The Randgaard family has been engaged actively in fundraising at STC since 2013, when they established The Lisa Jo Randgaard Fund to honor their beloved daughter and sister who passed away suddenly at age 43 in May 2012 from complications of her congenital heart condition. It is the first member-initiated endowment fund in STC’s 56-year history. Lisa’s sister, Linda, explains the family’s motivation to focus on fundraising for sea turtles with their handmade soap line, ‘Flippery When Wet.’
Lisa Jo Randgaard
Q: Why did you decide to make soaps to benefit your sister’s named endowment fund?
A: Lisa was a devoted animal activist, especially when it came to endangered sea turtles, and she was a creative artist. Soaps were one of her favorite things to make for family and friends. Mom, Diane and I decided this was a fitting way to generate funds for a cause so very near and dear to Lisa’s heart. Our family covers all costs to make and ship our Flippery When Wet soaps, ensuring that 100% of all donations go to Lisa’s Fund.
Q: How did it go the first year?
A: Beyond our expectations! Over 400 soap bars have shipped since we launched the soap line last year, and we hope for another great holiday season to help us exceed $70,000 in principal gifts to Lisa’s Fund. Since it is an endowment fund, these wonderful donations will continue to support sea turtles in perpetuity.
Flippery When Wet soap bars come in Citrus, Lavender-Litsea, Lemongrass, Rosemary-Mint and our newest arrival – Sea Clay!
Q: What kind of soaps do you make?
A: Lisa’s sister, Diane, is our soap maker and each small batch of soap makes 32 unique bars. The process from batching to shipping takes a total of four weeks, including curing time. She uses only pure essential oils (not artificial fragrances) along with sustainable palm oil, organic coconut oil and other nourishing skin oils. We never use animal products in any of our soaps since animal protection is our priority. With a minimum donation of $45 for 4 bars that includes shipping and handling, people can choose from Citrus, Lavender-Litsea, Lemongrass, Rosemary-Mint and our brand new Sea Clay! The soaps are very gentle on the skin and the oils create an amazing aromatherapy experience for users.
Q: How can people get your soaps?
A: Visit LoveIntoSustainedAction.com, our family’s website devoted to fundraising for Lisa’s Fund. Donors will be directed to STC’s website to make their donation to The Lisa Jo Randgaard Fund; they will then complete our online order form to select their soap bars, both quantity and scents. We have had people make gifts for up to 20 bars of our soap. The generosity from across the country has been very comforting and uplifting to our family since we chose to direct our grief into something positive. This holiday, we hope to raise $2,000 or more by January 1, 2016.
Q: Is there a deadline if people want to give your soaps as holiday gifts?
A: Soaps take two weeks to ship and we encourage people to order as soon as possible to ensure that they receive them in time for holiday giving. Shipping and handling are included in the donation levels outlined on our website. Holiday orders should be received by Friday, December 11. On behalf of my family and me, I would like to extend deep gratitude for the extraordinary support we have received from the Sea Turtle Conservancy Community. Your hearts are as big as the ocean, and we are humbled by your kindness.
Jenny, Linda holding Carmen, Tom, Diane & Jerry Randgaard
Sea Turtle Conservancy
