Retail Merchandising And Supply Chain Consultant RPE Gives Back To Youth Worldwide

Tampa, Fla. - Participating in sports is a pastime enjoyed by many of today's youths. But for children with disabilities, especially those in poor countries, the joy of kicking a ball or competing in a game is something they may never experience. To help children experience the emotional and physical benefits of sports, RPE recently made a donation to the International Christian Centers for the Deaf to support a summer soccer camp in Rio Bravo, Mexico. The RPE donation will help impoverished deaf children by teaching them communication skills through the game of soccer.

"Youth sports are a way to build a child's self-confidence as well as communication skills, two areas that will serve them well as they try to break the cycle of poverty," said Cliff Epstein, president of RPE, a leading retail consulting firm specializing in merchandising and supply chain solutions. Epstein, who began mentoring youth more than 40 years ago, is a passionate supporter of youth programs. "It's important that we give back to those in need, especially disadvantaged children," Epstein said.

Barkett Allen Capital has donated more than 3,000 soccer balls to youth worldwide and introduced the International Christian Centers for the Deaf soccer program to RPE while working on a joint retail IT initiative. Erryn Barkett, president of Barkett Allen Capital, began donating soccer balls as part of a free soccer camp he initiated in 2004 in Virginia.

"I soon saw the demand for similar programs in other countries and have established camps or donated soccer balls to programs in Mexico, Argentina, Costa Rica and Uganda," said Barkett. "RPE's support will benefit children who are often rejected or ignored due to a disability."

RPE is also a loyal supporter of the Retail Orphan Initiative, a non-profit charitable organization established to help the 400 million orphaned and vulnerable children worldwide.

About RPE
RPE specializes in strategic, functional and technical consulting to deliver innovative retail merchandising and supply chain solutions including business process improvement, package selection, strategic IT planning and systems implementation. Areas of expertise include IBM Hardware, JDA Software and most other leading solutions. RPE also provides cloud computing services including hosting, Software as a Service and managed services. Clients include Anna's Linens, Cabela's, Charlotte Russe, Guitar Center, Five Below, Fred Meyer, Forzani Group, lululemon athletica, Michael Kors, Modell's Sporting Goods, Nautica, Perfumania, Party City, Rexall, Spencer Gifts, Vitamin Shoppe, VF Corporation and many more. For more information, visit www.rpesolutions.com.

SOURCE: RPE