We love a cool fashion collab! But this time around, it's not about a designer partnering with a big box store to create stylish yet affordable clothing—it's for an amazing cause. Fabulous and Fighting is a brand-new New York City-based charity that gathers clothing donated from brands like Dolce Vita and uses them to set up popup shops in hospitals where everything is free for cancer patients. The organization's mission is to empower patients with the beauty and self-confidence to maintain a positive outlook during treatment, as well as to alleviate some of the financial burden associated with cancer.
Women's Health chatted with executive director and co-founder Bethany Heinrich to find out more about the amazing charity.
WH: Why did you decide to start Fabulous and Fighting?
Bethany: I was inspired by another organization that provides hair-care and cosmetic products [to women] going through treatment and saw there was an opportunity for the fashion industry to help out in this area through the donation of clothing. Not only is it necessary since treatment can cause extreme weight fluctuations, thus creating another out-of-pocket cost, but there is a certain joy that comes with receiving something new—especially a new outfit. So if you narrow it down further, our mission is really about bringing happiness, even if just for a moment, during what is probably one of the most trying times in a person’s life.
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How did you get fashion brands to sign on to help?
We were very lucky to find our main supporter, Dolce Vita, through a great friend of mine from high school, Amy Safranek. She lost a loved one to cancer a few years ago, and so she had been helping to raise awareness for Fabulous and Fighting. On a whim, she mentioned it to her friend, who is one of the founders of Dolce Vita, and he and his wife expressed interest in collaborating. Their team has been absolutely incredible and beyond generous in their support of Fabulous and Fighting. There have been so many wonderful supporters in New York, like Blank Rome LLP, The Hedaya Capital Group, Candela, MOGUL and Grassroots Films, so I am ex tremely grateful.
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You just had your first clothing distribution event; how did it go?
It was just amazing and a very moving experience for all involved. Patients and survivors of all ages were there, and each person was able to find at least one outfit that made them feel and look absolutely stunning. The fashion house Candela donated beautiful clothing, and it was great to see how the patients connected with one another during the process, sharing laughter and just enjoying a light-hearted, fun, uplifting moment.
What is your next goal in terms of expanding the reach of your charity?
Our next step is the launch party next Wednesday, September 3, at the Puck Building in Soho. Dolce Vita is hosting the event at their gorgeous showroom, and it will serve as a way to not only celebrate the kickoff of the organization, but also to raise operating funds. In the winter, we’d like to hold our second clothing distribution event on a larger scale in a hospital such as Beth Israel, hopefully with contributions from more fashion houses that are interested in coming on-board for this cause.
What can Women's Health readers do to help?
If you are in the New York area, we’d love for you to attend our launch party on September 3 [tickets are $50]. It's going to be an amazing time, and the more, the merrier. If you aren't in the area and would like to donate, you can do so at fabulousandfighting.org.
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