Local Nonprofit Lands on Gucci’s List of ‘Changemakers’

Local Nonprofit Lands on Gucci’s List of ‘Changemakers’

Student participants of Young Audiences

GUCCI RECENTLY ANNOUNCED its third round of beneficiaries of its North American Changemakers Impact Fund and Scholars Program. Since its founding in 2019, the Changemakers program has been focused on increasing inclusion and diversity across communities and within the fashion industry. Through the Changemakers Awards, Gucci financially supports diverse communities with $50,000 grants distributed to nonprofits, along with scholarships and mentorships for individuals.


This year, Young Audiences Arts for Learning, a Houston nonprofit with a mission to increase the number of high-quality art programs available to children throughout the city and surrounding counties, was one of the 12 organizations to receive the grant. Houston’s Magpies & Peacocks, the nation’s only nonprofit design house, was a 2021 recipient.

The latest round of grantees represent organizations led by diverse nonprofit leaders pursuing performing-arts training; inclusive public-art to inspire social change; economic mobility programs; support for crisis-impacted Indigenous communities; and personal development for historically Black colleges and universities.

The brand has awarded more than $1 million scholarships to more than 50 students, and almost $2 million in grants to 40 nonprofit organizations.

“These talented young people and non-profit organizations inspire the Gucci community every single day to dream bigger than ever before,” Antoine Phillips, Vice President of Brand and Culture Engagement at Gucci America, said in a release. “Through this work, we are focused not only on amplifying their stories of impact, but inspiring lasting change through the power of arts and culture."

Employees, students and supporters of Young Audiences Arts for Learning will also have the opportunity to engage in volunteer activities with Gucci employees, along with additional programming led by the brand’s Culture Engagement team.

Style
Leadership in Action: John Kuykendall Traded Newcaster Dream for Success in Luxury Retail

John Kuykendall, Showroom Manager, Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove

How did you get to where you are today? Growing up I had envisioned myself as a news anchor, living in NY and enthusiastically saying into the camera “Good Morning America!”. To this day, I am still a news/political junkie. My mother owned fur salons so specialty retail, luxury retail was in my blood through the family business. Eventually, mom shuttered the stores and I was recruited to a large specialty retailer. Over the next 30 years, I was in commissioned sales on the sales floor, became a department manager, worked my way up to buyer and store manager. Although I never became a newscaster, I did live in NYC for a few years. But Texas is home and with aging grandparents, I felt the pull to come back to my roots. A headhunter approached me. I never envisioned myself in the high-end appliance market, but there are so many similarities. Clients want a memorable experience; whether shopping for diamonds and fur or remodeling their kitchen.

Keep Reading Show less

THE CORINTHIAN WAS the scene for a haunted happening benefiting Children’s Museum Houston. The decidedly adult bash was filled with dark allure, gothic glamour, and generosity to the tune of $1.14 million, the second-highest total in the event’s history.

Keep Reading Show less
Parties

Morris Smith, Tilman Fertitta and Toni Smith

THE HOUSTON CHILDREN'S Charity gala is always anticipated, thanks to the big-deal musical acts brought in to entertain; this year it was Chicago. But the headliners this year were the generous donors, who seemed to surprise even event organizer with their largesse, with a total till of $6.2 million, a record.

Keep Reading Show less
Party People