The amount raised for student scholarships during the third annual HTT/HPFA Foundation market gala exceeded that of the previous year.
More than $55,000 was raised for the Sept. 18 event at The Harvard Club before doors opened, and more money was raised throughout the market party.
Brian Delp, president of sales and global licensing (North America) for Himatsingka and chair of the HFPA Legacy Committee, remarked, “This success is a testament to our community’s commitment.”
Due to the $50,000 raised from the fundraising the previous year, the HFPA Foundation was able to award the highest grants to date, totaling $40,000. Twelve worthy students at FIT received scholarships and stipends. This semester’s speaker event was one of the home fashions-related events that benefited from the additional funding.
Delp stated, “Investing in these students isn’t just giving back—it’s a strategic move for the future of our industry.”
In addition to helping to generate extra money during the event, student volunteers from FIT and Thomas Jefferson University got the chance to network with the home textiles executives present by circulating with lottery tickets.
HFPA President Charles Gaenslen expressed gratitude to Lichtenberg President Scott Goldstein during the dinner, saying that Goldstein “kept the fire burning on the HFPA Scholarship Foundation for many years prior our event.”
The majority of the scholarship monies were donated by the evenings’ sponsors, according to Gaenslen, CEO of Loftex USA.
ProTecht served as the gala’s main sponsor. Supima served as the awards program’s platinum sponsor.
Among the gold sponsors are Indo Count, Welspun, Oritain, Himatsingka, Southfield Capital/Alba, Loftex, and Lichtenberg American Textile Company.
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.
