Last spring, Nicole Kaye and Amanda Shulman organized a Mother/Daughter Fashion Show which raised $24,000.00 for CHC’s Backpack Buddies program.

Their friends modeled prom dresses and a raffle was held with great prizes from local businesses and neighbors. Niemen Marcus/White Plains donated the venue, allowing all proceeds to benefit underprivileged local children!  “We want to support the Backpack Buddies program because we feel it’s important for every child to start school with the same tools and an equal chance to learn,” Nicole said. 

While the girls were pleased with the financial success of their event, the most important thing to them was carrying out the project from start to finish.

With a portion of the money raised, they spent the summer hitting the Back- to-School sales and bought 300 new backpacks, filled them with supplies and delivered them to the Bronx YMCA, The Port Chester Carver Center, and My Sister’s Place in White Plains. 

CHC board member, Ellen Kaidanow, worked with the girls. “I am so impressed with what Nicole and Amanda have accomplished. They supported hundreds of local students who needed a helping hand this year, and have set a great example of how to “give back.” 

Ellen added, “A key component of CHC’s mission is encouraging the participation of young people to offer hope to those in need. We are very lucky to have Nicole and Amanda on our team, and we thank them for their significant contribution to The Children’s Hope Chest this year.”