Western Union and Six-Time Grammy-Award Winning Musician John Legend Launch 50 Days of Giving In New York City

Western Union announced an initial total of $100,000 in grants to benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of America, CARE USA, Mercy Corps, Save the Children and The U.S. Fund for UNICEF. Western Union and John Legend also unveiled www.50daysofgiving.com – an online voting site to encourage consumers to take an active role in supporting one of the five charities this holiday season. The organization receiving the most online votes, by December 25, will receive an additional $150,000 grant from Western Union.

 

“Fifty Days of Giving represents an opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives,” said John Legend. “Together with Western Union, I hope to encourage others to give back this holiday season – whether it’s sending the gift of cash to a charity, family or friends, voting online at 50 Days of Giving.com or donating time to a worthy cause.”

According to a Western Union survey conducted by Wakefield Research, 66 percent of consumers plan to give to charities this holiday, while 36 percent believe it’s their duty to donate to philanthropic causes regardless of their personal financial situation. The survey also revealed 50 percent believe that businesses, regardless of their financial health, are obligated to give to charity.

The survey also found 52 percent of consumers will give the gift of CASH this holiday season.

“Giving back is part of Western Union’s commitment to the communities it serves. Fifty Days of Giving offers consumers the opportunity to decide where that support will go this holiday season,” said Stewart A. Stockdale, President, The Americas and EVP Global Cards and Global Key Accounts, Western Union. “This holiday consumers are also making more wallet-conscious decisions, choosing to give through Western Union, whether it’s through 50 Days of Giving.com or by sending the gift of CASH to family and friends.”

To facilitate long-distance gift giving needs this holiday, Western Union is offering "$50 for $5;" consumers can send up to $50 to loved ones in the U.S. for a $5 fee. Consumers can also send the gift of CASH on a Western Union^® prepaid gift card, overnight, with a personalized greeting card and voice message, exclusively at www.westernunion.com.

"Fifty Days of Giving is a multi-faceted, integrated consumer communications campaign designed to help raise giving awareness this holiday season," said Diane Robertson Scott, SVP Marketing, The Americas, Western Union. "Western Union is excited to lead a holiday campaign that focuses on how consumers choose to give, and give back, to their communities."

For more information or to vote, please visit www.50daysofgiving.com and www.westernunion.com.

Holiday Gifting! Edible Presents from Harry & David

Before Black Friday and in advance of Cyber Monday you should have a game plan in mind pre-Thanksgiving. As you know sometimes finding the perfect present is easy sometimes its more of a challenge. This holiday season, EverSoPopular.com will offer gift ideas of all kinds for various occasions and the important people in your life.

Right now, we’re hungry! With a gourmet food theme in mind, one of our favorites is Harry & David Taste of the Pacific Northwest Bento Box,$80, available at Harry & David pop-up stores and online at http://www.harryanddavid.com. The signature artisanal Bento Box comes in traditional truck paper and includes six pears with two in gold wrappers, smoky blue wedge from Roguet, ouvelle wedge from Rouge, olive oil crackers, 7 oz of new nuts with blue cheese and pear chips, 5 ox of hazelnuts, Oregon marion-
berry preserves, 8 oz of salmon, and herb garlic water crackers.

Also, check out the “Of The Month” clubs: The Orchard Pie Club and Fruit of the Month Clubs are the ones we want to join.

THE ORCHARD PIE CLUB
$85 for 3 month membership, $170 for 6 month membership
The Auto Ship Pie Program ships the best homemade fruit pies in the country to our club members with a new flavor every month. Each pie is pre-baked, shipped overnight, and ready to be re-heated and enjoyed.

Monthly flavors include Marionberry in January, American Apple in February, Oregon Berry in March, Strawberry Rhubarb in April, Apricot in May, Blueberry in June, Cherry in July, Boysenberry in August, Peach in September, Apple Cranberry in October, Pumpkin Chiffon in November, and Royal Riviera Pears in December.

 

FRUIT OF THE MONTH CLUB
Price varies depending on membership, $69 - $379
The Fruit of the Month Club sends members monthly shipments of new fruit each month.
Monthly choices include Cushman’s Honeybells in January, Royal Riviera Pears in February,Royal Grapefruit in March, Royal Oranges in April, Surprise Papayas and Lime in May, Honey Mangoes in June, Dark Sweet Cherries in July, Oregold Peaches in August, Exotic Nectarines in September, Royal Riviera Pears in October, Honey Crisp Apples in November, and Golden Pineapple in December.

Technical Support: The Nike Holiday 2010 Training Collection featuring the Nike FREE XT Quick Fit+

The holidays are right around the corner and Nike makes it a cinch to keep those pounds off with the latest addition to the Holiday 2010 Training Collection, the Nike FREE XT Quick Fit+.  The new Nike FREE XT Quick Fit+ is an ideal shoe for any workout. The Phylon midsole provides great cushioning and comfort underfoot for longer training. The no-sew construction reduces stitching for enhanced flexibility
and comfort. Additionally, the solid rubber outsole with Nike Free XT technology and exaggerated flex grooves offer durability, multidirectional flexibility, and traction for a variety of indoor and outdoor surfaces. Whether it’s weights at the gym and then a cardio class or a run outside afterwards, Nike FREE XT Quick Fit+ is a perfect fit for any workout. For more styles visit www.Nike.com

 

Nike FREE XT Quick Fit+ VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Black Friday Respite: The Paramount Hotel and The Dalmore Distillery Introduce Special Black Friday Tasting Menu

 

On Friday, November 26, the Paramount Hotel’s Library Bar will serve as a chic refuge from the hustle and bustle of Times Square for shoppers, on what’s been called the busiest shopping day in America. The Dalmore Special Tasting plate will be available daily from Black Friday through January 2nd 2011 at The Library Bar on the mezzanine level of the Paramount Hotel from 5:00pm – 10:00pm. 
 
Chef Spangenthal’s signature small plate offers three distinct ‘bites’ that bring together the unique flavor profiles found in The Dalmore Gran Reserva.  “The challenge of developing these ‘bites’ lies in the fact that I want our guests to have an incredibly indulgent taste experience.  I also wanted each offering to be unique in every aspect from the way they are presented on the plate to flavor and texture,” said Chef Spangenthal.

The menu includes:
                                             
Foie Gras Crème Brulee
Toasted sour cherry pecan bread
 
Smoked Scottish Salmon Tartare
Cucumber, radish and pressed caviar
 
Bitter Sweet Chocolate Caramel Espresso Mousse
 
Dram of The Dalmore Gran Reserva
 
“This refined snack perfectly complements the profile of Gran Reserva as each bite reveals layers of sweet marmalade, rich spices and dark chocolate,” said Richard Paterson, Master Blender, The Dalmore.  At only $18, these savory small plates provide the perfect amount of indulgence to enjoy in between holiday shopping or whether you’re on your way to enjoy Christmas lights, ornate window displays or take a carriage ride around the park.
 

A Five Star Thanksgiving: cityhouse Offers a Thanksgiving Day Menu

This Thanksgiving, Manhattan’s sleek new contemporary steakhouse, cityhouse, located at 870 Seventh Avenue at the corner of 56th Street, recently opened its doors at the Park Central Hotel, will offer up a special Thanksgiving menu. Executive Chef, Fabio Capparelli, a budding culinary talent, formerly of the acclaimed BLT Steak at the Ritz-Carlton in Westchester, has crafted innovative signature plates for his latest venture. Dishes include a sublime lobstertini, succulent slow braised tomahawk short ribs and enchanting pistachio crusted diver scallops. Flawlessly prepared steak entrees from the cowboy rib-eye to the filet mignon are accompanied by a vast choice of outstanding sides from Capparelli’s divine mac n’ 5 cheeses and truffle fries to the hen of the woods mushrooms.

 

Conveniently located near Central Park and just steps away from Carnegie Hall, cityhouse is the ideal spot not only for power business lunches and chic dinners but also pre-theater dining with generous prix fixe menus for both lunch and dinner. Known for offering a diverse menu of modern American classics and the best cuts of USDA prime beef, cityhouse will offer a $65 prix fixe Thanksgiving menu which is available on Thanksgiving Day only from 12PM to 8PM.

Please visit opentable.com/cityhouse-new-york for reservations or call 212.707.5500.

Paul McCartney to Play the Apollo Exclusively for Sirius XM Subscribers

 
SIRIUS XM Radio announced today that Paul McCartney will perform at Harlem’s world famous Apollo Theater for the first time at an exclusive, invitation-only concert for SIRIUS XM listeners. The concert will celebrate SIRIUS XM reaching 20 million subscribers, a milestone the company expects to achieve shortly.
 
The concert, which will be held on Monday, December 13 at 8:00 pm ET, will feature McCartney performing songs from his unrivalled back catalog, including many Beatles, Wings and solo classics, for SIRIUS XM subscribers. As a thank you to its loyal subscribers, SIRIUS XM will broadcast the concert live nationwide as well as offer lucky subscribers the opportunity to attend the unprecedented event.
 
SIRIUS XM will also launch “Paul McCartney’s Band on the Run Radio,” a month-long 24/7 commercial-free music channel devoted to McCartney’s legendary and expansive music catalog, including music from his solo records, tracks from every Wings album as well as the iconic songs he recorded with The Beatles. “Paul McCartney’s Band on the Run Radio” will launch on Monday, November 29 at 3:00 pm ET and air through Sunday, December 26 at 11:59 pm ET on SIRIUS channel 33 and XM channel 27 and SIRIUS XM Bootlegs, SIRIUS Internet Radio, SIR channel 812, and XM Radio Online, XMRO channel 90. 
 
The channel’s launch coincides with the recent re-issue of Paul McCartney & Wings’ number one album from 1973, Band on the Run, the first title to be released as part of an extensive overhaul of McCartney’s complete catalog of solo recordings. The month-long channel will also feature a behind-the-scenes look at the making of this landmark album, hosted by McCartney himself, as well as newly discovered live performances of Wings tracks recorded at Abbey Road Studios from The Paul McCartney Archive.

 
Subscribers may enter to win tickets to the event through various call-in promotions across SIRIUS XM’s diverse music, talk and sports on-air channels. SIRIUS XM subscribers can also enter for the chance to win tickets by going to www.sirius.com or www.xmradio.com for Official Rules and complete details. One grand prize winner will be awarded four tickets to the exclusive concert, a paid trip to New York City, two nights lodging, an “Everything Plus The Best Of” SIRIUS or XM subscription for the lifetime of the subscriber’s radio, an opportunity to be a guest DJ on “Paul McCartney’s Band on the Run Radio” and an autographed copy of the Band on the Run deluxe edition box set. All opportunities to win tickets to the concert are limited to listeners who have been an active SIRIUS or XM subscriber continuously since November 15, 2010. 

Pop-Up Beauty: Shiseido’s NYC Limited Edition Beauty Boutique

In celebration of their fall and holiday makeup and skincare collections, Shiseido Cosmetics America opened the Shiseido NYC Limited Edition Beauty Boutique - its first-ever pop-up beauty boutique on Friday, November 12th in NYC. The boutique located at 989 Third Avenue at 59th Street, is open to the public for one week only - from November 12th - 19th from 11AM to 7PM daily. Guests are invited to sample the collections and receive signature Shiseido services during the event.

Other offerings include:
Gift cards for complimentary facial massage treatments at the Bloomingdales Shiseido counter on 59th Street
Deluxe samples of signature Shiseido skincare and makeup products
Information about Shiseido collections including the:
New Fall 2010 Shiseido Makeup and Limited Edition Holiday Palette
New Shiseido Future Solution LX Eye and Lip Contour Regenerating Cream
Best-selling Shiseido Bio Performance Super Corrective Serum
For more info visit:  www.shiseido.com

Starbucks Pops Up: Astor Place in NY, The Grove in LA, Pioneer Court in Chicago

Friends of Starbucks in Chicago, Los Angeles and New York can join in the celebration today by visiting Starbucks holiday pop-up experiences and share in tastes of the season like never before.

Today Starbucks celebrates the launch of the holiday season in stores nationwide with the arrival of Starbucks handcrafted holiday beverages in the iconic red cups. Starbucks invites customers to bring a friend to participating company-operated and licensed stores in the U.S. and Canada on Nov. 18-21 from 2-5 p.m. to receive a free beverage when purchasing a holiday beverage of equal or lesser value, which includes the Caramel Brulée Latte, Peppermint Mocha, Gingerbread Latte, Eggnog Latte, Peppermint White Hot Chocolate and Peppermint Hot Chocolate. Also debuting today are the new Starbucks VIA^® Ready Brew Christmas Blend and Starbucks^® Christmas Blend Espresso Roast, as well as the celebrity-designed (STARBUCKS)^RED Ceramic To-Go Cup and Card by Jonathan Adler.

Starbucks will host holiday pop-up experiences open to the public in New York at Astor Place, in Los Angeles at The Grove and in Chicago at Pioneer Court on November 16 from 7a.m.-5p.m. (local time).

To celebrate the season today by visiting unique holiday pop-up experiences, where attendees can create and share a free personalized postcard – with a special “buy one, get one” offer for a Starbucks^® handcrafted beverage – to send greetings to friends and family. For more information on ways to share the season, visit www.Starbucks.com/Share.

Savor Each Moment with Starbucks Holiday Beverages

The return of the iconic red cups also brings the beloved Starbucks^® holiday beverages, including:

• Caramel Brulée Latte – A holiday show stopper, this combination of rich caramel, espresso and steamed milk is topped with a cloud of whipped cream and shimmery caramel pieces.
• Peppermint Mocha – For true peppermint fans, this combination of espresso with bittersweet chocolate, peppermint flavored syrup and steamed milk is topped by whipped cream and chocolate curls.
• Gingerbread Latte – With the flavor of freshly baked gingerbread, this beverage combines espresso, gingerbread flavored syrup and steamed milk, topped by whipped cream and ground nutmeg.
• Eggnog Latte – This wildly popular interpretation of holiday eggnog layers rich espresso with subtle spices, the perfect choice for chilly mornings or cozy afternoons.

HOLA! "HOLIDAY OF THE HEART" GALA HONORS ROSELYN SANCHEZ

This Saturday, November 13, Heart of Los Angles (HOLA), an organization committed to advancing the lives of youth in Los Angles through  free after school academic, art and athletic programming, honored actor Roselyn Sanchez, Wells Fargo and post- humously architect Stephen Kanner during the organization’s annual Holiday of The Heart Gala.  Held at Montage Beverly Hills, the gala celebrated HOLA’s distinguished friends and colleagues and their commitment to the association.

Serving as a wonderful inspiration to HOLA’s youth and an incredible voice for the children growing up in the heart of Los Angeles, Roselyn Sanchez was presented the Heart of LA Award. Roselyn attended with her husband Eric Winter and graciously accepted the award. She told EverSoPopular: "I believe in HOLA. It's a very special place. I am honored to be considered part of the HOLA family because of the amazing contributions and opportunities they provide to the youth in our communities. I look forward to coming back and watching the continued growth of HOLA's campuses and it's students."

Harry & David Pop-Up Stores in NYC

To celebrate their 75^th anniversary, Harry & David, the leading lifestyle gourmet gifts company, will bring a taste of their home in Oregon’s Rouge River Valley to the big city this holiday season.

There are two NYC locations, one in Gramercy on 22nd Street and Fifth Avenue and the other at the Columbus Circle holiday market. Each location provides one-stop holiday shopping showcasing the brand’s farm-to-table expertise and new holiday gifts including exclusive wines, award-wining artisanal cheeses, luscious fresh fruits, delectable homemade baked goods and custom handcrafted confections.

The pop-ups also offer free delivery service in NYC.  For more info visit www.harryanddavid.com

Sprint Celebrates Epic Moments At The Star-Studded 2010 Jorge Posada Celebrity Basebowl Tournament

This past Sunday, Sprint joined forces with Laura Posada a.k.a. "La Mujer 4G," to provide an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour into one of her family's epic moments, the 2010 Jorge Posada Celebrity Basebowl Tournament, held at Chelsea Piers 300 New York.

Laura and her husband New York Yankee catcher Jorge Posada rallied up close friends and family for an afternoon of sports, fun and a continued commitment to raising awareness of Craniosynostosis, a condition in which the bones of the skull fuse together prematurely causing a growth disturbance.
 
Leading celebrities like NY Yankees pitcher "CC" Sabathia; CSI Miami actor Adam Rodríguez and former Major League Baseball player Bernie Williams were on hand to share in the Posada family’s epic moment. "La Mujer 4G" documented the day's celebration on her Samsung Epic™ 4G phone. Some of the exciting footage included one-of-a-kind video testimonials from guests about their very own special moments; real-time status and event photo updates which were shared during her live social media chat, sponsored by Sprint. For additional event highlights or to share your epic experience log onto facebook.com/lauraposada.officialsite.  

Resort Ready Hair in Minutes

 

Brian Zinno, Educational Director at the famed Antonio Prieto Salon in NYC, breaks down all that’s needed for creating that perfect getaway hair. With these top tools and a few simple steps, those locks will look as good as that vacation feels.

 

Short Hair –

The TS 2 Mini Flat Iron

This convenient travel size iron is ideal for quick touch-ups on shorter hair. Its tourmaline infused ceramic plates are only 6 inches long and ¾ inches wide, making it the perfect size to fit in that carry-on.

 

Medium Hair –

Bio Ionic Hair Dryer & Diffuser

Unlike most dryers, this ultra-lightweight tool makes for easy all-day hair and doesn’t weigh down a suitcase. Its conditioning Nano Beads accelerate drying time while the Nano Ionic minerals hydrate and condition the hair. Use it with a diffuser to bring out natural waves.

 

Long Hair –

TiGi Curling Stick

With its tapered ceramic barrel and no thumb clamp to deal with, this extremely easy to use tool allows one to achieve a variety of looks. Simply wrap long strands around the stick to get that flawless beach-y wave that works for day or night.

Celeb Style: Charlize Theron

Charlize Theron looked amazing running errands around New York City in John Varvatos Eyewear.  Charlize is wearing style V715 in Black, $300.  http://www.johnvarvatos.com

Maybelline and Cosmopolitan Launch "Kisses for the Troops" on Veteran's Day

 

This Veteran's Day, Cosmopolitan and Maybelline New York will be collecting "kisses" in Times Square to support our brave troops overseas.
Actress Malin Akerman will give the first "kiss" at 7am, followed by super model Lisalla Montenegro, you can give the next!
For each "kiss" collected, $1 will be donated to the USO for the amazing work they do for our US troops overseas.
Maybelline New York will provide the perfect lip color; you just "kiss" the postcard!

When: Thursday, November 11th
7:00am to 3:00pm
Where: Military Island / Times Square
Broadway (btw 43rd and 44th St)
 
In addition, all kisses collected between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. that day will be counted towards setting a brand new Guinness World Record for the most lip prints collected in 12 hours.

Can't make it in person, but still want to help?

Visit Cosmopolitan.com/kisses and give a kiss online! Remember, every kiss = $1

Steal the Celeb's Must-Have Winter Nail Trends!

 

From creamy caramel to scarlet red, celebrity trendsetters including Drew Barrymore, Jessica Alba and Sandra Bullock have nailed the hottest fall manicure trends.

With the JESSICA fall 2010 Muse collection, you too can get the look just like your favorite Hollywood starlet!

 

 

 

 

Perfect with her complexion and hair hue, Jessica Alba lacquers her tips in a creamy caramel color.

Get the look: JESSICA Nail Colour in Bittersweet ($7.50)

 

 

 

 

Drew Barrymore adorns her nails in a modern mauve shade. This soft purple color is perfect to complete any outfit – even a sparkly sequin top like Drew’s!

Get the look: JESSICA Nail Lacquer in Intrigue ($7.50)

 

 

 

Add a hint of glamour to a casual look by wearing pure red nail polish as seen here on Sandra Bullock. The bright pop of color adds the finishing touches to her ensemble.

Get the look: JESSICA Nail Lacquer in Scarlet ($7.50)

Cool Sophistication: Sjobeck Spring 2011

Cattle ranch casual and high society chic converge in the spring 2011 collection of Malibu born and bred Sjobeck. Think relaxed, floaty and sheer, calm, cool and sophisticated. Contemporary silhouettes are rendered in vintage-inspired European silk chiffons and cashmeres for the ultimate in laidback luxury.
The spring 2011 collection is inspired by the shift from winter to spring on the Malibu coast. Flowy chiffons and printed silks evoke the brisk breezes of early spring, while a color palette of brights muted in pastels recalls the early morning marine layer that blankets the shoreline.
​For spring, Sjobeck adds dynamic new prints and a luxe cashmere t-shirt to its repertoire of effortless, weightless pieces. Other styles include polka dot pocket skirts, long goddess dresses and butterfly sleeve silk/sheer tops.

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Among the collection’s signature pieces the standouts include:

• Silk/chiffon romper: Sweet and sexy, without trying too hard. In playful zebra and tribal prints, this romper is great for work or play. Details include a four-button placket, hand-painted vintage buttons and side tabs sewn onto each leg for an asymmetrical look. Suggested retail $253.
• Kimono Wrap Dress: Show your bright side with an elegant kimono-style wrap dress. In feather printed silk charmeuse it’s romantic and fanciful.  With side ties and a slight asymmetrical curve at the hem, this lightweight wrap flirts and flatters. Suggested retail $310.
• “My Cashmere T”: Basic was never better. This short sleeved knit cashmere and modal blend is the ultimate in versatility and luxury.  Wear it alone or layered, again and again.  Available in black, navy, white and wheat. Suggested retail $90.

The line is available at Ron Herman, Singer22, Fred Segal and Montmartre NY.

For more locations and details please visit http://www.sjobeckmalibu.com/. 

Men’s Accessories: Casio Launches New Men’s Watch Line

Casio celebrated the launch of their new men’s watch line – Edifice Black Label – with a VIP cocktail reception at the Tourneau TimeMachine store in NYC. On-hand to host the festivities was actor Bryan Greenberg (star of HBO’s “How To Make It In America”), brand ambassador for the new line and avid watch aficionado. Greenberg spoke about how a vintage Casio watch he purchased in Japan turned him onto the brand and how wearing a watch is one of the best ways a man can accessorize. Fresh off filming “Friends With Benefits” with Justin Timberlake, he plans to embark on his own music tour this coming month, with a new single “Walk Away” dropping in a few weeks.

The event also served as a launch for the new Casio exhibit at Tourneau which showcases the Edifice line along with watches from the Baby-G and G-Shock brands. The exhibit will be open to the public through December.

Edifice Black Label is a racecar-inspired line comprised of six sleek styles ranging in price from $150 to $500. The Black Label collection is dynamic and striking, exuding speed and technology from its aesthetics and functionality.  The watches are meant to take men from day to night, whether going to a sporting event or a night on the town. The multifunction metal analog watches are equipped with stylistic yet technological faces with über-stopwatch capabilities, LSI-controlled hand movements, world time, water resistance, daily alarms, solar power, multi-layered dials and more. Perfect for gifting, EDIFICE is for the smart man who values the moment.

 

Actor Bryan Greenberg and music manager Jonathan Azu discuss his upcoming tour at the Casio Edifice Black Label watch launch party. The star of HBO’s “How To Make To Make It in America” is the brand ambassador for the sleek new timepiece collection in stores this fall. (Photo credit: Casio/ John Nunez).

 Bryan Greenberg prepares for his speech at the Casio Edifice Black Label watch launch party at the Tourneau TimeMachine store in New York City. (Photo credit: Casio/ John Nunez).

Jose Reyes & 300 New York City Public School Students at Old Navy

 

To encourage school attendance among New York City Public School students, Old Navy – with the help of Deputy Mayor Dennis Walcott, Chancellor Joel I. Klein, the Mayor’s Chief Policy Advisor John Feinblatt, and New York Mets shortstop Jose Reyes – gave 300 students a shopping experience to remember as part of their Attendance Drive initiative.

The students who participated in the event are from several schools participating in the Mayor’s citywide pilot program addressing chronic absenteeism and truancy.   Each student signed and recited an official Attendance Pledge and received a new winter coat and $50 gift card to purchase new school clothes at Old Navy’s flagship store on 34th Street in Manhattan. 

 

“Student test scores, attendance and drop out rates have steadily improved over the past eight years, as has the quality of a New York City public school education," said Schools Chancellor Joel I. Klein. "These interagency collaborations, combined with support from committed partners like Old Navy, will take us one step closer to ensuring that all students have the chance to take advantage of what our schools are offering."
While attendance rates have improved at NYC public schools, approximately one out of every five New York City school students missed one month or more of school last year.  Research shows that three out of four students who are chronically absent in the sixth grade never graduate from high school.  Furthermore, the first six weeks of the school year have been identified as the most crucial weeks for establishing strong attendance yearlong.
“When we learned that one of the reasons for low attendance is embarrassment from wearing the same clothes repeatedly, we decided to step in with our Attendance Drive initiative,” said Amy Curtis-McIntyre, senior vice president, marketing, Old Navy.  “Rewarding students who show their commitment to attending school is a humbling experience.  Old Navy is proud to participate in a program that helps keep students engaged in their education.  Empowering today’s students and young people is essential for a positive future,” added Curtis-McIntyre.

The Old Navy Attendance Drive was created to motivate students to attend class, inspire them with memorable mentor moments featuring role models such as Mets player Jose Reyes, and reward them for improving attendance with clothes they’re eager to wear to school.   The 300 students got to meet Reyes yesterday. Reyes stressed the importance of attending school every day and encouraged students to adhere to their pledge. He also handed out autographed items.

The Attendance Drive event was the fourth in a series that took place in school districts across the country this Fall.  Since late August, Old Navy has hosted Attendance Drive events at stores in Dallas, Chicago and Los Angeles, encouraging attendance and awarding shopping sprees to more than 900 students, from kindergarten through eighth grade.  Each event has consisted of “mentor moments” led by school principals or administration officials prior to the students reciting the Attendance Pledge aloud, before commencing their $50 shopping sprees.

Old Navy plans to extend its Attendance Drive initiative by issuing another challenge to students, inviting them to demonstrate perfect attendance through the end of the school year.  For store locations, please visit www.oldnavy.com