Giving Back

There are few things more important to a small business than community. At Maertens, we love that our clients are our neighbors and that our jewelry is inspired by the natural beauty all around us. We also believe in giving back to this amazing community that has given us so much. Supporting various local causes is important to us. In addition to helping Calvert's nonprofits through auction donations and sponsorships, our staff is encouraged to get involved by volunteering and taking active roles on local committees and boards. Below are a few of the organizations that are nearest and dearest to our hearts. If you represent a local nonprofit doing great work in our community, send us an email about it today!

Heather Maertens has always had an unwavering love for two things: jewelry and dogs. In the summer of 2007, the opportunity to combine these passions presented itself and Heather just couldn't say no. Our first Breakfast at Sniffany's wasn't actually called Breakfast at Sniffany's. We celebrated our favorite four-legged companions and the summer heat with "Dog Days Afternoon". The following year, in 2008, the decision was made to go full-force with this fun, new event and that is how "Breakfast at Sniffany's" came to be. [Side note: We're pretty sure that this was Heather's master plan all along and 2007 was just her warming us up to the idea of a dog-themed brunch party.] As the event grew, festivities included a bountiful brunch buffet, a doggie treat buffet, and full ice cream sundae bar featuring doggie-friendly ice cream. Also popular was the silent auction featuring local artwork, jewelry from Maertens Fine Jewelry & Gifts, and pet themed gifts. The event grew and so did the donations. Before we knew it, Breakfast at Sniffany's was raising hundreds - and then thousands - of dollars for animal shelters and rescue groups in Southern Maryland.

See photos from past events and stay up to date by liking the Breakfast at Sniffany's Facebook page.We are always in search of new partners to support the event through sponsorships and auction donations, too! If you'd like to get involved, contact the committee at breakfastatsniffanys@gmail.com

There are a handful of local nonprofits that Heather and her team hold close to their hearts. Calvert Hospice is one of those organizations. In addition to supporting their work through event sponsorships and auction donations, Heather created the Wings of Hope necklace - a special piece inspired by the Hospice butterfly logo.

The Maertens team have been longtime supporters of United Way of Calvert County. Staff has participated in the annual Day of Caring volunteerism event and are responsible for stocking the Razzle Dazzle Raffle at the nonprofit's Mardi Gras Gala every year. Heather has been the event's "Royal Jeweler" ever since she retired as Mardi Gras Queen in the early 2000s!

While attending a fundraising event for the Brem Foundation Heather was moved to use her talents to help support this organization. During these annual events Dr. Rachel Brem explains how her mother’s breast cancer diagnosis inspired her to become a leading radiologist, and confirm her own breast cancer. Dr. Brem expounds upon breast cancer and its treatment’s transformation from being hushed and mutilating, to being cosmetically positive and curable. She discusses terms and tools that must be understood, such a breast density and how women must be their own advocates.

The foundation works to maximize women’s chances of finding curable breast cancer through expert education about early detection, access to diagnostic tests for women in need, and physician training.

Heather designed the Brem Butterfly Pendant to represent change and new beginnings. A portion from the sale of each pendant is donated to the Brem Foundation. The pendant is available in sterling silver, 14K gold or a combination of both metals. It may be embellished with genuine diamonds or gemstones. Contact us for more information.