New York (December 20, 2022) –Fashion Group Foundation is once again making the season bright for hundreds of NYC children. This year marks the 501c(3) organization’s 32nd annual Wishmaker Club charitable campaign, designed to make children’s holiday wishes come true, and once again, FGI continues its longstanding partnership with Mott Haven Academy in the South Bronx. All in-kind and monetary donations to the Wishmaker Club Campaign will help make the holidays brighter for Mott Haven Academy Students in Pre-K through fifth grade.
The Fashion Group Foundation is the foundation arm of the Fashion Group International (FGI). FGI has organized this holiday charitable initiative since the early 2000s, formerly known as The Santa Clause Club, partnering then as now with a local school and donors to fulfill students’ holiday wish lists.
In partnership with the school, once FGI receives the children’s individual wish letters, donors are assigned one or more letters to fulfill with gift cards or in-kind donations of toys, books, clothing, and more. The gifts are then curated and delivered to Mott Haven Academy, just in time to make the holidays bright for the school’s students.”
“Thanks to support of our FGI Members and longtime donors, Fashion Group Foundation has been able to continue the Wishmaker Club holiday tradition for 32 years and bless students even through the difficult pandemic years,” says Maryanne Grisz, President and CEO, Fashion Group International, “This campaign demonstrates the grassroots impact that our fashion, beauty, and retail network can bring to effect positive impact in our local communities.”
Jessica Nauiokas, Co-Founder and Head of School, Mott Haven Academy Charter School:
“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 wishmaker letter because you will be thrilled at what it brings!”
For more information on donating, visit fgi.org/system/event/wishmaker-club-2022
ABOUT FASHION GROUP INTERNATIONAL
Founded in 1928 by a group of 17 women leaders, with original 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 maintains a headquarters in New York City, chapters in 26 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.
ABOUT THE FASHION GROUP FOUNDATION
The Fashion Group Foundation, a 501c(3) organization, 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 that enable fashion industry professionals to give back at the local, national, and international levels.
