In an evening packed with emotion and more than 700 retail and fashion individuals, Delivering Good staged its annual fundraiser Wednesday, bringing in a record $2.7 million for the cause.
The gala honored two top retail chief executive officers: Michael O’Sullivan of Burlington Stores, and Libby Wadle of J.Crew Group. Burlington, considered the third-largest off-pricer in the U.S., has supported Delivering Good for over two decades. Wadle was recognized as “a champion of giving back” and strong supporter of Delivering Good for years.
The event, held at Manhattan’s Gotham Hall, celebrated Delivering Good’s mission of “restoring comfort, renewing hope and helping individuals and families rebuild after hardship or disaster.” The organization provides individuals and families with essential products, including merchandise donated by retailers and manufacturers, to help them through poverty, disaster and other challenging circumstances.
“Delivering Good gives us, and our entire industry, such a clear way to do that,” said Wadle. “In the past few years we have donated nearly 164,000 new items through our partnership. And at Madewell, we’ve raised more than $250,000 through customer and employee campaigns from the past couple of years, with the first including more than 5,000 pairs of new jeans for those in need. Behind those numbers are employees who volunteered their time and customers who chose to get involved.”
“This honor reflects the strength and generosity of the partners who have helped Burlington grow and who share our commitment to giving back,” said O’Sullivan. “We have built successful businesses together, and through Delivering Good, we can turn that shared success into meaningful support for people who need it most. That makes me especially proud to be part of this industry.”
“The generosity and support shown throughout the evening demonstrate what’s possible when a community comes together to make a difference,” said Matthew Fasciano, president and CEO of Delivering Good. “We’re incredibly grateful to our honorees, sponsors, partners and supporters for their commitment to our mission. Together, we’re creating confidence, hope and opportunity for thousands of people and families facing hardship.”
Lindsey Coffey (Photo by JP Yim/Getty Images for Delivering Good.)
Getty Images for Delivering Good
The evening was hosted by Lindsey Coffey, model, environmental activist, and the first American to win the Miss Earth title in 2020.
Daiane Sodré, fashion model and Delivering Good brand ambassador, helped set the tone for the evening through a moving video spotlighting the importance of providing confidence, hope and opportunity to those facing hardship. There was also a holiday toy drive supported by Jazwares, which launched the initiative with a donation of 100 Squishmallows and pledged to match every toy donated during the event, up to 700 toys.
Aside from Burlington and J.Crew Group, key sponsors and partners of the event included Charles Komar & Sons; First Class Apparel; G-III Apparel Group; Paul, Weiss; Peerless Clothing International; Ralph Lauren Corporation; United Legwear & Apparel Co., and Versa Group/Original Brands.
Since 1985, Delivering Good, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has distributed nearly $3 billion of new clothing, home goods, toys, furniture, books and other consumer products to 35 million individuals and families in need across the country through its network of more than 800 community partners.
The scene at the Delivering Good Gala.
Andre Maier
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