Dress for Success, an international non-profit organization that helps disadvantaged women achieve economic independence, is hosting its Something To Share: Dress for Success Worldwide Gala 2008 this evening at The Marriott Marquis in New York City. The sold-out gala, which attracted nearly 1,300 attendees, is expected to raise more than $1.2 million to enhance and expand its suiting and employment retention programs.


The Something To Share Gala is a night of celebration for the organization's past achievements and future endeavors. The event is chaired by Debra Kelly-Ennis, Chief Marketing Officer, Diageo North America, and will honor several top corporate executives for their contributions to both the Something To Share campaign and Dress for Success initiatives. This year's honorees include Doug Checkeris, CEO of MediaCom USA; Rosemarie Ryan, president of JWT New York; and Mary Wong, president of the Office Depot Foundation.


"Our Gala will be a memorable evening as it showcases all the remarkable stories, people, and hope that Dress for Success embodies," said Joi Gordon, Chief Executive Officer of Dress for Success Worldwide. "Fundraisers like this are so important to keep us doing what we love to do, and we are honored to have such amazing support from corporations such as Diageo, which exceeded all of our expectations."


"This annual gala gives us the opportunity to reflect on all the wonderful accomplishments Dress for Success has had in the past year, while honoring those who helped bring it all to life," said Debra Kelly-Ennis. "Dress for Success is all about building and restoring the confidence of women who need a second chance, and this gala takes the time to recognize those who help make that second chance a reality."