- 15 September, 2006 -

Linda Ferrante is a woman who knows how to make a difference. When she decided to get her two daughters organized, she asked her very organized sister-in-law Sylvana for a recommendation; Sylvana referred her to California Closets and designer, Danielle Haggerty. "My younger daughter is a neat freak and was thrilled with the prospect, but our eldest wasn't too sure about someone invading her space," said Linda, "Danielle was so understanding and designed around all that; when the closets were installed they were gorgeous we were all so excited. Both girls are happy with their closets and I'm happy that they're finally organized." But this stay-at-home mom does more than organize her household. Active in PTA and a community volunteer, Linda's a cancer survivor who established a non-profit foundation to raise awareness and money for breast cancer research in her Long Island community. "We have a huge dinner and silent auction every October, and California Closets has donated closet makeovers always a popular item with the attendees." Linda says. Preparing for this year's event made Linda realized her small computer cabinet was not enough to manage the increasing paperwork and coordination her fundraising efforts now require. "I didn't know California Closets did offices, but looking through the brochure Danielle left after the girls' closets were done made me think about it. So I called her again." Fund raising shares time and space with raising and enjoying her family, so it was important that Linda's office be both functional and an aesthetic part of the family room. "We spent a lot of time considering different colors and designs," says designer Danielle Haggerty. "Linda was so busy it took a month of meetings to decide on the final design. But the effort was worth it according to Linda, "The installation was flawless in just one day what started out on a piece of paper came out beautifully. Danielle encouraged me to consider upgrading my computer equipment, and that has made a big difference too. An organized home and home office makes my life so much happier and stress free; it just makes me work better. This year 510 women raised $86,000 through the FACT Foundation; Nobel scientists and doctors from all over the world now come here to do research and teach. We passionately love what we do and really want to make a difference; it is amazing how it touches your life." The project was rewarding for Danielle, too. "I knew our company had donated to the foundation before, but seeing Linda's passion and commitment made me feel personally involved with something "bigger" in life. I admire her tremendously for what she's done for others; maybe next time she'll call me to design her own closet .something just for her."

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