In the past, the companies who have most readily understood, valued and supported CHILDESIGN's unique cause have come from outside the U.S., from countries more sensitive to both design and family issues. A fact that identifies and defines the challenge CHILDESIGN addresses daily and the attitudes we work diligently to change. We believe the United States of America, as a whole, is still a 'developing nation' in this area of design and product development. We exist to help the U.S. assume its leadership role.

With CHILDESIGN.ORG, we launch the virtual National Center on Design for Children. In recognition of this exciting step, we deeply wanted its initial support to come from home.

Thus, it is with great pride, unbridled enthusiasm and deepest gratitude that CHILDESIGN announces its selection for the first FOUNDING SPONSOR of CHILDESIGN.ORG, an American corporation...
This invitation was very carefully considered. CHILDESIGN invited LOWE'S into its exclusive Founding Sponsor category based on the special relationship that evolved out of LOWE'S previous sponsorships of three CHILDESIGN Design Demonstration Initiatives, beginning in 2000. One of these projects, the L.A. Project, will be a feature article in our first issue for CHILDESIGN Magazine, launching online in June, and some in-construction photos can be seen now on the HOME Page. As you look at that project, it is important to note that the executives at LOWE'S did not impose even a single demand on how those projects developed: not on the designs I selected or the companies CHILDESIGN invited for inclusion in those projects.

As it turns out, I did choose to feature many designs from LOWE'S vendor companies; not because I had to, but because they so beautifully fulfilled the design program that CHILDESIGN (alone) developed with its project site families and because these products (as we used them) so perfectly illustrated CHILDESIGN's philosophy & recommendations. I'll be honest; the extent and volume of their stellar product offerings came as something of a surprise to me... as well as to a few of the tradesmen who built the projects and people who toured the sites. We were all pleasantly surprised. Obviously, there are some very special treats to be found within that plain warehouse box! Thus, if you're not already a customer, I HIGHLY encourage you to do as we did: take a closer look!

But my surprise at the high quality of their product collection was actually dwarfed by my absolute wonder at how instantly and totally LOWE'S embraced CHILDESIGN's important cause. In giving support to those prior projects, LOWE'S asked me only one question: What is your vision? And in giving their support, they subsequently made it possible for me to bring CHILDESIGN's vision to life!

Repeatedly throughout the process, LOWE'S let me know, by their ready grasp of our goals and by their incredible faith in the work, how deeply committed they truly were, not only to CHILDESIGN's ideals, but to the well-being of children and families (and to the people that build the structures that house them). Remarkably, in the four years that we've now had the privilege of their support, they have never once attempted to turn their contributions into a PR opportunity...even if, in writing this, I recognize that I am now offering them one (a recognition I feel is well deserved!) They were the first American company to join us with a major contribution. And they hold a special place in our hearts!

CHILDESIGN feels honored by their close partnership, and we unreservedly welcome them aboard this, our most important mission ever!! Not only is LOWE'S supporting us; they do so for all the right reasons! LOWE'S contribution - and, we hope, your own -- will now make it possible to dramatically expand CHILDESIGN's efforts to change, for the better, the designed world for children in homes and communities across the country. We look forward to soon introducing the four other Founding Sponsors who will join them.