John C. Portman, Jr. to receive Legend for Life

Throughout the course of time, many leaders are born…but few legends.

Gift for Life is privileged to honor one among us today, John C. Portman, Jr., as the first Legend for Life recipient. The award, being presented upon the 20th anniversary of Gift for Life, recognizes Mr. Portman’s five-plus decades of entrepreneurship and service to several industries, including gift, home, and apparel.

A graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1950, Portman quickly set his sights on large-scale architecture and development projects destined to change the wholesale trade, office buildings, and hospitality. [click to continue…]

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GHTA annual golf tourney supports Gift for Life

It’s that time again–the annual GHTA (Gift and Home Trade Association) golf tournament, benefitting Gift for Life. This year’s outing will be held at the blow-your-mind-gorgeous Arroyo Golf Club at Red Rock in Las Vegas on Thursday, November 17, 2011, during the group’s yearly November conference.

“We are combining camaraderie, a gorgeous golf course; and a terrific cause. Everyone is invited to enjoy golf while helping our industry’s leading charity,” said Marc Rice, the GHTA member organizing the golf tournament.

“GHTA member generosity helps Gift for Life raise funds and make a difference around the U.S.,” said Leslie Nathan-Street, chair of the Gift For Life board. “Thanks to everyone for helping with this fun event.”

GHTA members planning to attend the tournament are asked to sign up as soon as possible. Participation runs $200 (includes green fees, cart, lunch, prizes, and a donation to Gift for Life).  For more information or to sign up, click here to email Marc Rice; additional information is also available on the GHTA website.

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Bi-annual Sample Sale to benefit GFL

Click on the image above to download the full size poster

Pacific Market Center tenant, Park Avenue Agents, is hosting their 16th Gift for Life Sample Sale—an amazing opportunity that only comes around every other year. The 2009 sale raised $30,000 in support of Gift for Life’s charitable partner, DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS…since 1992, they’ve raised more than $250,000 total. Quite an accomplishment.

This kind of high impact generosity is made possible by the tenants at the Pacific Market Center and exhibitors at the Washington State Convention Center whose donations line the shelves. Their continued support is something worth a standing ovation (or twelve).

All merchandise is sold at wholesale prices to the public; unsold items are donated to Seattle area charities including Ryther Child Center, Seattle Children’s Hospital, and Lifelong AIDS Alliance thrift stores (among others) to benefit those in need.

Feel like donating some product to the cause? Cool. Contact the Park Avenue Agents showroom at 206.762.4231 (or email Heidi Park to arrange for a pickup if you’re in the Seattle area).

10.19.11 UPDATE: The sale has been extended ’til January 8, 2012. More time to shop, shop, shop! For additional info, visit the Sample Sale’s FB page by clicking here.

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Whereoware helps pump up Like for Life

As you recall from here and here, Like for Life is out of the gates, running like a champ. A third horse has entered the race in the past few weeks—Whereoware, who, through the months of September and October, are donating $3.00 to Gift for Life for each Facebook user who “likes” their page.

“As a company developing online marketing strategies for our clients, we know social media’s ability to virally spread a message can play a large role in a company’s or charity’s success.  The Like for Life campaign is a great way to support Gift for Life and raise awareness of their mission and hard work,” said Eric Dean, president of Whereoware. “We hope that other companies will follow our lead to make this social campaign go viral.”

The three companies who have jumped in with both feet—Whereoware, GLM/NYIGF, and bwconnect—encourage other companies to launch their own Like for Life fundraising initiatives. As part of this, Brandwise is creating a package of materials–-graphics, logos, and registration materials-–that will offer turnkey participation for suppliers and retailers interested in fundraising through Facebook. Complete details and participant materials will be available soon, here on the Gift for Life website.

“Whereoware’s generosity is helping take our mission to the industry via new support channels. Together, we are creating an even broader and united effort to fight HIV/AIDS,” commented Leslie Nathan-Street, chair, Gift for Life Board of Directors.

So…what are you waiting for? Head over to Facebook and start making a difference.

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The sky was the limit at GFL “Up on the Roof” benefit

We’re happy to share the following press release from the Las Vegas Market:

The breathtaking Las Vegas skyline was the perfect backdrop for attendees of the inaugural Gift for Life “Up on the Roof” charity cocktail reception on opening night of Summer 2011 Las Vegas Market, Aug. 1. The SkyView Terrace rooftop event resulted in more than 500 tickets sold, raising more than $12,000 in proceeds benefiting the Design Industries Foundation Fighting Aids.

Buyers, designers, manufacturers, journalists and VIPs gathered on the roof of World Market Center Las Vegas’ Building B for an evening of fun and fundraising, soaking up the sun and Las Vegas party atmosphere.

“I have been the emcee of this event since the late ’90s and the vibe here in Las Vegas is fun and positive,” said Tom Sullivan, host of the Gift for Life event. “People are buying, shopping and partying, just as you would expect. Here at Gift for Life, the mood is also upbeat because it’s all for a good cause.”

The supportive turnout of industry leaders and gift attendees enjoyed cocktails, appetizers, live music and prizes. Among the VIP guests were design stars Roger Thomas and HGTV’s Monica Pedersen. Prizes were also star-worthy, including raffle items such as a Peter Lik photo, autographed Bill Clinton books, and show tickets. An impressive $2,350 was raised selling raffle tickets.

Steven Williams, Director of Community Relations for DIFFA, was pleased with the success of the event. “DIFFA is thrilled that the Las Vegas Market’s first event on behalf of Gift for Life raised more than $12,000 for persons living with HIV/AIDS and we look forward to our next endeavor together. Now more than ever such support is critical to the future of the organizations DIFFA helps to fund.”

Thanks to everyone at Las Vegas World Market for the fun party and wonderful support. We had a blast!

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Su Hilty joins Michael Aram as award winner at REA

L to R: Peter Schauben (GFL co-founder), Michael Aram (Industry Achievement), Su Hilty (Lifetime Achievement), Sheila Charton (GFL board), and Leslie Nathan Street (GFL Chair)

The Retailer Excellence Award celebration is always a big night since that’s when we bestow the Gift for Life Industry Achievement Award, this year honoring Michael Aram. But the excitement didn’t stop there; Su Hilty, long time GFL board member, also shared the spotlight as recipient of the REA Lifetime Achievement Award.

Needless to say, a great deal of toasting was involved. We’re pretty proud of both.

Congrats to Su, Michael, and all other REA winners who graced the stage that night. It was a ton of fun…

…and a reminder that Party for Life is just around the corner. Don’t put those party shoes away just yet.

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Like for Life adds second supporter

This Like for Life thing has legs, as they say.

George Little Management and the New York International Gift Fair are joining bwconnect in their drive to raise funds for Gift for Life. Based on the same format, all new “likes” on the NYIGF Facebook page now through August 31st will garner a $1 donation to Gift for Life, with an established $1,000 minimum donation guaranteed.

“Through NYIGF’s ‘Like for Life’ Facebook campaign, we can take Gift For Life fundraising viral,” said Dorothy Belshaw, NYIGF director and GLM senior vice president.  “We hope to spread this initiative across the industry, with all gift, home and stationery buyers and suppliers undertaking similar efforts.”

GLM and Brandwise are encouraging other companies to launch their own “Like for Life” fundraising initiatives.  As part of this, Brandwise is creating a package of materials–graphics, logos, and registration materials–that will offer turnkey participation for suppliers and retailers interested in fundraising through Facebook.  Complete details and participant materials will be available after September 1.

“This new fundraising campaign capitalizes on the good will of social media. We look forward to participation by other companies who want to join together to fight HIV/AIDS,” commented Leslie Nathan-Street, chair, Gift for Life Board of Directors.

Each year, Gift for Life hosts events throughout the U.S. benefitting DIFFA. The primary mission of Gift for Life and DIFFA is to eradicate the AIDS pandemic in the U.S. Working together, Gift for Life and DIFFA will continue to raise funds for HIV/AIDS service and education programs.

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Seattle Market event to benefit Gift for Life

And the gracious generosity of the gift industry continues….

A huge thanks goes to the Seattle Market’s Summer Gift and Home Accessories Show for holding a special fundraiser Monday night, August 16, from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m at Pacific Market Center.

Buyers are invited to sample wines and cheeses from Washington and Oregon’s premier vineyards and cheesemakers while enjoying live Latin jazz by the Fred Hoadley Trio.  A suggested $10 donation is requested to benefit GFL, and by extension, our sole charitable partner, DIFFA (Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS). The event is sponsored by Schott Zwiesel (Esquin Wine Merchants), Beecher’s Cheeses, Fred Hoadley Trio, and Pacific Market Center’s Independent Sales Association.

According to Lisa Goodman, Director of Marketing for the Pacific Market Center and Gift For Life Board Member, the Wine & Cheese Tasting culminates a week of new PMC Cooks culinary events being offered to buyers during Market.  “We are thrilled to do this fundraising event again in celebration of our industry’s charity and fabulous wines and cheeses the Pacific Northwest are known for,” said Goodman. “We look forward to a great crowd and tremendous support.”

“We are honored to serve as the beneficiary of this unique, entertaining event,” said Leslie Street, chair of the Gift for Life board.  “The Pacific Market Center is creating new opportunities for buyers to enjoy their buying trip and to support the industry charity that makes a difference in Seattle and across the U.S.”

Thanks to Pacific Market Center for this fabulous event—here’s to happy toasts all evening!

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Like for Life

Every so often, someone out there says “Hey, we should support this Gift for Life thing,” then does it in a very pronounced way. Enter stage left: bwconnect.

For those of you who haven’t heard of them, bwconnect is an offshoot of Brandwise. The online service provides connections between vendors, sales reps, and retailers in the gift and home industries. In support of our mission to take on the whole HIV/AIDS thing head on, they stepped up with a two-step fundraising campaign to benefit Gift for Life.

Called “Like for Life,” the plan is to donate $1 for every new “Like” on the Gift for Life Facebook page, the bwconnect Facebook page, or the Brandwise Facebook page. The goal is to raise at least $2,500 via new fans.

“We’re proud to be able to work with and contribute to Gift for Life and its important mission of raising funds for research and education about HIV/Aids,” said Brandwise CFO and Co-founder Jannetta Litzman. “Brandwise has always been dedicated to the health of this industry but it’s been so gratifying working with Gift for Life over the years as they are literally dedicated to the health and well-being of so many in our industry and beyond.”

But why stop there?

Phase two of the overall fundraising plan will launch later this year, called “Click for Life.” Wanna know more? Stay tuned to our site or Facebook page for the big announcement as info becomes available.

A huge thanks to Brandwise, bwconnect, and the fine folks behind both. You guys are making a difference for which we’re eternally grateful.

 

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Up on the Roof is just around the corner!

Are you headed to the Las Vegas Market next week? Feel like a fun little soiree on Monday night that celebrates a great cause? Cool (or hot, depending on how you look at it).

World Market Center is about to lift the curtain on its inaugural Gift for Life charity event, fittingly titled “Up on the Roof,” supporting our sole beneficiary, DIFFA (Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS). Join gift and home industry leaders and colleagues on the aptly-named Skyview Terrace as we enjoy cocktails, appetizers, live music, prizes, and a breathtaking view of twinkling Las Vegas.

Tickets are just $20 per person, with all proceeds going to DIFFA. Every dime.

Up on the Roof Party
Monday, August 1, 2011
6:00 p.m.
SkyView Terrace
Building B, 16th floor
Las Vegas, Nevada
Click here to purchase tickets

See you up on the roof!

Sponsored by World Market Center Las Vegas, GIFT + HOME, and the Gift & Home Trade Association


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