It’s fair to assume that many people have heard of the saying “pay it forward.” For example, a common “pay it forward” action is paying for a stranger’s food in the drive-thru line. Although a slightly different concept, Wine & Design’s philanthropic arm—Paint It Forward—gives each location the opportunity to pay it forward by connecting people in the communities in which it operates to charitable causes.

Through private and public events, Wine & Design’s Paint It Forward program gives participants the opportunity to raise money and awareness for a local or national organization of their choosing via their local Wine & Design location. The two-hour paint-and-sip party allows the event host to choose a painting from the Wine & Design gallery or to have one of the company’s artists create a custom painting tailored to the cause on whose behalf the event is organized.

“We thought Paint It Forward was a great opportunity, especially when Wine & Design was first starting off,” said Sheri Hill, Franchise Development Lead at Wine & Design. “It was a new concept that put a new spin on getting people involved and being plugged into the community.There are so many different ways you can give back to the community and it’s great when you
can team up with local or larger organizations to raise money and awareness.”

Paint It Forward has seen a lot of success as its philanthropic qualities continue to resonate with franchisees, studio guests and their surrounding communities. Perhaps the most notable example of the Paint It Forward division in action is through the brand’s annual initiative with Project ALS. Each May, in line with ALS Awareness Month, Wine & Design does a system-wide
Paint It Forward fundraiser in partnership with the organization. This year, the brand’s Wilmington, North Carolina studio raised the most money for the organization, with over $1,000 in donations.

“Just like all of our Paint It Forward hosts, Wine & Design’s founder Harriet Mills has someone dear to her diagnosed with ALS,” said Debbie Reynolds, Wine & Design Studio Owner in Wilmington, North Carolina. “I believe it became a calling for her to make a difference through her company. She asked for our support, and we were more than happy to commit to her very
deserving cause.”

This philanthropic arm of the brand’s five-concept business model only further sealed the Wine & Design deal for Reynolds. “We are thrilled that we are the vehicle for many non-profit charities looking to raise money that will make a difference for their cause,” said Reynolds. “I personally would never be able to contribute to the extent I think we all wish we could, so we are grateful
that Wine & Design has allowed us to give back to our community.”

Giving back to the community in a way that’s relaxing and fun is the foundation from which Paint it Forward was built. “We feel such a sense of pride when a host has placed trust in us to facilitate connection among their guests while raising money for a charity that they are passionate about.”

Along with Project ALS, Wine & Design partners with many other organizations and causes including the American Heart Association, Make a Wish Foundation, breast cancer awareness, local animal shelters, and hospitals and autism awareness, just to name a few. Reynolds notes
that the company is always looking for new causes to support. With awareness as the main goal, Wine & Design franchisees make it a point to share Paint It Forward events in their weekly newsletters and social media posts. Additionally, each studio’s artists are encouraged to share upcoming events with guests that are visiting the studio, which Reynolds believes has the biggest impact. “We also donate gift certificates to many of our local
organizations, where we always share information about our Paint It Forward division in hopes they will join us for a great evening with their group,” she said.
Ultimately, Paint It Forward has allowed Wine & Design franchisees to give back to their communities in a greater way than they would be able to on their own.
“Paint It Forward has given us the opportunity to showcase how every one of us can make a difference in our community,” said Reynolds. “It’s as easy as pouring a glass of wine and painting
with friends.”

Start-up costs for a Wine & Design franchise range of $69,950 to $221,200, including a $25,000 franchise fee. For more information about franchising with Wine & Design, visit www.wineanddesign.com/franchise

By: Taylor Karg

1851 – No Limit Agency