NRF Foundation To Bring Together Industry Leaders, Tomorrow's Retail Stars For Inaugural Gala At Retail's BIG Show

The NRF Foundation recently announced it will host its inaugural Gala on January 11, 2015 at Pier Sixty in New York City in celebration of the imagination, inspiration and innovation at work in the retail industry.The Gala will bring together the next generation of retail talent, the industry’s most illustrious leaders, and honorees on The List of People Shaping Retail’s Future.

HSNi CEO and Chairman of the NRF Foundation Board of Directors Mindy Grossman, and Chairman and CEO of The Container Store Kip Tindell will co-host the event, which will raise funds for the NRF Foundation through sponsorships, individual donations and a spectacular auction. All Gala proceeds will benefit NRF Foundation initiatives, including funding for student scholarships and experiences, digital and video content to showcase retail career opportunities, initiatives for returning veterans, programs to help young professionals in retail advance, and certification and training programs for store associates.

“The work of the NRF Foundation to shape retail’s future is making a huge difference in helping our industry attract great talent,” said Grossman. “As an industry that supports millions of jobs and has such a tremendous impact on our nation’s economy, it’s important to continue to tell stories of people who work in retail and promote the rewarding career opportunities retail offers. We can’t wait for the industry to come together for this celebration!”

The host committee for the inaugural NRF Foundation Gala: Celebrating Imagination, Inspiration, Innovation will include:

• Joanne Bradford, Head of Partnerships, Pinterest
• Lauren Bush Lauren, Founder and CEO, FEED
• Bert Jacobs, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Optimist, The Life is Good Company
• Jarrod C. Moses, Founder, President, and CEO, United Entertainment Group
• Lisa M. Price, Founder, Carol's Daughter
• Reshma Saujani, Founder, Girls Who Code
• Jonathan D. Sokoloff, Managing Partner, Leonard Green & Partners, L.P.
• Martha Stewart, Founder and Chief Creative Officer, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia
• Serena Williams, WTA #1 Ranked Tennis Player

“At the NRF Foundation Gala, we are excited to celebrate our industry with young adults who represent the future, leaders who have paved the way, and innovators and influencers who refused to take no for an answer throughout their career,” said Tindell. “I can’t think of a better opportunity to showcase the imagination, inspiration and innovation at work in retail.

About The NRF Foundation
The NRF Foundation shapes retail’s future by building awareness of the industry through statistics and stories; developing talent through education, experiences and scholarships; and fostering career growth among people who work in retail. The NRF Foundation is the 501(c)(3) nonprofit arm of the National Retail Federation and is funded in part by generous donations from retail industry supporters. For more information, visit www.nrffoundation.com.