Delivering Good’s Annual Gala Raises $1.4 Million

Delivering Good held its annual gala fundraiser in New York earlier this month, raising a total of $1.4 million. The 30-year-old organization plans to put the new funds toward its ongoing efforts to help victims of natural disasters and families facing poverty. Themed “reset,” the gala promoted the notion that many people experiencing poverty or the consequences of a natural disaster could see their lives rebooted with new clothes, shoes and other items.

“It is an honor to see the outpouring of support from our generous product and financial donors,” says Lisa Gurwitch, president and CEO of Delivering Good. “Our donors help Delivering Good make a profound impact on the lives of people challenged by poverty and natural disaster.”

The event honored several fashion industry leaders: Rose Marie Bravo, Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire and former CEO of Burberry, received the first-ever Lifetime Achievement award; Daniel Milberg, the president of Milberg Factors, Inc., received the Vanguard award; Shinola received the Company of Change award; and the American Apparel & Footwear Association and Isaac Ash of United Legwear & Apparel Co. accepted the Delivering Good Impact award on behalf of the One Million Pairs of Socks campaign.

The honorees’ commitment to Delivering Good has supported millions of children, families and individuals in need around the world, helping more than 2.5 million people each year. Since the inception of Delivering Good in 1985, over $2 billion of donated products have been distributed through its network of community partners, serving the poor and disadvantaged worldwide. Last year, more than 500 companies donated over 11 million units of useful products that were distributed to more than 700 community partners. Presenters throughout the evening included Lauren Bush Lauren, CEO and co-founder of FEED Project and granddaughter of former U.S. president George H.W. Bush; William Lauder, executive chairman of The Estée Lauder Companies; and Neil Glat, the former president of the New York Jets.

During the event, the organization displayed powerful images of its recovery efforts in the Bahamas, a recent relief trip where several Delivering Good board members handed out $1.5 million in new product to hundreds who were affected by Hurricane Dorian. “The need is so great, and often, we’re unsure of how great the need is until we see it for ourselves,” says Andrea Weiss, board chair of Delivering Good. “Witnessing the damage firsthand in the Bahamas made me realize how much more we all need to do to help the communities not just immediately after disaster strikes, but for the months and years that follow.”