Nov 19, 2009

Blackstone’s offers gift of charityBy Jay FitzgeraldBostonHerald.com

Blackstone’s of Beacon Hill is a gift shop that believes gifts should also be given back to the community.

The longtime Charles Street store, now co-owned by Mark Duffield and Jennifer Hill, is known for its popular and eclectic selection of gifts and accessories for shoppers – from Vera Bradley purses to Vineyard Vines neckties.

But Blackstone’s is also known for using its small store as a sort of charity base, raising funds for nonprofit causes and institutions, including Boston’s WGBH public television station and the New England Conservatory.

Since taking over the store four years ago, Duffield and Hill estimate they’ve helped organize about 30 fund-raising events for different groups. Some of the other recipients of their efforts include the Jimmy Fund, United Way and local schools.

Blackstone’s charitable events have included product donations from vendors, which allow customers to bid on items with the proceeds later given away to the needy.

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