NRF raises $1.2M for retail's next generation
Hundreds of retail industry power players and leaders helped the National Retail Federation raise $1.2 million for student scholarships at a gala in New York City.
“The inaugural gala went above and beyond any of our expectations, which is a testament to the support and commitment of the individuals who make up this dynamic industry,” said NRF Senior Vice President and NRF Foundation Executive Director Ellen Davis. “I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the who’s who in retail while at the same time supporting those students who we know are going to do great things for the industry down the road.
“The NRF Foundation is tremendously grateful for the contributions of our supporters and guests, including the esteemed members of our host and executive committees and board members. We look forward to bringing these leaders together again in 2016 to once again celebrate the imagination, inspiration and innovation in the retail industry,” Davis added.
During the silent and live auctions, top bids included:
An all-expenses paid seven-day trip to Turtle Island
An Alaskan cruise for Two
ANASCAR Daytona Experience Weekend
A Universal Studios Jurassic World Red Carpet Premiere in Los Angeles
The “Promise of An Organized Life” from the Container Store (exclusive home visit by a Contained Home expert and design and installation of organized solutions)
The gala kicked off the official beginning of NRF’s Big Show, which welcomed more than 33,000 retailers and their business partners from around the world to the Javits Center in New York City during the week of Jan.11.
The NRF Foundation is the 501(c)(3) nonprofit arm of the National Retail Federation and is funded in part by generous donations from retail industry supporters.