Recycling is in, even when it comes to fashion.
Exchange to Change Lives, a partnership between Goodwill Industries of Denver and Macy’s, kicked off with a reception and show at the Cherry Creek store. The models included three women who have improved their lives by participating in Goodwill’s school-to-work education programs or workforce development classes.
The clothing they wore may have been brand-new, but the message they helped spread was that donations of gently used apparel can make a huge difference in the lives of Goodwill clients.
Clothing may not make the man (or woman), but a neat, professional appearance can help cinch the deal in today’s über-competitive job market. Goodwill recognizes that not everyone can afford mall prices and takes great pride in offering near-new shirts, suits and dresses for sale in its stores throughout the metro area.
In addition to hosting the kickoff, Macy’s donated clothing and image makeovers to three Goodwill program participants, all of whom have completed Goodwill self-sufficiency.
Also, select Macy’s stores have agreed to carry the agency’s Good Exchange for Change party-planning kits to encourage customers to host their own clothing-exchange parties. The kit contains information about hosting a successful clothing exchange, including Goodwill drop-off locations for that which is not exchanged.
Reception guests included Roselyn Saunders, co-chair of an upcoming Goodwill benefit, Dancing for the Youth at Goodwill. She had just had lunch at Cherry Hills Country Club with members of the Goodwill Auxiliary to discuss how they would help fill themed baskets for the benefit’s silent auction and obtain an item for the live auction.
Goodwill vice president Mike Pritchard also attended the event at Macy’s and reminded everyone that his agency seeks to reverse the cycle of poverty for at-risk youths, struggling families and individuals with disabilities.
“When you shop or donate at Goodwill thrift stores, you help create opportunities for over 30,000 individuals each year to change their lives, while building a strong, sustainable community,” Pritchard said.
Lisa Hidalgo of KMGH-Channel 7 emceed, and Carolyn Strauss presented the fashion show.
More good stuff.
Representatives from Smithfield Foods, the United Food and Commercial Workers Union and Safeway stopped by Food Bank of the Rockies on Tuesday to donate 150,000 servings of protein for distribution to FBR clients. It was part of Smithfield Foods’ pledge to deliver 1.6 million pounds of pork and packaged meat to food banks nationwide. . . . On Thursday, MiniBAR in Cherry Creek North is donating 20 percent of its happy-hour proceeds to Excelsior Youth Center. . . . KOSI personalities Jackie Selby and Murphy Huston are among those going Over the Edge for Cancer League of Colorado. They and breast-cancer survivor Courtney Mizel Green, Tom Higgins of Superior Products and CLC president Gary Reece will rappel 32 stories at One Lincoln Park on Aug. 28 — and there’s room for others to take the plunge, too. A $1,000 fee is charged (many of the participants raise it by soliciting pledges from friends and business contacts). To learn more, visit .
Joanne Davidson: 303-809-1314 or jdavidson@denverpost.com; also, and GetItWrite on Twitter
