Delivering Good’s annual gala at Gotham Hall in New York City on Tuesday night was a celebration of relief work that raised a record-breaking $1.5 million in crisis.
Nearly 500 guests from the fashion, tech, and philanthropic worlds gathered for an evening dedicated to celebrating the organization’s efforts to aid families in need. The night honored leaders whose innovations have helped make Delivering Good’s work possible. This year’s event highlighted the nonprofit’s latest campaign, “Small Comforts, Big Impact,” which emphasizes the transformative power of necessities in helping communities rebuild after disaster strikes.
The evening opened with a warm welcome from Delivering Good’s President and CEO, Matthew Fasciano, who reminded attendees of the organization’s long-standing mission of offering tangible relief to individuals and families affected by poverty and natural disasters. Reflecting on recent outreach efforts in the Southeast U.S., Fasciano shared the impact of Delivering Good’s work following multiple hurricanes, emphasizing that small comforts like socks and blankets provide dignity and hope during recovery. Model and Brand Ambassador Daiane Sodre added an emotional appeal, highlighting the difference a single comfort item can make in someone’s life. “Whether it’s a pair of shoes or a warm blanket, small comforts can make a world of difference, especially in life’s toughest moments,” Sodre said.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 29: Abbey Doneger speaks onstage during the 2024 Evening of Delivering Good at Gotham Hall on October 29, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images for Delivering Good)
While organizers showcased Delivering Good’s past achievements, they also announced their new “Basic Comforts Pack,” designed to deliver immediate assistance to those in need. Each pack contains carefully selected essentials, from warm clothing to hygiene products, offering basic comforts that restore dignity and provide a foundation for recovery. Fasciano explained, “This pack is more than a box of items; it’s a lifeline. It represents Delivering Good’s commitment to meeting people where they are in times of crisis.”
The organization honored several key figures whose contributions have propelled Delivering Good’s mission forward. The evening’s first honoree, John Pomerantz, received the inaugural Luminary Award. Pomerantz, a renowned figure in the fashion world and co-founder of Fashion Delivers has been instrumental in building the organization since its early days. His acceptance speech was met with a standing ovation as he encouraged others to support the critical work of Delivering Good.
Prashant Agrawal, founder of Impact Analytics, was awarded the Delivering Good Innovation Award for his pioneering work in using artificial intelligence to optimize supply chains. His efforts, highlighted by Carter’s Chief Information Officer Ben Pivar, have enhanced the efficiency of humanitarian aid, ensuring that essentials reach people faster and more effectively.
PacSun CEO Brieane Olson received the Delivering Good Impact Award for her company’s impactful initiative to build laundry rooms in Los Angeles public schools. “Attendance is up, and students have regained their confidence,” Olson noted, underscoring simple facilities’ role in restoring students’ dignity and promoting well-being.
Delivering Good also honored Dr. Joyce Brown, President of the Fashion Institute of Technology, with the Vanguard Award for her contributions to education and the arts. In an emotional presentation by Suzie Pomerantz Davis and Andrea Pomerantz Lustig, Dr. Brown was lauded for her dedication to empowering the next generation of industry leaders to make a positive difference in the world.
Abbey Doneger, President and CEO of Doneger Tobe, received the Lifetime Achievement Award from his son, Adam Doneger. With over five decades in fashion and a deep commitment to philanthropy, Doneger reflected on his father’s early support of what would become Delivering Good and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the organization’s mission.
In addition to the honoree presentations, the gala featured a silent auction, raffles, and live appeal sessions, with attendees showing their generosity throughout the night. By evening’s end, the record-breaking $1.5 million raised underscored both the urgent need for continued support and the dedication of Delivering Good’s community to respond to that need.