The Americana Manhasset hosted its 20th annual Champions for Charity holiday shopping benefit last weekend in support of non-profit charities.
Shoppers were able to register for a Champion Card to easily donate up to 25% of pre-tax purchases to charities, of their choice, that partnered with the Americana.
“Giving back is part of our company DNA,” said Deirdre Costa Major, President of Castagna Realty Retail Group. “Champions for Charity has become a signature holiday event that brings our community together.”
During the program, which ran from Dec. 3 to Dec. 6, stores held special charity receptions, and shoppers were able to experience a festive holiday atmosphere, complimentary gift wrapping, and take advantage of personal shopper and concierge services, according to a press release.
The tradition has since been embraced by the community and grown to include over 130 organizations, according to Major.
Joni Chohen, Chief Operating Officer of the Sid Jacobson JCC said she thanks the Americana Manhasset for the annual charity benefit.
“Over the past 20 years it has been our honor and privilege to partner with Americana Manhasset. Champions provides much needed funds, which enables us to support the community as needs arise,” she said for the Champions of Charity website.
Minsun Kim, founder and president of the LI Conservatory, said that every year she “enjoy[s] participating in this worthwhile event. It pulls all of us together to work towards a cause, in a joyous and festive atmosphere.”
“I am so very thankful that so many people have had the opportunity to participate in Champions for Charity and I appreciate all the help this program has provided in offering scholarship funds for the students at the Long Island Conservatory of Music,” she said for the benefit’s website.
Karl E. Willers, director of the Nassau County Meseum of Art said the museum has greatly benefited from the event.
“Nassau County Museum of Art has been honored to be a part of Americana Manhasset’s Champions for Charity since its inception,” he said for the website. “Over the past 20 years, donations received through Champions of Charity have enabled us to offer enhance educational programming to the public and to school groups. We salute Americana Manhasset’s committed support of Long Island’s not-for-profit sector.”
Over 70 stores located at the Americana and next door Wheatley Plaza participate in the event.
“The Champions for Charity program has become the gold standard for corporate and social responsibility,” said Claudio del Vechhio, President and CEO of Brooks Brothers. “We are proud to partner with Americana Manhasset and salute them for 20 years of giving back to the community.”
The Americana Manhasset started the fund raiser in 1995, and has raised over $8.5 million for non-profit organizations. In 2014 alone the benefit raised $856,922, according to the program’s website.
Pauline Arma-Olsten, one shopper in support of the charities, said she has utilized the program in more ways than one.
“I can’t think of a better way to do my holiday shopping,” she said. “This will be the seventh year that my daughter, Arlena Olsten, and I have been blessed to participate in this incredible, innovative program.”
Olsten said she hosts a champion kick off event at the Michael Kors store, “the proceeds from which have allowed us to support causes that have personally affected our family.”
Major said she plans to keep the program running, and looks forward to “ the continuation and growth of this partnership with our friends and neighbors.”
