Bart's Water Sports Addresses Slim-Down
Although Bart's Water Sports switched from a full size catalog to a slim-jim format in late 2008, the water sports equipment and boating accessories marketer recently decided to explain the shift in size to recipients. Printed just inside the Summer 2 Issue, a note is titled: "Hey Bart- why the skinny catalog?" Beyond cost savings on postage and mailing fees, Bart explains that several factors contributed to the size change, starting with the fact that most customers now shop and place orders online. The note also addresses green concerns and recounts the company's environmental stewardship over its 37 years in business, stating that it has planted 80,000 trees. The catalog presents a wide variety of water sport apparel, equipment, and accessories. Bathing suits, board shorts, wetsuits, and life vests are among products offered, such as the Billabong Intervention Board Short ($54), the Roxy Jam Tee ($29.50), and the Body Glove Pro X2 Full Bodysuit ($99.98). Wakeboards, water skis, boots/bindings, and boating accessories are also available from the catalog. Orders can be placed by phone, online, or in-store at the company showroom in North Webster, Indiana.

HIAS Provides Worldwide Relief
The Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS) mailed a donation appeal to support its rescue and refuge initiatives. The #10 package reads "For Nearly 128 Years, We've Been Rescuing People From Harm's Way" with images of a 102-year old Jewish refugee from Iran and a refugee girl from Darfur (also pictured on the enclosed letter). HIAS is an organization founded in 1881 by Russian Jews to help refugees and immigrants settle down in the United States. Since then, the organization has evolved into a worldwide organization that has helped settle people displaced by conflicts all around the world. The letter details that "HIAS serves those in need, regardless of religion, ethnic background, or nationality." Since its founding, HIAS has rescued and resettled over 4.5 million refugees worldwide. The letter invites recipients to join its mission by making a charitable gift, which will go towards a number of initiatives including providing "trauma counseling to tens of thousands of survivors of the brutalities in Darfur," as well as to "help settle people displaced by conflicts in Rwanda, Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo." An enclosed color brochure provides a who, what, where, why, and how of the organization, including a map of the world showing projects in Columbia, Kenya, Iran, and more. The reply form features an ask ladder of $25/$50/$100/$250/$500/$1,000/other. Two checkboxes are provided to allow recipients to acknowledge if "HIAS has helped me" or "HIAS has helped my family."

Frontgate, Sotheby's, and Architectural Digest Team Up for International Home Tour
In its Summer 2009 book, the upscale home decor catalog Frontgate teamed up with Sotheby's International Realty and Architectural Digest Magazine for its inaugural International Home Tour. In the catalog letter, Founder and President Paul Tarvin introduces the 8,402 square foot Montecito, California home featured on the cover. Several Frontgate products like an Aluminum Towel Stand ($279), Giraffe Pool Towel ($39), and Barcelona Sun Chaises ($999) are shown in the Mediterranean-style property. Interior shots of the home are included inside the book and recipients are encouraged to take a virtual tour of this and all other houses on the tour. A $100 gift card is offered to those who inquire about a Sotheby's International Realty home. Additional items include the Tahiti Margaritaville Frozen Concoction Maker ($499), 12' Aluminum-frame Backyard Theater ($2,499) and Garden Tool Organizer ($249). Shoppers are invited to enjoy a subscription to Architectural Digest with $100+ online orders. Orders can be placed online, by phone, fax, or mail.

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