Apparel designers and executives are paving the way to a more positive industry with their community outreach efforts.
On Monday, non-profit Delivering Good held its 11th annual Women of Inspiration Luncheon in New York City, where retail industry members were honored for their philanthropic efforts. More than 400 guests attended the event, which raised over $429,000 to help adults, children and families overcome by poverty.
Honorees were recognized for their positive impact and helping others in need. Designer Stan Herman presented an award to fashion designer Tracy Reese, who spoke about advocating for HIV charities and her work for Planned Parenthood. Target marketing director for licensing Gaye Dean was presented an award by Delivering Good board member Carole Postal and honored for her work with Bike Cops for Kids, a program that provides free bikes to children in need and fosters positive relationships with police officers. Ralph Lauren North America wholesale president Lana Todorovich was presented with an award by her daughter, Rag & Bone Jr. account executive Emma Todorovich. As the founder of the Circle of Hope Children’s Foundation, Todorovich has helped underprivileged children worldwide with need-based aid and mentorship.
The luncheon follows Delivering Good’s recent rebranding. Formerly K.I.D.S/Fashion Delivers, Delivering Good still executes the organization’s mission of uniting retailers, foundations, individuals and manufacturers to deliver new apparel and goods to the poor. Over the past 32 years, the charity, led by CEO and president Lisa Gurwitch and chairman Allan Ellinger, has donated $1.6 billion in new apparel and items to adults and children in need. The nonprofit has also assisted over 500 community-based social service agencies through its outreach programs.
“Our mission began and continues to this day with a vision of assisting people–in many cases people we would never meet–with brand new, needed items,” Ellinger said. “In so many ways, this luncheon celebrated our past as well as where we are headed.”