Gala to also welcome Carl Banks of NY Giants fame and executives from American Express, DreamWorks, PwC
WASHINGTON, 2015-10-22 — /EPR Retail News/ — The NRF Foundation today announced the names of several industry insiders, retail CEOs and business partners who will serve as host committee members for the Foundation’s second annual Gala. The NRF Foundation is the non-profit division of the National Retail Federation. On Sunday, January 17 at Pier Sixty in New York City the Gala will bring together the next generation of retail talent, hundreds of the industry’s most illustrious leaders, and honorees on The List of People Shaping Retail’s Future.
Members of the 2016 Host Committee:
- Carl Banks, former NY Giant and president of G-III Sports
- Steve Barr, U.S. retail and consumer leader, PwC
- Stacey Bendet, ceo and creative director, Alice + Olivia
- Nate Berkus, designer and author, founder of Nate Berkus Associates
- Gunther Bright, executive vice president, merchant services, U.S., American Express Company
- Michael Francis, chief global brand officer, DreamWorks Animation
- Tommy Hilfiger, principal designer, Tommy Hilfiger
- Iman, ceo, Iman Cosmetics, Inc.
- Fern Mallis, president, Fern Mallis LLC, International Fashion and Design Consultancy
- Joy Mangano, founder and president, Ingenious Designs LLC (subsidiary of HSNi)
- Brit Morin, founder and ceo, Brit + Co
- Kara Ross, founder, KARA ROSS NY & DIAMONDS UNLEASHED
- Rachel Shechtman, founder and ceo, STORY
HSNi CEO and Chairman of the NRF Foundation Board of Directors Mindy Grossman, and Chairman and CEO of The Container Store and Chairman of the NRF Board of Directors Kip Tindell will co-host the event, which will raise funds for the NRF Foundation. All proceeds from the Gala’s ticket sales, donations, sponsorship packages and auction will benefit the Foundation’s initiatives over the next year, including funding for student scholarships and experiences, advancement efforts for young professionals in retail, helping veterans transition to the civilian workforce, and showcasing diverse and innovative retail career opportunities.
“The imagination, inspiration and innovation that happens every day in retail is worth celebrating, and it is incredible to see the industry come together on one night to recognize those shaping the industry,” said Grossman. “The Gala is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for industry leaders to help the NRF Foundation with its mission of shaping retail’s future and sharing the message that retail offers richly rewarding and diverse career opportunities.”
In addition to recognizing the 2016 List of People Shaping Retail’s Future, the Gala will welcome dozens of high-performing students and scholarship recipients who are a part of the NRF Student Association. The List of People Shaping Retail’s Future will be announced in early January 2016.
“One of the most powerful tools in retail that helps keep the industry innovating at lightning speed is the wealth and diversity of our talent. No other industry in the world depends on and values people the way retail does, and that’s why the work of the NRF Foundation is so critical,” said Tindell. “We had an amazing inaugural event last year and I cannot wait to host the Gala again this January.”
The inaugural NRF Foundation Gala in January 2015 raised $1.2 million for scholarships, programs and initiatives. The fundraising goal for this year’s Gala is $1.5 million.
Learn more about how you can participate in the Gala and show your support for the retail industry here: nrf.com/gala.
Note to media: If you are interested in covering the event, please contact NRF’s media team at press@nrf.com.
The NRF Foundation shapes retail’s future by building awareness of the industry through statistics and stories; developing talent through education, experiences and scholarships; and fostering career growth among people who work in retail. The NRF Foundation is the 501(c)(3) nonprofit arm of the National Retail Federation and is funded in part by generous donations from retail industry supporters. NRF.com/Foundation
Kathy Grannis Allen
(202) 783-7971
press@nrf.com
(855) NRF-Press
SOURCE: National Retail Federation