In Town of Niagara, giving is fashionable

Fashion Outlets teams with town to present $450,000 in donations

Story & Photos by Benjamin Joe

The Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls USA again teamed up with the Town of Niagara to give out $450,000 in donations to charitable groups.

“The event is over 20 years old, and the town and the mall partner to have what we call now ‘Give Fashionably,’ ” Fashion Outlets General Manager John Doran said at Tuesday’s event. “We give to charities and community groups that work so hard to make living and working here the great experience that it is.”

Of the annual event, Supervisor Sylvia Virtuoso said, “The town couldn’t appreciate it more from the mall, and we work together so well, and this brings us great joy to give to all the great organizations in the town.”

The origin of the event dates from before the mall was built. Developers agreed to provide funds each year, in conjunction with the Town of Niagara, as part of a commitment to the community.

“The money originates with the mall, but that’s based on a negotiation and an agreement with the town when the mall was first developed,” Doran said. “But you know what? This has been awesome to use this pool of money to give back to the community that keeps on supporting us, day after day, year after year.”

Virtuoso agreed.

“It was originally like a tax agreement, but it’s turned into such a phenomenal event, and we just love doing it,” she said.

More than 35 recipients were chosen to receive a donation of $1,000 or more, including Community Missions of the Niagara Frontier, Francis Center, HART, Niagara Arts and Cultural Center, Niagara Hospice and the Town of Niagara Lions Club.

Fashion Outlets General manager John Doran and Town of Niagara Supervisor Sylvia Virtuoso were excited to give donations to over 35 charitable organizations on Tuesday.

Krystle Cessna, Rachael Roth, Zamia Taul of the Niagara Falls Boys & Girls Club were at Tuesday’s “Give Fashionably” event and received a donation from the Fashion Outlets, along with several other community organizations.

Heart, Love & Soul Food Kitchen’s Jennifer Stahlman and Michael Jones are excited about using their “Give Fashionably” donation to help those in need.

A crowd watches the “Give Fashionably” event at the Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls USA. (Image courtesy of the Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls USA)