On the eve of the weeks of invasions by 30,000 ladies and gents in pink for the five Mary Kay seminars, the Mary Kay Foundation kicked off “Suits for Shelters” at Tootsies. The purpose of the program is to collect “gently used suits, accessories, etc.,” for domestic-violence shelters like Genesis Women’s shelter, The Family Place and Dress for Success.
According to Mary Kay Corporate Social Responsibility Manager Kirsten Gappelberg, the corporation works with the foundation in encouraging the sales force to donate clothes. Since 2009, more than 7,000 professional items have been donated. This year Mary Kay increased its goal to doubling that number and that’s very doable since Mary Kay added 94,000 new independent beauty consultants in the last quarter, 34,000 of them from “Gen Y.”
Another plus is that the program has also been open to local non-Mary Kay associates to donate.
Mary Kay grandson Ryan Rogers (in pink shirt, of course) and his oh-so-gorgeous wife Maleiah hosted the event to tell guests about the program. Ryan recalled his grandmother’s establishing the foundation in 1996, initially for cancer research. Eventually it was expanded to giving and has provided $18M to cancer, and $31M+ to shelters and domestic-violence programs.
Among those nodding in agreement were Genesis’s Jan Langbein and Dallas City Council member
Delia Jasso, who is chair of the council’s Domestic Violence Task Force. Her relationship with Mary Kay’s efforts started at a “makeover lunch” in April that Mary Kay did for 30 abuse victims. Her conclusion: “I’m gonna stick with Mary Kay!”
Supporting the evening with their presence was Mary Gill, who reported that husband John was recovering nicely from back surgery and that her brother Richie Humphreys was back in Dallas and staying with the Gills; Nancy Gopez, just back from a Mediterranean cruise with her family; Simona Beal with lusciously glossy lips (“I can’t remember whose gloss I’m wearing. It
may be Tom Ford.”); and Mary Kay Inc. Director of Corporate Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility Crayton Webb, who is preparing for the birth of his third child and the arrival of the thousands of Mary Kay crew.
But Tuesday night it appeared to be an excellent opportunity to do a little shopping as well as dropping off donations. After all when the four-letter word “Sale” is everywhere with the number 70%, it’s your All-American duty to check out the racks. And how many racks there were. . . plus shoes and all types of goodies. Alas, the sale ends July 28. So, why not drop off some clothes for the program and check out some replacements for yourself this week?
yvonne says
What an amazing event.. benefiting so many good causes.. Mary Kay Foundation Suits for Shelters… what a winner.. and have you ever seen anyone quite as beautiful as Maleiah Rogers..(hubby Ryan isn’t bad either).
What a remarkable legacy Mary Kay Ash left for her chlildren , grandchildren and great grandchildren… they are all doing amazing work.. Kudos to all.
Patti Reeves Morton says
The loving, caring and sharing ways that Mary Kay Ash demonstrated and thousands emulated. There’s a legacy to aspire to for sure! Yay Tootsies and crew. You all inspire.