The Housewares Charity Foundation (HCF) will celebrate 20 years of raising funds for designated charities and uniting the housewares industry during its annual gala on Monday, March 20, during the 2017 International Home + Housewares Show in Chicago.
This year, three industry leaders will be honored for their philanthropic endeavors: Janet Hayes, president of Williams Sonoma, will receive the Lifetime Humanitarian Award; and Richard L. Boynton, Jr., president of Jura Inc., will receive the Humanitarian of the Year Award. In addition, Phil Brandl, president and chief executive officer of the International Housewares Association, will receive the Lifetime Leadership Award.
The Gala, which will be held at Navy Pier, will start 30 minutes earlier this year with a reception at 5:30 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), the HCF’s legacy charity, and No Kid Hungry. Since the first gala in 1998, HCF said it has raised more than $48 million and has been credited with donating more than $27 million to BCRF.
Co-chairs for the 2017 event are Peter Cameron, co-chairman of Lenox Corporation and Keith Jaffee, chairman of O2 Cool. The 2017 theme, “A Purpose. A Plan. A Promise,” celebrates the philosophy and mission envisioned by the housewares executives who joined together to create the Housewares Charity Foundation in 1997. The evening will include auctions and entertainment, along with the honoree tributes. The gala will begin with a cocktail reception featuring eight tasting stations hosted by James Beard Foundation chefs. Dinner will feature a three-course meal designed by Tony Mantuano, chef/partner, Spiaggia Restaurant & Lounge.
