Just after Memorial Day, Donna Karan and Cheri Kaufman, Co-Founder of Veteran Services USA, have announced the first ‘Style for Strength: Celebrating Our Heroes’ event.
The legendary American designer has gathered 18 top designers, including Tommy Hilfiger, Michael Kors, Thom Browne and Kenneth Cole, to help her raise money for veterans.
A special live auction event will take place on June 5th in New York City.
Donna Karan and Cheri Kaufman, Co-Founder of Veteran Services USA, have launched Style for Strength to support U.S. veterans
Tommy Hilfiger, Michael Kors (pictured with Donna), Thom Browne and Kenneth Cole are all involved in the chartable initiative
Each of the 19 designers have been given access to vintage military clothes to repurpose and redesign with their own looks.
The final creations will be auctioned off to support the Veteran Services USA breakthrough post traumatic stress (PTS) treatment for those suffering from the debilitating effects of trauma.
Joining Donna are Tommy Hilfiger, Kenneth Cole, Thom Browne, Michael Kors, Epperson, Erin Beatty, Emily Bode, and Hillary (Collina Strada).
Creations by Rio Uribe, Bonnie Young, Rebecca Moses, Jonathan Cohen, Kobi, Vanessa Noel, Peter Dundas, Frederick Anderson, Terry Singh, and Banna. VSUSA co-founders Cheri Kaufman, Eddie Dovner and Charles Everhardt, will also be up for auction.
‘I’m thrilled to be able to collaborate, create, and connect with so many amazing designers to ensure Veterans receive access to therapy for post-traumatic stress,’ said Donna Karan.
Each designer has been given access to vintage military clothes to repurpose and redesign with their own looks which will be auctioned off to raise money and support the Veteran Services USA breakthrough post traumatic stress (PTS) treatment for those suffering from the debilitating effects of trauma
Iconic American designer Tommy Hilfiger lent his time for the cause
Epperson is one of 19 talents to be involved in the charitable project
Emily Bode designed a piece available at auction
‘The Veterans Services USA initiative is important for our veterans and their families because it affects everyone.’
The non-profit organization is committed to supporting returning and senior veterans by offering programs that ensure successful life transitions.
For recently discharged veterans, it provides transitional sponsorship and career support programs, with a focus on mental health and suicide reduction.
Donna first joined forces with the non-profit back in November, timed to Veteran’s Day.
Hillary (Collina Strada), as well as Bonnie Young, Rebecca Moses, Vanessa Noel, and Banna have all created looks to be auctioned off
‘I knew I wanted to be involved in the initiative as soon as Cheri Kaufman and the team at Veteran Services USA presented it to me,’ she said.
‘I am honored to work with her because these programs are bridging the gap in programs available for veterans.
‘At Urban Zen, dressing customers has always been as important as addressing what they are going through and with this project we have been able to do both – dress and address.’
Go to www.styleforstrength.com for more information
Veteran Services USA is a non-profit organization committed to supporting returning and senior veterans by offering programs that ensure successful life transitions
‘My involvement with Veteran Services USA is my way of doing what I can to support our veterans and military,’ said Cheri Kaufman.
‘We celebrate our service men and women as they leave their homes to protect our freedom, but there is so much more that can be done when they return.
‘VSUSA is leading the way in supporting our veterans with a drug-free protocol that has been proven to help those suffering from PTS in addition to services such as housing, education, and jobs as they re-enter civilian life.
‘There are 7,300 suicides among veterans a year – these are heroes that fought to preserve our freedom, now VSUSA is helping to preserve theirs.’
Donna and her creative team have designed a theatrical set that will showcase the designers’ looks
‘My involvement with Veteran Services USA is my way of doing what I can to support our veterans and military,’ said Cheri Kaufman
Donna and her creative team have designed a theatrical set at the Intrepid Museum to showcase the designers’ looks.
Lydia Fenet will be a hosting a live auction of select pieces on the night of the event.
The silent auction of all 19 designers’ looks will go live on 5/31 at: www.styleforstrength.com
Auction will close on 6/6 at 12:00 noon.
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Read more at DailyMail.co.uk