By Kirsten Gappelberg, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability
SOURCE:Mary Kay
DESCRIPTION:
Each year at this time, there are thousands of members of the Mary Kay sales force in town for our annual seminar. I’m always amazed by the giving nature of these women. As entrepreneurs, these women have freedom and flexibility in how they run their businesses and how they give back in their communities. And as members of our independent sales force visit Dallas annually for our special events, they have the opportunity to leave a footprint on our city through the Mary Kay Suits for Shelters program.
Each year, this event collects thousands of items of professional attire for women who are survivors of abuse. We partner with local Dallas domestic violence shelters and organizations that support survivors with emergency relief, legal aid, counseling services, job searches and more.
I feel like more often than not, when I am getting ready in the morning, I am putting on my war paint and armor to face the day. I pray that I’ll never know the kind of “war” that the women who benefit from Suits for Shelters will experience and I’m hopeful that the “armor” we provide them through the Suits for Shelters program is protective and steadfast.
I am always telling my husband how important a new outfit is to a big life event. I’m not sure that he’s completely on board, but he’s starting to understand. For women who are survivors of abuse, a new outfit could give them the added confidence they need for a big court date or legal appointment, or perhaps the next time they have to face their abuser. That suit or dress in the back of your closet could be a new beginning for a woman in your community.
If you live in Dallas, join us and take your donations to Tootsies! You’ll receive a $25 gift card as a thank you. If you live in another part of the country, clean out your closet and take your donation to your local domestic violence shelter.
Take a look at some of the pictures from last night’s Suits for Shelters "Think Pink" launch party. Share in the comments how you give back to women in your community.
KEYWORDS: Philanthropy, Volunteerism & Community Engagement, beauty that counts, Mary Kay, Think Pink Suits For Shelters
