Getting to know the team at FFANY, especially Nicole Rivers was one of the highlights of my summer trips to NYC. I quickly found a friend with similar drive, ambition and passion for the industry in which I am anticipating many future partnerships!! I have heard about the “FFANY Shoes on Sale” event but have never attended so of course when my invitation showed up in the mail I was super excited.  I cannot wait to go!! I find it amazing that FFANY contributes to a great cause such as Breast Cancer research.  I kindly asked Nicole to write me a little bit about the event from her point of view, and this is what she had to say:

“This will be my first year working with “FFANY Shoes on Sale,” now in its 16th year.   I’m really excited about working on an event that supports breast cancer research, education and awareness.  For many, like me, Cancer, not just Breast Cancer hits too close to home way too often. “FFANY Shoes on Sale” is an amazing opportunity to be able to support a cause I’m passionate about as part of my job! This year the event is going “social!” I’ve been working with the event organizers to create new initiatives to promote the cause and the October 13^th event, via Social Networking sites like Facebook and Twitter. The event is televised on QVC with opportunities to donate and purchase on line, so it is important to connect with as many people as possible.  I’m really looking forward to visiting the Shoe Salon at the event in New York!  I’ll be shopping for fabulous shoes while raising money to support the search for a cure!”

Traditionally the event has been a sit down dinner, but this year they decided to make more of a cocktail party. I am looking forward to the opportunity to network with the industry’s heavyweights while shopping fabulous shoes!!  Nicole has taken the lead on an initiative to expand the awareness of this event and is partnering with colleague Carrie Karmen and Irene Fitzgerald of Nine West, who I had the opportunity of meeting in August and know has a shared enthusiasm for the event’s success. As Nicole mentions above they have been utilizing multiple social media outlets and are re-vamping the existing FFANY website to offer more information about the event and the purpose of SOS.  The new FFANY website launches September 21^st.

The Facebook page has a section for “Survivor Stories” as a way to create a community outlet for those who have been touched by this disease in anyway. They hope to encourage positive, open communication which will provide a resource for healing, increase awareness, and encourage others to join the quest for a cure.

The event is on October 13^th at the Frederick P. Rose Hall Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center, so if you haven’t checked it out yet, you need to -now!! I will be there so that is incentive enough right??? I kid, I kid. J I am expecting a great time to be had by all and hope that this is their most successful year yet!!!