Profile: PT01

designers THE GIVING SEASON

OUR FAVORITE DESIGNERS OPEN THEIR HEARTS (AND WALLETS) TO AN ARRAY OF CHARITABLE CAUSES.

BY JILLIAN LAROCHELLE

ARNOLD SILVERSTONE, SAMUELSOHN

“Recently established in memory of our executive chairman, The Lawrence Pollack Foundation will be the main philanthropic endeavor for Luxury Men’s Apparel Group and its companies, which include Samuelsohn and Hickey Freeman Tailored Clothing. The primary focus will be on children in need—both those with special needs as well as those with financial needs. “Just last year, with Lawrence as the key catalyst, we contributed a large gift to Make-A-Wish Foundation and it filled Lawrence with joy. Since his passing in April, we’ve raised funds towards ambucycles in Israel. The ambucycle program provides initial response in emergencies until first responders arrive. “The Lawrence Pollack Foundation and associated events are currently in development. Once there is more specific information, we will share through our company websites. We hope you will join us in making a difference in children’s lives, here in North America and abroad, on an ongoing basis.”

BRUNELLO CUCINELLI, BRUNELLO CUCINELLI

“My vision first and foremost has always been to create a company based on human dignity. Eight years ago, my wife and I created the Brunello and Federica Cucinelli Foundation to nourish the humanist aspirations born in Solomeo. Through art and academics we have put emphasis on creating a work environment full of life and inspiration.

“I felt in order to create a beautiful product, my employees needed to be working in a beautiful place, where their creativity could flourish. Solomeo is the heart of where we work and where product is created. The environment is tranquil and serene. It is important to me that our employees work in a place rich with history, beauty and humanity. The Foundation aims to have a direct influence on human values, understood as being the relationship between people and various activities in society.

“The Foundation’s first project was the Forum of the Arts, which began with the creation of a theatre. The theatre allows art, culture and spirituality to come together in a place that encourages absolute freedom of thought and religion and continues toward the development of human knowledge. We also created the academy, which is a library home to ancient and modern texts. Our most recent development, “A Project for Beauty,” is dedicated to reviving the land of Umbria surrounding Solomeo and creating parks dedicated to youth, agriculture and beauty. The Foundation allows us to work for a higher purpose: a personal well-being in order to enhance the beauty of the world.

“No act of kindness is too small if it will improve the life and growth of people.”

ADAM DERRICK, TO BOOT NEW YORK

“Among the causes I support, several LGBTQ charities are among my nearest and dearest. In particular I have come to appreciate and support the work of the attorneys at Lambda Legal. They’ve taken on the legal cases that have won rulings supporting gay marriage; workplace and housing non-discrimination; rights for LGBTQ kids; and securing rights for transgender men and women. This is a time of positive change in America for these issues, and these rights must be fought for and won in the courts to become legal precedent.

“My husband and I became aware and got involved with Lambda Legal through Andrew Mitchell (of Mitchell Stores, part of the Forum Apparel Group), who has been a tireless advocate for the organization and many other charities. Every year we, and To Boot New York, help Andrew and the Mitchell family sponsor an event called Connecticut Cares, which attracts a great, energy-filled crowd from all walks of life, united in their desire for a more free, more fair America for all, including LGBTQ people.”

SEBASTIAN DOLLINGER, ETON

“Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) is something that I have supported since I was 19. I read about their work in a Swedish newspaper and that they were almost out of funds, and I was horrified. So, I donate 500 SEK (approximately $55 USD) every month, and have been doing so for the past 14 years. “Forum readers can easily help out: start by visiting doctorswithoutborders.org and get involved in this fantastic charity. I think emergency aid to people affected by armed conflicts, epidemics, health care exclusion and natural or manmade disasters should stir everyone to help. Every little bit of support—even if it’s just $5 a month—is appreciated because together we make a big difference.”

BOB CORLISS, ROBERT TALBOTT

“The Robert and Audrey Talbott Foundation works with local charities in the Monterey, California area, but for a more global perspective, I’ve always been passionate about the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and ALSAC, their fundraising arm. Those with the smallest voice and the least ability to pay—sick children—are the most noted and cared for at St. Jude. They don’t discriminate at all, and the organization has a global reach.

“They started an amazing program called “Thanks And Giving” that, during the holidays, focuses attention on raising money to fight childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Earlier in my career they partnered with the retail community, and I’ve worked with them when I can ever since. We are looking forward to expanding Robert Talbott’s relationship with St. Jude very soon.

“I would encourage Forum readers to support this worthy cause. Cancer research and treatment is expensive, so any time you can, send a donation and support the businesses that support St. Jude during the holidays. It will take $1 billion to operate St. Jude this year and most of those funds must be raised through individual contributions. Visit stjude.org to contribute and learn more about ways to help them in the fight to end childhood cancer.”