As part of the third annual HFPA Foundation scholarship fundraising event, the Home Fashion Products Association (HFPA) Foundation and Home Textiles Today are presenting the exciting September market cocktail gala, which honors industry stalwarts.
The spirited cocktail party, which supports the scholarship program of the HFPA Foundation, will be held on Wednesday, September 18 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Harvard Club. You can sign up at https://cvent.me/wn2DPo.
Hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction, a student introduction to FIT’s home fashions program, and the announcement of the 2024 Home Excellence recipients are all planned for the two-hour event.
Since its founding in 1996, the Foundation has awarded scholarships to about 250 students. Presently, the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) and Thomas Jefferson University offer scholarships to students enrolled in surface design or home product marketing programs.
Gala to Honor Industry Achievement
Cynthia Castillo, a retailer at The Home Depot, will get the inaugural Home Excellence Award, which is granted to a single retailer who demonstrates excellence in merchandising within their product category or categories. She started out as a sales associate at the massive home improvement company and worked her way up the ranks. As a merchant, she has concentrated on flooring and related services; in addition, she has managed the merchandising of paint, décor, and custom windows.
The American Textile Company’s Lance and Blake Ruttenberg will receive the Home Excellence Award for Leadership for an individual supplier executive or executive team. The American Textile Company’s innovative culture and vision are recognized with this honor.
Indo Count Industries will get the Home Excellence Award, which is presented to a home textiles supplier or manufacturer who excels in growing their business. With a projected volume of $504 million in 2023, Indo Count ranks as the fourth largest supplier to the U.S. market. The company first established itself as a trusted source for sheets in North America. Since then, it has increased through acquisitions as well as organic growth by branching out into new product areas.
The Home Excellence Award for allied to the industry will be given to Evan H. Margolin at Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), who was instrumental in helping dozens of former 295 Fifth Avenue tenants relocate into new spaces along 5th Avenue after the former Textiles Building was converted into a luxury office space.
Industry Members Show Their Support
The gala’s primary sponsor is ProTecht. The platinum sponsor is Supima.
Gold sponsors include Loftex, Lichtenberg American Textile Company, Welspun and Oritain.
Cotton Incorporated, Rush and Company, 1888 Mills, Natco Home, JLL, Mohawk Home and Avanti Linens, Ciclo, and WestPoint Home are among of the sponsors of Silver. Bronze sponsor is Cotton Egypt.
