International Women's Volunteer Federation Partners with Chico's to Observe Domestic Violence Awareness Month

The General Federation of Women's Clubs is pleased to announce apartnership with Chico's stores to benefit domestic violence awareness and prevention.

"GFWC is truly honored to be associated with this wonderful program and with Chico's," said GFWC International President Jacquelyn Pierce. "Our members have truly embraced the cause of domestic violence awareness and prevention, and we are delighted for this opportunity to create such exciting and valuable events that will benefit shelters, safe houses, and service organizations in the communities where our members live and work."

Through this unique opportunity, GFWC clubs are encouraged to sponsor a Wardrobe Party at their local Chico's location from October 1-31, 2007. Members have invited friends, family members, local women's organizations, and other nonprofit partners to participate in the event-only Wardrobe Parties. Chico's will donate 10 percent of the sales at each event to a domestic violence shelter or safe house in the community where the event is held.

As the President's Special Project for the 2006-2008 administration, Domestic Violence Awareness is a key focus of the 100,000 member volunteer service organization that has more than 4,000 clubs in all 50 states and in more than a dozen countries worldwide. In the first year of this project, GFWC members initiated nearly 4,000 projects and raised over $1 million for programs related to this cause. Already an acknowledged leader among advocates for domestic violence awareness and prevention, GFWC was recognized on the floor of the United States Senate as "a gem among our midst" by Senator Joseph Biden (Del.) for work in bringing hope to victims and survivors of domestic violence and abuse.

Chico's, a specialty retailer of private branded, sophisticated, casual-to-dressy clothing, intimates, complementary accessories, and other non-clothing gift items has stores in 48 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. During the Wardrobe Parties, Chico's staff work one-on-one with each group to create a fun and festive event that serves an excellent cause.

For more information on GFWC's clubs and plans for Wardrobe Parties across the country, contact GFWC Communications & Public Relations Director Nakia L. Willoughby by e-mail or call 202/347-3168 ext. 149. Post-event photos and a wrap-up of the events will be featured on GFWC's website later in the year. Visit GFWC online at www.gfwc.org.

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Contact: Chico's Publicity Coordinator Michaela Vattimo at 239/274.4286

The General Federation of Women's Clubs, one of the world's largest and oldest women's volunteer community service organizations, was founded in 1890 and is headquartered in Washington, DC. GFWC has more than 100,000 members in affiliated clubs in every state and over a dozen countries. Visit us online at www.gfwc.org.

About GFWC:

• In 2006, GFWC and its members raised nearly $32 million on behalf of more than 230,000 projects, and volunteered more than 8.4 million hours. GFWC members and clubs work on projects in six main areas: arts; conservation; education; home life; international affairs; and public affairs.

• The President's Special Project for 2006-2008 is domestic violence awareness and prevention. In the first year of this project, GFWC members initiated nearly 4,000 projects and raised over $1 million to programs related to this cause.

• GFWC was recognized on the floor of the United States Senate as "a gem among our midst" by Senator Joseph Biden (Del.) for our work in bringing hope to victims and survivors of domestic violence and abuse. (November 16, 2006)

• Notable GFWC clubwomen have included: Julia Ward Howe, author of The Battle Hymn of the Republic; Jane Addams, founder of Hull House; Nellie Tayloe Ross, the first female governor and the first woman to be appointed Director of the United States Mint; Eleanor Roosevelt, first lady, social reformer, columnist, teacher, and political activist; and Margaret Chase Smith, the first woman to ever be elected to both Houses of Congress, and the first woman to campaign for the presidential nomination of a major political party.