Singer-songwriter Caitlin Crosby started a jewelry company called The Giving Keys to combine her passions for art, music, and helping others. While on tour, she began engraving words on hotel room keys and selling them as necklaces. She then hired homeless individuals to engrave keys, providing them with jobs. The company aims to inspire customers and support people transitioning out of homelessness through meaningful, handcrafted jewelry.

1. Kelly McCarthy
Writing Sample #1 - Feature Story
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Since she was nine years old, singer-songwriter Caitlin Crosby has played music.
Growing up as an only child with parents in the film industry, she was surrounded by creativity
and self-expression but was also raised to understand the importance of caring for others.
“Living in Hollywood, I grew up in a very talented yet superficial environment. But my
parents instilled the idea in me that people are what matter, not things,” said Crosby.
Her artistic nature and love for helping others is how Crosby came up with the idea for
her jewelry company, The Giving Keys.
“I was staying at a hotel while on tour, and noticed how unique the room key looked. So I
decided to engrave the word “love” onto the key and wear it as a necklace to my show,” said
Crosby.
At the end of the show, Crosby had dozens of fans asking her where they could buy the
necklace. Surprised by all the positive feedback, Crosby started buying old keys in bulk,
engraving inspirational words on them and selling them at her concerts. They were a hit. But
Crosby said that she felt like there was something missing. That’s when she met Rob and Cera.
“I had just watched a really inspirational documentary. I was feeling empowered to do
some good in the world when I walked by Rob and Cera on the street. They were holding a sign
that read, ‘Ugly, Broke and Hungry’. Maybe it was because of the film I had just watched, I’m
not sure. But for some reason I had this gut feeling to take them out to dinner and hear their
story. So I did,” said Crosby.
While at dinner, Cera told Caitlin how she loved to make jewelry before she was
homeless. That’s when Caitlin knew she had found the missing piece.
“Right there, at the diner, I asked Cera and Rob to be my business partners. I realized I
had forgotten what had driven me from the beginning: the idea of helping and inspiring others,”
said Crosby.
Since its creation in 2008, The Giving Keys has hired 19 individuals transitioning out of
homelessness to engrave the keys. Throughout the years, Crosby’s goal remains the same: to
make jewelry that is meaningful to its users.
“We are all like these keys - unique, flawed, scarred, and at risk of being discarded. But it
doesn’t mean we give up. I want that message to be displayed in our jewelry and in our
company,” said Crosby.
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2. Kelly McCarthy
Writing Sample #2 - Press Release
Newport Harbor Art Museum seeks volunteers to guide visitors through its exhibits,
including its $44 million American folk art collection, said director of volunteers, Hilary Wolf.
Candidates must be 18 years or older, have a love for art and are able to attend the coffee
reception on Saturday, March 14, at 10 a.m. Volunteers will guide school groups, adults and
others through the museum’s galleries, said Wolf.
Applicants must attend two training sessions, held March 20 and 27 from 7-9 p.m. and
March 21 and 28 from 1-4 p.m. They also must work at least 8 hours a month, said Wolf.
Volunteers and their family receive free admission to the museum and can use its
facilities, including the reception halls and gardens at a discounted price, said Wolf.
The museum’s new wing, the John and Barbara Suttmiller Wing, opens to the public on
Apr. 5 and will display the world’s largest privately owned American folk art collection, said
museum curator, Joao Mejia.
The collection was donated by Elizabeth Harrison, who served on the museum’s board of
directors for 20 years. It contains over 1,000 pieces, including notable artists like Norman
Rockwell and Grandma Moses, said Mejia.
Harrison’s family started collecting the art 100 years ago and is happy to know that
generations to come will enjoy the art the way her family has, said Harrison.
Those interested in volunteering can contact Wolf at 714-759-1122 or visit
www.newportharbormuseum.org.