The Tommy Hilfiger Corporate Foundation partners with organizations to support autism awareness and research, education, and at risk youth and families.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK (July 16, 2012)
– The Tommy Hilfiger Group, which is wholly owned by PVH Corp. [NYSE PVH], announced today over $1.2 million in non-profit funding grants for 2012 given by the Tommy Hilfiger Corporate Foundation to organizations that address at risk youth and families, autism awareness and research, and education."I have always believed that we can make a difference in people’s lives through the Corporate Foundation, and I am excited that we will partner with this amazing group of organizations," said Tommy Hilfiger. "Autism research and awareness, education, and programs that address the needs of our most vulnerable families and young people are so important in today’s world."
"The Tommy Hilfiger Corporate Foundation is committed to supporting programs around the world that empower today’s youth," said Guy Vickers, President of The Tommy Hilfiger Corporate Foundation. "With our focus on at risk youth and families, autism awareness and research, and education, we look to foster healthy communities and empower young people to succeed."
The Foundation, which has represented The Tommy Hilfiger Group’s philanthropic interests for over 15 years, will extend major funding to Autism Speaks, The Night of Too Many Stars/New York Collaborates for Autism, Fresh Air Fund, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Jumpstart for Young Children, EOP/Ernie Davis Community Center (located in Tommy Hilfiger’s hometown of Elmira, New York) and Helen Keller International. The Foundation has long been a supporter of the Fresh Air Fund, Autism Speaks and the Ernie Davis Community Center. The Foundation will also award grants to FIT, the YMCA of New York and the Center for Hearing and Communication. Additionally, the Foundation will allocate a portion of this budget towards funding and grant opportunities awarded throughout the year by a Steering Committee.
Tommy Hilfiger will also continue its support of three other charities with which it has a long-time relationship. In 2009, the Foundation made a five-year, $2 million commitment to Millennium Promise, the leading non-profit organization dedicated to eradicating extreme poverty in Africa. For the past six years, The Tommy Hilfiger Group has supported Breast Health International, a globally renowned organization committed to finding a cure for breast cancer, by designing limited edition bags to benefit the charity. Through this initiative, Hilfiger has partnered with actresses Cristiana Capotondi and Claudia Gerini, France’s former first lady Carla Bruni, Helena Christensen photographed by Milla Jovovich, and Renee Zellweger. For over a decade, the Foundation has worked with the Washington, D.C. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation, culminating with the dedication of the monument on the National Mall in a ceremony co-chaired by the Foundation in October 2011. Guy Vickers, President of The Tommy Hilfiger Corporate Foundation, continues to serve an active role as Vice Chairman of the Memorial Foundation's Board.
In addition to the grants funded through The Tommy Hilfiger Corporate Foundation, Mr. Hilfiger will also make a personal contribution to Autism Speaks and New York Collaborates for Autism.
"I have a tremendous personal commitment to supporting autism awareness and research, and I believe strongly in the missions of these organizations," added Tommy Hilfiger.
"Autism Speaks is grateful to The Tommy Hilfiger Corporate Foundation for its generous support," said Liz Feld, President of Autism Speaks. "Tommy and his wife, Dee, have been devoted partners of our organization and advocates for the autism community, raising awareness and funds for our research and family services initiatives. This generous gift from the Tommy Hilfiger Corporate Foundation is further testament to their commitment to the one in 88 children in the U.S. on the autism spectrum."
As part of its ongoing support of these organizations, the Foundation will expand its digital presence on tommy.com to include additional information on funding activities and partner organizations. Supplementing the 2012 monetary grants, the Foundation will also support Jumpstart and Helen Keller International with product donations. Further details on these initiatives will be announced in partnership with these organizations.
"Jumpstart is thrilled that Tommy Hilfiger has joined our family as a national sponsor and official outfitter of our Jumpstart Corps member uniforms," said Jumpstart President and CEO, Naila Bolus. "Tommy Hilfiger’s investment in early education through Jumpstart is a testament to its commitment to improving the lives of children in low-income neighborhoods."
Tommy Hilfiger established The Tommy Hilfiger Corporate Foundation in December 1995 to help empower America’s youth, developing and supporting programs and partnerships that build and promote healthy communities by supporting education, health and cultural programs. The Foundation believes education and family is the cornerstone for today’s diverse youth population. For children to succeed in today’s global society, a stronger emphasis must be placed on higher education leading to greater career opportunities. The Foundation also recognizes the importance of building a healthy community and is committed to investing in organizations and cultural programs that impact the physical well-being of at risk youth and family programs.
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About The Tommy Hilfiger Group
With a premium lifestyle brand portfolio that includes Tommy Hilfiger, Hilfiger Denim and Tommy Girl, the Tommy Hilfiger Group is one of the world’s most recognized designer apparel groups. Its focus is designing and marketing high-quality menswear, womenswear, children’s apparel and denim collections. Through select licensees, the Group offers complementary lifestyle products such as sportswear for men, women, juniors and children; footwear; athletic apparel (golf, swim and sailing); bodywear (underwear, robes and sleepwear); eyewear; sunwear; watches; handbags; men’s tailored clothing; men’s dress furnishings; socks; small leather goods; fragrances; home and bedding products; bathroom accessories; and luggage. The Hilfiger Denim product line consists of jeanswear and footwear for men, women and children; bags; accessories; eyewear and fragrance. Merchandise under the Tommy Hilfiger brands is available to consumers worldwide through an extensive network of Tommy Hilfiger retail stores, leading specialty and department stores and other select retailers and retail channels.
About PVH Corp.
PVH Corp., one of the world’s largest apparel companies, owns and markets the iconic Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger brands worldwide. It is the world’s largest shirt and neckwear company and markets a variety of goods under its own brands, Van Heusen, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, IZOD, ARROW, Bass and G.H. Bass & Co., and its licensed brands, including Geoffrey Beene, Kenneth Cole New York, Kenneth Cole Reaction, MICHAEL Michael Kors, Sean John, Chaps, Donald J. Trump Signature Collection, JOE Joseph Abboud, DKNY, Ike Behar and John Varvatos.
For further information:
Zach Eichman
Vice President, Corporate Communications
T +1 212.548.1938
zacheichman@tommy.com
Virginia Ritchie
Communications Manager
T +1 212.548.1978
vritchie@tommy.com