“We have launched, what we believe, is a ‘full circle,’ multi-channel, online/in-store shopping experience and we’ve created it for one reason: To serve you better and to make your life easier. (Okay, maybe two.)”

After attending and being moved and inspired by the annual Westport luncheon, Chris Mitchell, who runs Marshs in Long Island, and his wife Ali Mitchell, have been eager to bring the organization to their side of the Sound.

Fellow Long Islander, Tammy Winter, who has also attended the Connecticut luncheon twice, was eager to jump in and co-chair. Ali recruited friend and local realtor Bonnie Williamson, then 10-year survivor Diana Kessler Mitchnik joined the team as a fourth co-chair, and Pink Aid Long Island has quickly jumped into high gear, planning its first event.

With a mission that resonates loudly in Long Island, a region known for its high incidence of breast cancer, momentum gained immediately and the co-chairs have quickly assembled committee heads, volunteers and interior designers who will be donating pink chairs. Local interior designer Eileen Kathryn Boyd has come on board as Luncheon Decor Chair for what promises to be a spectacularly beautiful event, in all ways.

Long Island’s Inaugural Luncheon will take place in Marshs of Huntington on Wednesday, October 22. All funds raised will be granted to organizations that fulfill the Pink Aid mission on Long Island.

It was an especially emotional dinner, as the opening ceremony featured a procession of Special Olympic athletes who then led the crowd in a moving rendition of the Star Spangled Banner. Olympian Michelle Kwan spoke eloquently about the Special Olympics program, as did its CEO Janet Froetscher, who thanked the AAFA for generously donating the evening’s proceeds to this fabulous organization that addresses injustice and intolerance by empowering people with intellectual disabilities.

Marlee Matlin was the event’s stunning, sequined hostess who did a great job of moving the program along at an appropriate pace. The award winners spoke graciously; they included footwear designer Ruthie Davis, Robert Stock and Michael Buckley from Robert Graham (Menswear Designer of the Year), Denim Brand of the Year DL1961, Premium Fiber Brand of the Year Supima Cotton, Humanitarian of the Year Barry Sternlicht of Starwood Capital Group and Man of the Year, Bill Sweedler of Tengram Capital Partners.

Dress code for the event was, for the first time ever, “Festive Black Tie with Sneakers Optional.” Sneakers have never looked so good!

The Annual AAFA American Image Awards stands as an emblem to honor those who have exemplified leadership, excellence, and outstanding achievements within the U.S. apparel and footwear industry. Robert Graham is proud to be affiliated with the philanthropic aspect of the event, where forty percent of the event’s net proceeds will benefit Special Olympics.

Learn more about the 36th Annual AAFA American Image Awards by visiting www.wewear.org.