Home vs Hunger’s “Party with a Purpose” Raises Over $10,000 for World Central Kitchen at High Point Market

May 14, 2025, High Point, NC... Gift for Life’s Home vs Hunger team wrapped up another heartfelt edition of its “Party with a Purpose” fundraiser during the Spring 2025 High Point Market, raising $10,300 in support of World Central Kitchen’s ongoing hunger relief efforts.

Held on Sunday, April 27, at the vibrant Eichholtz showroom — and themed around the Netherlands’ joyful King’s Day — the event welcomed 200+ industry guests who gathered in a sea of orange, the official color of hunger relief, to show unity and commitment to crisis-affected communities around the world.

Home vs Hunger’s Russ Jones and Christine Schellenbeck celebrate fundraising for World Central Kitchen.

In a reminder to revelers that the “Party with a Purpose” raises funds for much needed hunger relief, Russ Jones, Chair of Gift for Life’s Home vs Hunger team, shared a relevant quote from Pope Francis: “Rivers do not drink their own water; trees to do not eat their own fruit; the sun does not shine on itself and flowers do not spread their fragrance for themselves. Living for others is a rule of nature.  We are all born to help each other. No matter how difficult it is… Life is good when you are happy; but much better when others are happy because of you.” 

The generosity of sponsors and donors for the April 2025 event served as a reminder of the industry’s enduring support. Leading contributions came from Eichholtz, ANDMORE and J. Douglas, whose partnership made the event possible.

Jones noted, “The sense of community and commitment at the event was unmistakable. These are uncertain times, and every dollar raised translates to meaningful, nourishing meals for those in crisis.”

Since its inception in 2022, Gift for Life’s Home vs Hunger initiative has raised over $122,000 in support of World Central Kitchen, continuing its mission to unite the home and gift industry around tangible, life-saving action.

Gift for Life’s Home vs Hunger team extend thanks to all who attended, donated and supported the cause — and look forward to renewed efforts at future markets.  Gift for Life’s Home vs Hunger team members include Sharon Davis, ART; Jen Dolan, Arteriors; Jenny Heinzen York, Currey & Company; Chris Amos, ANDMORE; Mark Furlet, ANDMORE; Anna Hudson, Currey & Company; Russ Jones, Ivystone; Colin Mallon, J Douglas; Sarah Mount, ANDMORE; Frances Perez, J Douglas; Julia Petersen, Currey & Company; Douglas Self, J Douglas; Christie Schellenbach of Ivystone; Sandra Standefer, Loloi Rugs; and Stephanie Stoltz, Ivystone.

For more information or to contribute, visit www.giftforlife.org/donate. 

Gift for Life was founded by Peter Schauben in 1992 in response to the tragic loss of industry lives to AIDS. The organization’s first meeting at the National Stationery Show brought together a cross-section of the industry’s leading publishers, market centers, sales reps, manufacturers, and retailers – all willing to convene and work together towards a common goal. Since that time, Gift for Life has raised nearly $6 million for AIDS research, education, treatment and care through nationwide at-market events, cause marketing programs and direct donations. In 2021, Gift for Life pivoted towards online digital events with a specific emphasis on supporting World Central Kitchen’s COVID-related hunger relief. Since that time, Gift for Life has led gift and home industry efforts to fund provision of nearly 100,000 hot, nutritious meals to communities impacted by crisis and conflict worldwide. Gift for Life, the gift and home industries’ longest-running, volunteer-led, national charitable organization, continues to support year-round programs that address hunger relief, as well as annual support for AIDS Walk NY which benefits GMHC’s HIV/AIDS treatment, prevention, and advocacy programs. More information is available at www.giftforlife.org. 

Founded in 2010 by Chef José Andrés, World Central Kitchen (WCK) is a nonprofit organization that is first to the frontlines providing fresh meals in response to crises, while working to build resilient food systems with locally led solutions. Applying a model of quick action, leveraging local resources, and adapting in real time, WCK has served more than 300 million nourishing meals around the world. When disaster strikes, WCK’s Relief Team mobilizes with the urgency of now to start cooking and serving meals to people in need. By partnering with organizations on the ground and activating a network of local restaurants, food trucks, or emergency kitchens, WCK serves comforting meals to survivors of disasters quickly and effectively. To support regional economies, WCK prioritizes purchasing local ingredients to cook with or distribute directly to families in need. WCK knows that good food provides not only nourishment, but also comfort and hope, especially in times of crisis. Learn more at www.wck.org.