Housewares charity announces donations

Although its annual Housewares Cares Charity Gala was canceled this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Housewares Charity Foundation (HCF) is making $350,000 in donations to beneficiary charities. The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), the HCF’s legacy charity, will receive $250,000, and $50,000 will be given to both the James Beard Foundation and Winning With Wyatt, which supports pediatric brain tumor research.

The gala was scheduled for March 16 during The Inspired Home Show 2020 in Chicago. Honorees were to be Johnny Morris, founder & CEO of Bass Pro Shops, with the Lifetime Achievement Award for Retail Innovation; Daniel Leppo, executive vice president & GMM, Menswear, YoungWorld & Home Furnishings at Bloomingdale’s, with the Humanitarian of the Year Award; and William Endres, president of Select Brands, with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

“Although the gala was canceled, our fundraising efforts continued and the housewares industry responded. We thank everyone who contributed to the HCF and allowed us to support our charitable partners even in this challenging time of COVID-19,” said Derek Miller, president of the International Housewares Association, which provides administrative support to the foundation.

As the pandemic continues, the HCF’s current fundraising drive is focused on raising money to purchase face masks for those in need. For additional information and to contribute, please visit the HCF website at HousewaresCharity.org.

The 2021 Housewares Cares Charity Gala will be held March 15 during The Inspired Home Show 2021.