiful founders of Models 4 Water.
Heide Lundgren and Georgi Badiel
Meet uber-models and dynamic duo Heide Lundgren and Georgi Badiel, the co-founders of Models 4 Water. Models 4 Water, in partnership with the N.H. based non-profit organization The Water Project, is dedicated to bringing clean drinking water to Ms. Badiel's homeland of Burkina Faso, Africa and beyond.
While most people may be familiar with the deliciously sexy bombshell Heide Lundgren as the face of the coveted GUESS by Marciano campaign - others will recognize the sultry Georgi Badiel as the African catwalk queen that regularly graces the runways of major designers like Marc Jacobs, Oscar De La Renta, Halston and Diane Von Furstenberg.
I have had the pleasure of personally knowing Heide over the past few years and there is something about her enthusiasm and goodhearted spirit that is absolutely infectious. It's no wonder these two beauties were able to garner the support of the wildly popular Gilt Groupe and industry favorite, Modelinia during their recent official launch in New York City.
Heide and Georgie with Peter Chasse, founder of The Water Project, at M4W launch
While these two women still thoroughly enjoy their supermodel lifestyle and rewards, something tells me that through their collective efforts, these stunning women may also be at beginning of new careers as philanthropists and global humanitarians.
So the next time you find yourself in line at Victoria's Secret preparing to buy another pair of frilly panties or a lacey push up-bra, ask yourself, "Wouldn't it be great if a portion of this fanciful purchase went towards something as meaningful as providing clean drinking water for those in need." Remember, "pretty panties are as pretty panties does..." That totally sounds dirty and awful, but you get my well intended point (wink-wink)...