New York (November 20, 2023) – For countless New York City students and families, the holiday season is about to get a lot brighter as The Fashion Group Foundation launches the 33rd annual Grant a Wish Holiday Club Campaign. FGI is proud to continue this long-running philanthropic initiative – securing donors and coordinating gifts to fulfill South Bronx elementary students’ holiday wish letters.
Each year, Mott Haven Academy elementary school students write their “wish” letters for the elves at The Fashion Group Community to fulfill. The Fashion Group 501c(3) Foundation is affiliated with the venerable Manhattan-based global organization Fashion Group International (FGI).
“Grant-A-Wish Holiday Club really represents the heart and soul of the Fashion Group Foundation mission to leverage FGI’s vast network and resources to effect grassroots positive impact in local communities,” says Maryanne Grisz, FGI President and CEO.
The Foundation outreaches to its fashion, beauty, and retail industry community to answer letters, sponsor a letter, curate donations, and spread the word about the campaign. The campaign is now live at fgi.org, where donors may sign up to be assigned a child’s wish letter. The FGI team also takes an active role in fulfilling multiple student wish lists with funds from monetary donations, and coordinating new, in-kind gifts of clothing, accessories, toys, books, and more.
Once all the gifts have been secured and each list checked twice, FGI works closely with Mott Haven Academy staff to distribute the fun and festive gifts to Mott Haven Academy’s Pre-K and elementary school students. Gifts will be distributed by school staff the week of December 18, 2023.
For 33 years, FGI staff and supporters have gone to tremendous lengths to fulfill a child’s Christmas wish list.
Jessica Nauiokas, Co-Founder and Head of School, Mott Haven Academy Charter School, said: “For over a decade, the thoughtful leaders and team members at Fashion Group International have taken the time to bring some well-deserved holiday magic to our South Bronx, NY community. Each fall, our kids write a “Dear Wishmaker” letter—these letters make it to generous employees at FGI and dreams come true!
Thousands of gifts have been sent to Haven Academy from our Wish Granters and kids joyfully unwrap them with their classmates and teachers. The FGI volunteers are generous, creative, and often write a letter back to the kids. Our Wishmaker routine has become an annual tradition at Haven as each year the older kids whisper to our little scholars…”make sure you write a good wish maker letter because you will be thrilled at what it brings!”
Donate to the Grant a Wish Holiday Club: https://www.fgi.org/festive/the-33rd-annual-grant-a-wish-holiday-club/For interviews, contact info@anamartinspr.com
ABOUT FASHION GROUP INTERNATIONAL
Founded in 1930 by a group of seventeen women leaders, with charters including Helena Rubenstein, Eleanor Roosevelt, Edith Head, and other renowned fashion icons, Fashion Group International (FGI) was established as an industry forum for career advancement. Today, the non-profit organization remains dedicated to connecting and supporting fashion professionals at every level, from startups to seasoned professionals. By providing access, education, and connection, FGI seeks to spark creativity, fuel innovation, and advance the business of fashion.
FGI is headquartered in New York City, with chapters in numerous regions worldwide, and a roster of over 5,000 active members in fashion and related design sectors including apparel, accessories, beauty, retail, and lifestyle. Vital member benefits offered to FGI members include ongoing professional development opportunities, forums for discussion and networking, market insights, mentorship opportunities with industry leaders, business directories and resources, and high-profile event platforms for professional recognition. Discover more at fgi.org
The Fashion Group Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Fashion Group International and is dedicated to nurturing the fashion talent of tomorrow through education, scholarships, internships, and career counseling services. The FGI Foundation also promotes charitable partnerships and impactful public service initiatives.
