For many women, shoes can be described as a critical accessory, a passion, or even an obsession, however two local businesses used women’s shoes as a vehicle to help less fortunate Prince George’s County residents take a step in the right direction.
Harris and Harris Wealth Management Group teamed with SimplySoles to host a shoe extravaganza and fundraiser for The Ivy Community Charities of Prince Georges County, Inc.
“This event is a way to bring socially conscious women together in a comfortable environment to share our love of shoes, support our neighbors in Prince George County, and learn more about how we can create a better financial future,” said Zaneilia Harris, president of Harris and Harris Wealth Management group and author of the blog, Finance ‘N Stilettos.
The fundraiser, which attracted women from around the county and beyond, was part reception, celebration, and shopping opportunity. SimplySoles hosted the reception at its National Harbor location and donated 20 percent of all sales at the fundraiser and from SimplySoles.com over the weekend to The Ivy Community Charities of Prince George’s County, Inc.
“I found it tremendously gratifying to see so many women come out to share and support a cause that greatly benefits those less fortunate within our community,” says Kassie Rempel, owner of SimplySoles.
“This event clearly demonstrates that Prince Georges County is a community that is not only thriving but attractive to successful small businesses that believe compassion is exhibited through the power of giving back,” says Prince George’s County Council Chair Ingrid M. Turner, who also attended the fundraiser. “I was gratified to see so many women gather to focus on bettering the lives of our neighbors.”
For 25 years, The Ivy Community Charities has impacted the lives of Prince George’s County residents by enhancing educational achievement, encouraging healthier lifestyles, strengthening families, honoring the elderly, and celebrating the arts.
“We were really excited to participate in this event and partner with the business community. I’m thankful to these businesses for opening their doors and to the attendees for opening their hearts,” says Cheryl Petty Garnette, Charities’ executive director. “We want to do whatever we can to support the citizens of Prince George’s County, where we live and work.”
Harris and Harris Wealth Management Group and SimplySoles will be honored for the support they provided to The Ivy Community Charities at their 25th anniversary celebration on Dec. 10, 2011.
About the The Ivy Community Charities of Prince George’s County, Inc. (Charities)
The mission of The Ivy Community Charities of Prince George’s County, Inc. is to support the educational, charitable, cultural and general welfare of economically and socially disadvantaged residents of Prince George’s County, MD.
For 25 years, Charities has made a significant impact by filling the educational and social gaps for our neighbors in the county who have been adversely affected by the changing economy. Charities has provided educational support through tutoring, scholarships, mentoring and social development programs. They have encouraged healthy lifestyles through health education and sizable contributions to medical research organizations. They have supported families in need through their shoe bank and clothes closets, and strengthened linkages in the community by working with elderly residents of a local rehabilitation center. The Ivy Community Charities also celebrates the arts by exposing youth to the fine arts. Charities ranked number one among the Prince George’s County nonprofits that participated in the recent Give to the Max Day by raising the most funds and the most donors among all Prince George’s County nonprofits. Proceeds will support the Ivy Youth and Family Center.
Learn more about The Ivy Community Charities of Prince George’s County with Zaneilia Harris’ interview with Cheryl Petty Garnette, Charities’ executive director. Listen here. Visit them online at www.iccpgc.org.
About SimplySoles
SimplySoles caters to the stylish woman looking for the unique. Founded in 2004, SimplySoles began as a catalog and website in the home of SimplySoles’ owner, Kassie Rempel. With a passion for style and a refusal to believe that women wouldn’t buy designer shoes from a catalog, she started the company with a tape gun in hand and phone at the ready in her shoe-filled dining room. With the success of the catalog came the online boutique, which in 2010 was named by Internet Retailer at one of the “Hot 100 Best Retail Web Sites.” Also in 2010, Kassie opened the first bricks-and-mortar SimplySoles store carrying an array of exclusive designs, including Kassie’s own line lillybee.
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