Donation protected
At Smile + Wonder we stand with the Black Lives Matter movement and have been heartbroken and outraged by the ongoing injustice that continues to occur across Black communities. As a minority owned business, we vow more than ever to continue to do our part in the elimination of discrimination based on race, ethnicity, disability, gender, gender identity or sexual orientation, religion, and national origin. We aim to engage children, staff, and our families in more frequent discussion about social equity and what we can do TOGETHER to fight systemic racism! One of our very own valued team members, Marina Tulchinsky, who tirelessly serves as the company's sole billing specialist, was recently impacted and could use our support. Marina and her husband Jeff are staunch advocates of social justice and vow to contribute 50% of the monies raised for the Black Lives Matter movement. Please read their touching story and advocacy AGAINST racism.
Form the heart of Marina Tulchinsky:
"Both my husband Jeff and I came to the United States with our families at a young age as repressed refugees from the former Soviet Union who faced ethnic, religious, and social injustice in our birth country since childhood. We consider this country our own and our hearts are hurting for Black communities that have suffered from racial discrimination and injustice throughout the history of the United States. We are deeply appalled by the unspeakable crime of George Floyd's brutal murder and are joyful to see how peaceful protests can unite people and create a change! Unfortunately, the night of May 31st, after a peaceful demonstration, we found our family-owned, street-front business (located in the heart of Hollywood) in ruins. We understand that despite the many wonderful, peaceful protests, that businesses such as ours were impacted by external variables. More than 90% of our clientele are from minority communities and we appreciate your support of our efforts to rebuild. We also pledge to donate 50% of collected funds to the Black Lives Matter organization.
I have loved working at Smile + Wonder. Alongside our directors and staff, we promise to lead by example and do all we can NOW to teach our children, the future leaders of tomorrow, about equality and justice. It is time for change for Black communities and change can only be achieved by awareness, education, understanding, support and love!
Warmly,
Jeff and Marina Tulchinsky
Form the heart of Marina Tulchinsky:
"Both my husband Jeff and I came to the United States with our families at a young age as repressed refugees from the former Soviet Union who faced ethnic, religious, and social injustice in our birth country since childhood. We consider this country our own and our hearts are hurting for Black communities that have suffered from racial discrimination and injustice throughout the history of the United States. We are deeply appalled by the unspeakable crime of George Floyd's brutal murder and are joyful to see how peaceful protests can unite people and create a change! Unfortunately, the night of May 31st, after a peaceful demonstration, we found our family-owned, street-front business (located in the heart of Hollywood) in ruins. We understand that despite the many wonderful, peaceful protests, that businesses such as ours were impacted by external variables. More than 90% of our clientele are from minority communities and we appreciate your support of our efforts to rebuild. We also pledge to donate 50% of collected funds to the Black Lives Matter organization.
I have loved working at Smile + Wonder. Alongside our directors and staff, we promise to lead by example and do all we can NOW to teach our children, the future leaders of tomorrow, about equality and justice. It is time for change for Black communities and change can only be achieved by awareness, education, understanding, support and love!
Warmly,
Jeff and Marina Tulchinsky
Organizer
Nicole Hajjar
Organizer
Los Angeles, CA