Mary Kay’s “Suits For Shelters” Helps Women In Need With New Outfit And Fresh Start

Mary Kay Inc. hopes a clean starched blouse or professional skirt can be the first step to a fresh start for Dallas-area domestic violence survivors. Through Suits for Shelters, now in its eighth year, the company coordinates the collection of women’s professional attire, shoes and accessories to benefit Dallas-Fort Worth area organizations supporting women in need.

Through Aug. 6, Tootsies, located in the Plaza at Preston Center, will accept community donations. In return, those who donate items will receive a $25 Tootsies gift card. WFAA News Ch. 8 is airing a series of public service announcements to encourage community support and more donations for the annual clothing drive.

“Over the years Mary Kay has proved to be a dedicated supporter of our work to bring an end to domestic violence,” said Jan Langbein, Chief Executive Officer for Genesis Women’s Shelter & Support. “By providing these women with professional clothing,Mary Kay in turn gives them the confidence they need to pursue their dreams and start a life free from abuse.”

A partnership between Mary Kay Inc. and The Mary Kay Foundation, Suits for Shelters supports domestic violence survivors with professional attire to help boost confidence and aid in job interviews as they start their lives free from abuse. Since 2009, Suits for Shelters has collected more than 15,000 pieces of professional clothing, shoes and accessories for women in need.

“Clothing is very personal and every dress, suit jacket or pair of shoes that is donated comes with a story,” said Ryan Rogers, Vice President of The Mary Kay Foundation and grandson of company founder Mary Kay Ash.  “A dress that gave someone confidence for a job interview can become the means for someone else to have the same experience. Suits for Shelters is a way for the story to continue and help women in need.”

Mary Kay has a long-standing commitment to prevent and end domestic violence. Over the past 15 years, Mary Kay Inc. and The Mary Kay Foundation have donated more than $50 million to domestic violence prevention and awareness programs to women’s shelters across the country in an effort to end the cycle of abuse.

“While domestic abuse continues to dominate national media headlines the effects are still far too prevalent across the Dallas Metroplex,” said Crayton Webb, Vice President of Corporate Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility for Mary Kay Inc. “With a mission of enriching women’s lives, we hope the donations from Mary Kay’s Suits for Shelters will help these women find a fresh start by providing them with the means to secure employment, a key step in their recovery process.”