Project PINSTRIPE to Host Third Annual Event to Outfit and Educate Disadvantaged Youth

NEW YORK, April 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Project PINSTRIPE, a not-for-profit organization devoted to building a positive self image for disadvantaged young adults by providing properly fitted business attire and educational seminars, will host its third annual one-day event on April 12th at 12:00pm. The event will be held simultaneously in six cities:New York,Boston,Chicago,Detroit, Miami and Orlando.

Founded in 2005, Project PINSTRIPE outfits underprivileged high school and college-aged men with lightly-used designer suits donated by generous professionals. In addition to properly fitted clothing, the organization provides education on the importance of a positive first impression, helping its participants gain the look and confidence needed to reach their professional goals.

The 350 Project PINSTRIPE participants, aged 17 to 24, are members of PINSTRIPE partner organizations, which include local chapters of the Boys & Girls Clubs ofNew York,Chicago,Miami and Orlando. Partner organizations select participants who will be interviewing for their first internship or job, or who have specifically expressed an interest in pursuing a career in business.

Viktoria Horvath, founder of Project PINSTRIPE, commented, "We are very excited to announce Project PINSTRIPE's 2008 event, which continues to grow in size and scope since our founding in 2005. The annual event continues to be the main driver of Project PINSTRIPE's mission which is to instill confidence in disadvantaged young adults as they take steps toward a career in the competitive workforce."

Viktoria added: "Our participants have the skills and drive to succeed. Our job is to assist them by providing access to the attire that they might not otherwise have."

In each host city, the event will begin with an educational workshop on proper etiquette during which participants will learn how to properly wear and maintain professional business attire, followed by a class outlining proper interview techniques. InNew York, PINSTRIPE participants will also be treated to a short performance by the choir from Harlem's IMPACT Repertory Theatre, whose members recently sang at the Academy Awards ceremony wearing designer suits donated by Project PINSTRIPE. A lunch reception will immediately follow the performance.

The highlight of the event will feature a suit fitting during which each participant will choose from a wide array of donated suits and receive alterations by a professional clothier from The Tom James Company. Participants will also be given all the necessary accessories to complete their tailored look, including a pair of dress shoes donated byAllen-Edmonds and leather goods provided by Trafalgar. The event will close with all 350 participants "dressed for success" in their own "power outfit" and one step closer to reaching their professional goals.

"Project PINSTRIPE taught me how important first impressions are for succeeding in life. They gave me great tips for increasing my chances of getting past that first interview: Show up on time, speak well and dress appropriately. The program also gave me a quality suit that helped me feel confident in myself while getting a quality job," explained Malik Carolina, 17, a member ofNew York City's Madison Square Boys & Girls Club, and a past PINSTRIPE participant.

In addition to the Boys & Girls Club chapters inNew York,Chicago,Miami and Orlando, other participating organizations includeNew York's Prep for Prep organization, YearUp inBoston, and the Detroit Youth Foundation.

The six Project PINSTRIPE events will start on April 12th at 12:00pm local time at the following six locations:

    New York
    Brooklyn Navy Yard - Madison Square Boys & Girls Club
    240 Nassau Street
    Brooklyn, NY 11201

    Boston
    Cambridge College
    1000 Massachusetts Avenue # 31
    Cambridge, MA 02138

    Chicago
    General Robert E. Wood Club and Child Care - Boys & Girls Club
    2950 West 25th Street
    Chicago, Il 60623

    Detroit
    Detroit Youth Foundation
    7375 Woodward
    Detroit, MI 48202

    Miami
    S. Robert Levine/William E. Saughter Campus - Boys & Girls Club
    7201 Kinberly Blvd.
    North Lauderdale, FL 33068

    Orlando
    Boys & Girls Club - Walt Disney World Branch
    5211 Hernandes Drive
    Orlando, FL 32808

About Project PINSTRIPE

Project PINSTRIPE is a not-for-profit organization devoted to building a positive self image for disadvantaged young adults by providing properly fitted business attire and educational seminars on proper interview etiquette and dressing for success. Founded in 2005, the organization hosts annual one-day events in six major U.S. cities:New York,Boston,Chicago,Detroit, Miami and Orlando, during which 350 participants are outfitted and educated on the importance of a positive first impression in a competitive workforce. (www.projectpinstripe.org).

About The Tom James Company

The Tom James Company is the world's largest manufacturer and retailer of custom-made, luxury clothing. In business for 41 years, Tom James serves more than 500,000 clients through its 122 offices. Each Tom James client purchases directly from one of the Company's well-trained professional clothiers who provide clients with wardrobe consultation on a variety of fashion topics such as wardrobe coordination; current trends; proper fit, pattern and cloth selection; necessary collection pieces; and attire for specific occasions. Tom James clothiers always come to their clients, as appointments are conducted at the client's location of choice. (www.tomjames.com).

AboutAllen-Edmonds

Headquartered inPort Washington, Wisconsin, and founded in 1922, Allen-Edmonds manufactures and markets premium men's footwear, accessories and cedar products using the philosophy of quality, service and integrity. Taking shoemaking to the level of an art form, each pair ofAllen-Edmonds shoes is proudly handcrafted in theU.S.A. during a process that includes over 200 separate production steps.Allen-Edmonds products are available all over the world and on the Internet. (www.allenedmonds.com).

About Trafalgar

Spanning more than three decades and defined by an unparalleled reputation of elegance and craftsmanship, Trafalgar's classically designed menswear and leather accessories can be found in finer stores the world over. From the legendary line of Limited Edition woven silk braces to refined belts and leather goods, the Trafalgar name ensures the wearer the absolute standard of excellence. Trafalgar's mission has been and always will be to provide the highest quality products while maintaining a keen sensitivity to the constantly evolving lifestyles of its customers. Be it a higher level of formality and elegance, or a more casual, comfortable approach, Trafalgar's ability to consistently predict, set, and attend to trends enables the Company to meet the various needs of its customers. (www.trafalgarstore.com).

Contacts

Oliver Phillips or Melissa Daly, Brunswick Group, (212) 333 - 3810

SOURCE Project PINSTRIPE

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