Sustainability
Over the past two months we’ve shared a series of interviews Wellness Warrior conducted with Eminence Organics founders Attila and Boldijarre Koronczay. In this final installment we focus on causes that matter to them—the Eminence Kids Foundation and the Forests For The Future™ program. Read on to learn what philanthropy means to Eminence Organics and what motivates Attila and Boldijarre to help others.
You have a charity called the Eminence Kids Foundation. Tell us what it is and how you came to it.
ATTILA: It began in 2013 when we returned to Hungary and visited the Semmelweis Hospital—the same place where my brother was treated for leukemia as a child. We saw that the kids weren’t getting good food and wanted to help. From our experience with my brother, we knew juice would be a good option because children on chemotherapy often can’t eat solid food. We started sending juice to the hospital every week in Budapest. Then we realized we could do it on a larger scale—now we’re also in Vancouver and Winnipeg in Canada, and Austin, Texas. Since we officially launched in 2014, we’ve provided over 40,000 meals.
BOLDIJARRE: Our dream is to bring the Eminence Kids Foundation to every place we can so children have healthy food to help them heal.
ATTILA: Since this is part of my brother’s recovery story, we truly believe healing starts from within.
Healing our bodies and our planet is intrinsically connected. Tell us about your business model and partnership with Trees for the Future and your project called Forests for the Future™.
ATTILA: We had a simple plan: plant a tree for every product we sell. Because we make skincare—not trees—we needed a partner to handle the planting. We researched organizations and chose Trees for the Future for their strong reputation and dependable work.
BOLDIJARRE: We liked that Trees for the Future builds Forest Garden systems in developing countries. The trees help restore the land, offset carbon, cool the air and add oxygen. They also give families long-term food and income.
ATTILA: Our goal was to turn dry, barren land into forests, so we named the program “Forests for the Future™.” There’s an educational side too: Trees for the Future trains families on planting crops, growing trees, harvesting fruits and vegetables, and keeping gardens productive year after year—even in tough weather.
BOLDIJARRE: Our spa partners are key to Forests for the Future. They share the story on social media, put up signs in their spas and use marketing materials to teach guests about the program. Recently the International Spa Association honored us with the Innovate Award for Philanthropic Initiatives.
ATTILA: We’re the first skincare company in the world to plant seven million trees. We’re really proud of that.
Education is an important thread in all that you do. Can you tell us more?
BOLDIJARRE: Through the Eminence Kids Foundation, which delivers organic fruit to sick children to support recovery and long-term health, we include fun, kid-friendly infographics with nutrition facts about the fruits.
“We want to teach future generations and instill good habits early on.”
Boldijarre Koronczay, President, Eminence Organics
We want to teach future generations and help them form healthy habits early—just like my grandparents taught me. Fast food places are great at marketing to kids with toys and play areas, so we try to make learning healthy habits fun at our partner locations.
ATTILA: Education matters to everyone. It gives kids the tools to make better choices for their lives and their health.
BOLDIJARRE: Education should be fun. Laughter releases endorphins, makes you feel good, and creates lasting memories. Many people enjoy our trainings. The American Spa Professional’s Choice Awards named Eminence Best for Product Education eight years in a row—that’s never happened before in the industry.
If you could change one thing about the future health and wellbeing of our country’s children—and future generations—what would it be?
BOLDIJARRE: I’d make nutrition classes part of school, but in a way that’s fun so kids want to learn what’s good for them and why.
ATTILA: Like when we grew up, PE should happen every day—30 to 45 minutes of physical activity so kids aren’t just sitting in front of screens. That would help them build healthy bodies and minds.
Find out more about the Eminence Kids Foundation and Forests For The Future™ —and share how they inspire you on social media.