New San Francisco Boutique Helps Inspire Olympic Dreams for Underprivileged Youth

Online, November 10, 2011 (Newswire.com) - South San Francisco, CA- On Thursday, November 17th, 49 Square Miles, a discreetly luxurious line of accessories named for San Francisco's square mileage, founder, Lisa Rissetto, will host a Grand Opening event from 4PM-8PM at the new retail boutique in South San Francisco to benefit Project 2020. Located on the ground level of their corporate headquarters, the boutique stocks a variety of constantly changing 49 Square Miles bags, belts and jewelry designs that sell at regular retail, marked-down styles from previous seasons, samples and one-of-a kind prototypes. Established by 17 year-old Skylar Dorosin, a stand-out water polo player for Palo Alto and Brenda Villa, a former Stanford star and Olympic medalist, Project 2020 teaches swimming and water polo to underprivileged youth in the Redwood City and mid-Peninsula areas. Twenty percent (20%) of all sales from the event will go directly to Project 2020 to help fund pool rentals, as well as, to pay for aquatic equipment and operating expenses.

"I've always thought it would be fun to have a small retail store which could embody the essence of our brand and be used as a testing ground for our products," said Lisa Rissetto, Founder and Creative Director of 49 Square Miles. The industrial chic space mixes repurposed items like wire fencing and metal scaffolding, along with beautiful vintage pieces, to creatively display a wide variety of 49 Square Miles bags, belts and jewelry from existing and previous seasons. Before the boutique was even complete, Lisa had already begun to think about how she could use the store to help local schools and organizations. After meeting Skylar several years ago, Lisa, a passionate advocate for youth and mother of three, was inspired by Project 2020's work. "I am so impressed with Skylar and Brenda's passion and commitment to helping children," said Lisa.

Growing up in Commerce, California, a working class neighborhood on the outskirts of Los Angeles, Brenda Villa knows first-hand the impact a program like Project 2020 can have on young kids. The most decorated woman in water polo, Brenda's exposure to the sport was made possible by city-funded programs that gave the city's youth access to organized sports for a nominal fee. Following the 2012 Summer Olympics, Brenda will serve as the full-time head of Project 2020, a program similar to the one that helped her develop her self-confidence and cultivate her talent.

Skylar Dorosin, a star water polo player for Palo Alto High School and National Merit honor student, started the organization when she was just a freshman. "Working with these girls has taught me that sports are about so much more than who can score the most goals; sports can change people's lives and empower them to develop the inner strength necessary to do things they never believed possible," said Skylar. While she hopes to inspire confidence and foster the competitive spirit that breeds success, the ultimate goal for Project 2020 is to have an athlete in the 2020 NCAA Championship and in contention for a position on the U.S. Olympic Water Polo team. After recently raising $12,000 to cover pool rental, legal fees and equipment costs, Skylar and Brenda are poised to take the program to the next level, which may include a medal stand for one of their participants.

On Thursday, November 17th between 4PM-8PM shop the new 49 Square Miles boutique, located at 160 S. Linden Avenue, South San Francisco, CA 94080 and twenty percent (20%) of all purchases will go to support Project 2020. Get something special for yourself or a loved one and help support the development of the youth in the community.

Other than for special events, the boutique is currently open on Fridays from 11AM- 2PM PST or by appointment. To schedule an appointment, please call 415-904-0690 ext 20.

About 49 Square Miles:
49 Square Miles' organic, hand-crafted accessories capture the essence of the Bay Area. With an emphasis on wearability and longevity, their refined, artisanal designs appeal to discriminating customers who want luxury, not labels. 49 Square Miles handbags retail from $125.00- $695.00, with wallets, belts and jewelry from $95.00-$325.00. The line is available at specialty boutiques, online at www.49SqMi.com.

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For more information on 49 Square Miles, please contact:
Karen D. Webb
PR Squared Public Relations
(323) 375-6376 or (310) 595-4646
[email protected]