Three dozen Southwest Florida children in foster care were able to experience life as runway models, fashionistas and trendsetters with the Guardian ad Litem Foundation, 20th Judicial Circuit, at Macy’s Coastland Center.
The 36 children and teens walked the red carpet, experienced mini-makeovers, shopped and learned to own their own style while shopping with Macy’s gift cards provided by the retailer and private donors.
“Our foundation is always trying to provide experiences so children in foster care can enjoy a ‘normal childhood,’ and that includes shopping trips, birthday parties, visits to theme parks and other fun activities,” said Jessica Stanfield, executive director of the Guardian ad Litem Foundation. “We’re so thankful Macy’s and our donors created this experience so children could treat themselves to a day of being pampered and shopping for the latest fashions.”
The Guardian ad Litem Foundation supports court-appointed volunteer child advocates who represent Southwest Florida youth who have been abused, neglected or abandoned as they navigate the judicial, education and child welfare systems. The nonprofit raises funds that help meet a child’s health, educational and social needs.
“Having the privilege to support the work that the Guardian ad Litem Foundation does for children and help empower young people on their journey to become leaders of tomorrow has been humbling,” said Michelle Hershey, Macy’s Coastland Center store manager. “Macy’s has a long history of supporting local Southwest Florida communities, and we are thrilled to participate in this back-to-school event as part of our commitment to creating a brighter future with bold representation for all through our social purpose, Mission Every One.”
About Guardian ad Litem Foundation
The Guardian ad Litem Foundation, 20th Judicial Circuit, was established in 1984 and is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports Guardian ad Litem programs in Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties. The Foundation, a United Way Partner Agency, has a mission of ensuring that every abused, neglected or abandoned youth in Southwest Florida has a voice as they navigate the judicial, education and child welfare system. The Foundation raises funds that help meet a child’s health, educational and social needs, as well as provides support for highly trained volunteer advocates who represent the best interests of a child until a safe, permanent placement is established. For additional information, visit VoicesForKids.org or call 239-533-1435.
About Macy’s
Macy’s, the largest retail brand of Macy’s, Inc., serves as the style source for generations of customers. With one of the nation’s largest e-commerce platforms powered by macys.com and mobile app, paired with a nationwide network of stores, Macy’s delivers the most convenient and seamless shopping experience, offering great values in apparel, home, beauty, accessories and more. Macy’s gives customers even more ways to shop and own their style through an off-price assortment at Macy’s Backstage and at our highly curated and smaller store format, Market by Macy’s. Each year, Macy’s provides millions with unforgettable experiences through Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks® and Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade® and helps our customers celebrate special moments, big and small. We’re guided by our purpose – to create a brighter future with bold representation that empowers more voice, choice and ownership for our colleagues, customers, and communities.
