Delivering Good, the nonprofit that provides people impacted by poverty and tragedy with new merchandise donated by retailers and manufacturers, celebrated 40 years Tuesday at a gala event at Gotham Hall. The event brought together leaders from fashion, finance, media, technology and philanthropy and raised a record $2.3 million to support Delivering Good.
The evening honored Oscar Feldenkreis, president and chief executive officer of Perry Ellis International Inc. and George Feldenkreis, the former chairman and CEO of PEI, posthumously, with the Lifetime Achievement Award. George Feldenkreis died last February at the age of 89.
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In addition, Andrew Rosen, fashion entrepreneur, investor and visionary, received the Impact Award. A Founders Award was given to the leaders of both K.I.D.S. and Fashion Delivers, which came together in 2014 to create Delivering Good.
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From disasters to everyday hardships, Delivering Good helps to restore comfort, renew hope and help families move forward with dignity. Since its founding in 1985, Delivering Good has distributed nearly $3 billion in new merchandise through a network of more than 800 community partners.
Among the more than 500 people who came out to celebrate the 40th anniversary were Yehuda Shmidman, Vera Wang, Abbey Doneger, AAFA president and CEO Steve Lamar, Morris Goldfarb, Gary Simmons, Stacy Berns, Jason Rabin, Jaimee Marshall, Kirk Palmer, Allan Ellinger, Jarrod Weber, and Mark Weber.
The evening was emceed by Carl Banks, former Super Bowl champion and president of G-III Sports. It featured an auction conducted by Lydia Fenet.
Matthew Fasciano, president and CEO of Delivering Good, said people sometimes ask him, “What makes Delivering Good different?” His answer is simple. He said it’s what happens in the first few moments after a crisis hits.
“Imagine losing everything you own, and the first thing you’re handed is a used shirt? How would you feel if you’re someone who just lost everything a week ago in Jamaica or Haiti or the wildfires in California, or the floods in Texas? Now you think about how different it is to receive something new?”
“‘What does something new really mean when you’ve lost everything?’ It means dignity, it means hope, it means a fresh start. For 40 years, we’ve been answering those questions one box, one brand, one act of generosity at a time,” he said.
Forty years ago, a small group of people had an idea that the power of giving could change lives, he said. “They were so right. Tonight we stand on the shoulders of that idea, still delivering comfort and hope now to millions,” he said.
He said the nonprofit knows their work is far from done. Last year, Delivering Good launched Basic Comforts Packs, a collection of essential new items for individuals and families displaced by disaster. Right now there are 500 packs in a warehouse in Henderson, Ky., which are ready at the moment a call comes. Some of their packs are already on their way to Jamaica, and he said he’s deeply grateful to companies such as Hanes, Ralph Lauren, Accenture and Knitwell, among others, who help bring these packs to life.
Andrea Weiss, board chair, said that the people in this room “refuse to wait for someone else to solve the problem.” She said every year, 26 million people are forced into poverty during natural disasters. She said in the 1970s, there were 100 natural disasters a year. Today, there are 400 natural disasters a year. “Those numbers are staggering,” she said, which shows them why taking action now is so important.
In accepting his award, Feldenkreis thanked the entire organization of Delivering Good which he said deserves the company’s continued support, “especially given the ongoing needs of many underprivileged people.” He thanked all their business partners and licensees who generously donated and supported this honor.
Feldenkreis said he was fortunate to work with his father from the age of 13. “When he took me to Asia, he always encouraged me to travel, immerse yourself in the culture of every single country you plan to conduct business with and explore new frontiers. He instilled in me the belief that working harder than your competitors would lead to success. Passion, he stressed, is the key to success and never loses. Even challenges are opportunities.”
Feldenkreis said his father was not only his mentor, but taught him the importance of giving back until it hurts. “Philanthropy is part of our family and corporate DNA. My father came to the office until the last days and continues to be an inspiration to all of as a visionary leader and founder of Perry Ellis International,” he said.
David Neville, CEO of Westman Atelier, and cofounder of Rag & Bone, presented the Impact Award to Andrew Rosen. “It’s such an honor to be here tonight to celebrating Delivering Good’s 40th anniversary and to present an Impact Award to someone who has had an immeasurable impact on the entire fashion industry,” said Neville.
He said that Rosen has a phrase he loves to use, which is “keep your shoulder to the wheel, which is his version of keep pushing, keep building, and keep showing up. That’s exactly what he’s done his entire career, pushing not just for success, but for integrity, craftsmanship and for the community. He’s been a true leader in American fashion, from building Theory to guiding so many young designers and founders, to investing in brands and people he believes in, including my own journey with Westman Atelier,” he said. Rosen is an investor in brands such as Alice + Olivia, Veronica Beard, TWP, and Skims.
“What makes Andrew’s impact so special is it’s never been about him, it’s always been about others, about helping people realize their potential, about building platforms that last, about doing things the right way. He doesn’t just talk about giving back. Through his work, his mentorship, his commitment to causes like Delivering Good….You’ve shown all of us that success isn’t just about what you build, but how you build it and who you bring along the way,” said Westman.
Several other executives with whom Rosen has worked got up in the room to speak about Rosen’s mentorship. “For the busiest retired man in the industry, he’s extremely generous with his time. He is always available to offer guidance and support, and takes everything seriously,” said Maria Aguilera of TWP Clothing. “Nothing is too small or beneath him, and he listens. What makes Andrew such an incredible mentor is that he’s still curious and hungry to learn more. He surrounds himself with young people and actually values their ideas. Everyone is treated with respect and encouraged to speak up,” she said.
Finally, Kenneth Cole gave a tribute to Rosen on the screen. He called Rosen “a visionary, mentor, investor and occasionally therapist to countless designers and brands.”
In accepting the Impact Award, Rosen said, “To the board, the leadership team, staff and volunteers who make this amazing work possible, you have my deepest gratitude and respect. I feel very humbled to be receiving this award, and it’s especially meaningful to be honored along with Oscar and George. He said, “Like Oscar, I succeeded my father, Carl, in business. Our fathers shared a belief that you can only be as successful as the people you work with and the communities you do business with. Both were extremely philanthropic with not only their money but their time.
“My father set a great example for me in being innovative, inspired and passionate, which is the central mission of Delivering Good, and I recently had opportunity to see this first-hand in L.A.” He visited a group of men, who were recently released from incarceration, who came to pick out clothes in support of their transition back into society.
“Watching them pick out new pants, jackets and shoes after years of wearing only prison issue garments was eye-opening. You could see the pride and confidence return in real time. It made them feel worthy…The team at the distribution center treated everyone with such sincerity, respect and passion.
“It reminded me that giving back isn’t a byproduct of success, it’s a critical element. For the past 15 years, in business and in life, I’ve been focused on investing in the future. My goal is for everything I have a hand in to endure for generations to come. That means protecting the ecosystem we operate in and nurturing the young talent who carry the torch. Delivering Good is also working to ensure the future by inspiring action and hope,” said Rosen.
As part of the celebration, Delivering Good introduced a special 40th Anniversary coffee table book, “Delivering Hope” (sponsored by Ralph Lauren), featuring powerful, award-winning photography that captures the human stories behind moments of crisis and recovery — from hurricanes and wildfires to public health challenges and housing insecurity. Contributors include photographers Ryan Scott, Kitra Cahana, and Sara Easter.