Ashley Cole: An All-Around SuperFriend

When Ashley Cole isn’t creating cohesive spaces for chic restaurants and elegant homes through her namesake, Ashley Cole Design, you may find her strutting the catwalk or pounding the pavement to raise funds for local charities.

As a 2011 member of the MI SuperFriendz, Cole has been participating in events with Kids’ Food Basket, Heart of West Michigan United Way and the West Michigan Center for Arts and Technology. “It’s a great way to get involved,” says Cole.  The SuperFriendz support a diverse group of charities. However, Cole has personal allegiance to organizations that research cancer, promote green spaces or advocate for those with a disability.
 

As an interior designer, Cole is committed to sustainability, environmental consciousness and energy efficiency. “Green spaces are important to any growing city,” says Cole. This dedication led her to support Friends of Grand Rapids Parks, who recently held their first annual Green Gala. 
 

Her talent in designing spaces also led her to support individuals with disabilities. “Everyone should have the same opportunities,” conveys Cole. She ensures that the environments she designs are accessible and barrier-free for her clients who may need accommodations. Cole is not simply business when it comes to disability either. The Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan is one of her favorite organizations. They help individuals and families who are living with the diagnosis.
 

And Cole has had her own share of heartache. “My family has had cancer touch our lives in many ways,” she says. Her family's experience is one of the reasons why she takes an active role in Couture for a Cure at the Van Andel Institute as well as the Design 1 Fashion Show for Helen Devos Children’s Hospital pediatric cancer unit. Cole models signature fashions to bring awareness and funding to the two cancer-fighting agencies. 
 

Ashley Cole is one all-around do-gooder. Want to be a do-gooder too? Get involved. Share your talent. Support some of the organizations that Ashley Cole is involved with that could use your help:
 

• Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan on facebook and web

• Friends of Grand Rapids Parks on facebook and web

• Heart of West Michigan United Way on facebook and web

• Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital on facebook and web

• Kids’ Food Basket on facebook and web

• Van Andel Institute on facebook and web
 

Soursce: Ashley Cole, Ashley Cole Design

Writer: Jennifer Wilson, Do Good Editor