Contact: Colleen Roche (212) 788-2958
The Fashion Association's Executive Director, Eric Hertz, presented the check to the Mayor, Harriette Heller, Executive Director of the Mayor's Voluntary Action Center, and Barbara Cooper, Director of the Clothing Bank. This is the eighth consecutive year the Fashion Association has contributed to the Clothing Bank.
"Thanks to the Fashion Association's support and to the generous contributions of manufacturers, designers and retailers throughout the United States, it is possible for the Clothing Bank to continue providing new clothes for the homeless and needy people of New York," said Mayor Giuliani. "This successful public-private partnership brings resources together and provides much needed help for people truly in need."
Since it was established in 1986, the Clothing Bank has collected more than $50 million in new clothing from more than 850 manufacturers and retailers throughout the United States. This merchandise is distributed to approximately 500 non-profit agencies for distribution to the homeless and needy.
The Fashion Association is the not-for-profit public relations arm of the apparel industry. The organization represents over 300 manufacturers and retailers. From 1990 to this day the Fashion Association has donated $163,500 to the Clothing Bank, making them the largest single donor. The funds donated today were raised at the 1995 American Image Awards Dinner, which honors individuals for outstanding industry leadership and charitable work.
The Mayor's Voluntary Action Center (MVAC) mobilizes individuals and public, private and not-for-profit organizations to participate in volunteer activities in order to strengthen communities throughout New York City. MVAC recruits and refers volunteers, helps develop voluntary action programs to meet community needs, and provides consultation, training and resources on volunteerism.