Press Releases
Bloomingdale’s Supports the Child Mind Institute This Holiday Season
Retailer Continues Commitment to Raise Awareness for Children’s Mental Health
New York – November 12, 2015 – For the sixth consecutive year, Bloomingdale’s continues to raise awareness and funds for the Child Mind Institute’s mission to transform the lives of children and families struggling with mental health and learning disorders. It is estimated that one in five children have a psychiatric or learning disorder, yet less than half will receive life changing care. The Child Mind Institute works every day to advance the science of the developing brain, deliver the highest standards of care and empower parents, professionals and policymakers to effectively support children when and where they need it most.
In support of the cause, actor Ansel Elgort welcomed the opportunity to partner with Bloomingdale’s for this year’s campaign in honor of long-time manager Emily Gerson Saines’s autistic son. To make this an even bigger family affair, Ansel’s sister, fashion photographer Sophie Elgort, shot the campaign, which will feature Ansel alongside Bloomingdale’s Little Brown Bear.
Bloomingdale’s shoppers are invited to support the Child Mind Institute by purchasing the following gifts, all of which will provide much needed funds and increase awareness:
- Bloomingdale’s Little Brown Bear by Gund, $18
An annual collectible, this year’s teddy designed by Gund will be wearing a little brown cable knit sweater with $3.50 from each sale benefiting the Child Mind Institute. It will be available in-store and online beginning in November.
- ALEX AND ANI®: Little Brown Bear Charm Bangle from the CHARITY BY DESIGN® collection, $28
The teddy bear is a symbol of comfort and a reminder of the carefree days of childhood. It also serves as a loyal cheerful guardian, providing encouragement during challenging times. ALEX AND ANI will donate 20% of the purchase price from this charm directly to the Child Mind Institute.
- Holiday Gifts Designed by Michael Aram, $30-$195
The beloved artist created a series of holiday gifts exclusively for Bloomingdale’s including an ornament, menorah, picture frame, and snow globe. They all depict the silhouette of children capturing the innocence and sense of freedom every child deserves. Michael Aram will donate 5% of the purchase price of these items to the Child Mind Institute.
Bloomingdale’s will also hold an auction this holiday season with 100% of the net proceeds benefitting The Child Mind Institute. The package includes a trip for two to Honolulu, Hawaii where a new Bloomingdale’s location is opening this November. The winning bidder will fly BusinessFirst class nonstop on United Airlines and stay three nights at the Kahala Hotel & Resort while indulging at the Kahala Spa with a traditional Hawaiian Oli Oli Lomi massage for two. A Bloomingdale’s shopping spree, private surf lessons, and one day on a private yacht are also included in the package. Bidding will run from November 5th through the 19th on charitybuzz.com/bloomingdalesauction.
“As a founding supporter, Bloomingdale’s is proud to continue advocating for the Child Mind Institute which has been a pioneer for children’s mental health,” said Anne Keating, Bloomingdale’s Senior Vice President of Public Relations, Special Events, and Corporate Philanthropy. “The marketing campaign for Holiday 2015 includes several opportunities for Bloomingdale’s customers to join in to support this important cause.”
“We are very excited to be working with Bloomingdale’s for the sixth consecutive holiday season to raise awareness about children’s mental health and spread holiday cheer with this special collection of gifts,” said Dr. Harold Koplewicz, President of the Child Mind Institute. “Bloomingdale’s has proven that it is one of the most visionary retailers in America by recognizing that the mental health of our children is important to every parent.”
This year’s products are available for purchase in Bloomingdale’s stores nationwide and at www.bloomingdales.com.
PRESS CONTACTS
Bloomingdale’s Public Relations:
Julia Austin
212.705.2439
Julia.Austin@bloomingdales.com
Child Mind Institute:
Media and Talent Relations
646.625.4341
mediaoffice@childmind.org
About the Child Mind Institute
The Child Mind Institute is an independent nonprofit dedicated to transforming the lives of children and families struggling with mental health and learning disorders. Our teams work every day to advance the science of the developing brain, deliver the highest standards of care and empower parents, professionals and policymakers to effectively support children when and where they need it most. Together with our supporters, we’re helping kids reach their full potential in school and in life.
We do not accept any funding from the pharmaceutical industry and we share all of our resources freely.
About Bloomingdale’s
Bloomingdale’s is America’s only nationwide, full-line, upscale department store and a division of Macy’s, Inc. It was founded in 1872 and currently operates 37 Bloomingdale’s stores and 13 Bloomingdale’s, The Outlet Stores in New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Illinois, Georgia, Florida, New Hampshire, California, and Texas. In addition, Bloomingdale’s has an international presence with a location in Dubai. Be sure to follow @bloomingdales on social media, become a Loyallist, and for more information, or to shop any time, visit www.bloomingdales.com.
About ALEX AND ANI
ALEX AND ANI creates meaningful, eco-conscious jewelry and accessories to empower the light in you. Carolyn Rafaelian, Founder, Creative Director and CEO designs each piece. Carolyn believes that every individual has a positive message to share with the world, and by incorporating powerful symbolism into each product; ALEX AND ANI provides a vehicle for consumers to express their individuality. ALEX AND ANI is committed to giving back to the world that we live in. By using recycled materials with eco-conscious processes and through our CHARITY BY DESIGN division, ALEX AND ANI positively impacts our planet and our communities. CHARITY BY DESIGN has strengthened non-profit organizations through innovative partnerships and collaborative experiences resulting in donations of over $25 million. An Inc. 500 Company, ALEX AND ANI has retail stores in addition to retail partners worldwide. Its World Headquarters is located in the Greater Providence, Rhode Island area, where its products are designed and MADE IN AMERICA WITH LOVE®. Please visit alexandani.com for more information.
About Michael Aram
Michael Aram is an American born designer of beautiful and distinctive objects for the home. After taking what would later be a life-altering trip to India in 1989 where he discovered rich metalworking traditions, Aram turned his artistic vision towards craft based design, setting up a home and workshop in New Delhi. Although most recognized for his signature metal gift and tabletop offerings, he also designs furniture, lighting, home fragrance, textiles, porcelain and jewelry. Aram splits his time between his workshop in India and his New York City studio. Michael Aram’s unique furnishings are sold at his Flagship store at 136 West 18th Street in New York City and in over 50 countries through fine epartment stores and specialty retailers.
