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Mar 2011  |  By Susan B. Noyes  |  Comments

Shop Gucci, Build a School

UNICEF is better known for no-frills fundraising than for fashion. (Remember the Trick or Treat for UNICEF campaign? It’s in its 60th year!)

But all that changed recently when Gucci hosted the Inaugural Women of Compassion Awards Luncheon in Beverly Hills.

The luncheon, held in the magnificent estate gardens of former Evanstonian Colleen Bell, celebrated Gucci's philanthropic partnership with UNICEF. Awards were presented by UNICEF friend and supporter Jennifer Lopez to Gucci Creative Director Frida Giannini and Carrie Auer, UNICEF representative in Malawi.

Giannini traveled with Auer and UNICEF in Malawi in 2009 and during her acceptance speech, she vowed to return. She is deeply committed to a Gucci's UNICEF partnership, designing various products and collections to benefit the organization.

In the last six years, Gucci has partnered with UNICEF to raise more than $8 million. To support this stronger commitment, Gucci has already donated $1 million to UNICEF's "Schools for Africa" campaign. The campaign aims to increase access to basic education for all children and specifically targets the disadvantaged.

With leaders and celebrities like Giannini and Lopez championing UNICEF, fundraising and awareness raising about this important organization has taken a glamorous leap forward.

To view the Gucci children's collection and place orders, click here.

To learn more about UNICEF, visit unicefusa.org.