Brooks Brothers Partners With Gemma Foundation for Fashion Show
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Fashion show model Charles Hollis tries out his look at Brooks Brothers in Providence--his sister passed away from breast cancer five years ago at the age of 40.
One of the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation’s “Signature Events,” the now sold-out Our Heroes Annual Survivor Fashion Show is taking place at the Rhodes on the Pawtuxet. Brooks Brothers headlines an impressive list of event sponsors.
Brooks Brothers + Gemma: A great partnership
The relationship between the national retail fashion house and the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation started five years ago, thanks to Tracie Lamphere, who manages Brooks Brothers’ Providence Place location.
“Being involved with the Gloria Gemma Foundation year after year has been a collective decision made by my entire team,” said Lamphere, who has been a part of Brooks Brothers for fourteen years. “We started off providing support on a small level with gift cards for auctions and simply by spreading the word about the wonderful organization to our customers.”
This will be the first time that Brooks Brothers—the oldest men’s clothing store in the country— has sponsored a charity fashion show in the state, according to Lamphere.
“On the runway, we’re displaying a combination of our classic line and Red Fleece Collection for both women and men. We decided to showcase designs that are casual, hip, and fashion-forward in style.”
“With the Mall overlooking our Flames of Hope event during Columbus Day weekend every year, we have been fortunate to receive an overflow of support from retail stores and the whole team at Providence Place,” said Maria Gemma, executive director of the Pawtucket-based nonprofit.
“We’re extremely appreciative of Tracie’s efforts to continually connect a national brand to our local organization,” she said.
A personal connection to the cause
Lamphere said the fundamental motivation behind that connection began close to home. “It all really stems from Brooks Brothers’ core values that people should pursue things that they are wholeheartedly passionate about,” said the Warwick resident, whose personal connection with breast cancer started when her mother was diagnosed in 2012.
Referring to her store’s donation of a percentage of one day’s sales to the Foundation last October, she continued, “A lot of our customers want to know if contributions go back into the community. Since this is the case when it comes to the Gloria Gemma Foundation, our partnership is a perfect fit.”
Lamphere said that through her store’s continued collaboration with the local nonprofit, she hopes to raise awareness about the importance for women to receive regular clinical breast exams and mammograms.
This year’s fashion show feature three groups of models: women diagnosed before the age of 40, individuals undergoing treatment, and family members.
In addition to the national brand name-notoriety of Brooks Brothers, other event sponsors include some of Rhode Island’s premiere boutiques and clothiers. The list includes Coventry’s Gigi’s Glitzy Boutique, Warwick’s Off Broadway Shoes, North Providence’s Botticelli, and Cranston’s Sonya’s. Additionally, Cranston’s Carl Anthony Tuxedo is providing complimentary suiting for model escorts.
“There will be dinner, music, and entertainment,” said Maria Gemma. “One of our models actually just completed her last radiation treatment in April, giving cause for her and many others to celebrate.”
“At Brooks Brothers, there’s something for everyone,” said Lamphere. “We’re excited to dress both survivors and family members, which is fitting since breast cancer affects the whole family.”
For more information about the Our Heroes Annual Survivor Fashion Show and other event sponsors, go to www.facebook.com/gloriagemma.
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