Gardere Raises Record-Breaking Amount at 'A Night Out' Benefiting Dress for Success Houston
More than 500 attendees with a flair for fashion and philanthropy recently descended on the Westin Galleria for "A Night Out," sponsored by Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP. The event, held on Nov. 16, raised nearly $152,000 to enable Dress for Success® Houston to purchase 500 suits to outfit economically disadvantaged women as they transition into the workforce. Funds generated also will support valuable career programs and scholarships for 4,000 women.
For the seventh consecutive year, Gardere served as presenting sponsor for the annual benefit. Rachel Powitzky Steely, a labor and employment partner in Gardere's Houston office, presided as chair for the event that hosted a full crowd, including community leaders and senior-level female professionals from Houston-area companies. Fashion and philanthropy were celebrated with boutique shopping, a fashion show and a presentation by image consultant Cathy Fitzpatrick Cleary, who shared timeless fashion tips for a professional wardrobe.
Each year, "A Night Out" maintains its role as an essential fundraiser for DFS and is brought to fruition through the combined efforts of DFS and the Gardere Women's Council, a business networking and professional development organization established by the Firm to support its female attorneys and clients. Members of the Gardere Women's Council are leaders within the Firm and legal community and are also active contributors to other civic and community initiatives.
""A Night Out' is an event Gardere Women's Council looks forward to each year, as we know it will leave a lasting impact in the community and provide much-needed support both financially and professionally to women transitioning into the workforce," Ms. Steely says. "Dress for Success Houston provides meaningful support in the form of educational programs and services, and Gardere is proud to support the organization's efforts to help women gain a greater level of independence."
"We are pleased to once again partner with Gardere to support women in the Houston community striving to advance professionally," said Nancy Levicki, DFS Houston president and co-founder. "With one suit, we are able to outfit a woman with so much more than something to wear; we give her the confidence to nail a job interview and change her life for the better. The money generated at 'A Night Out' will allow us to purchase 500 suits and fund professional development programs that will enable women within the Houston area to take steps toward self-sufficiency."
In addition to its support of "A Night Out," Gardere assists DFS with mentoring programs through its Corporate Guild as well as other networking and special events.
