Celebrating Pier 1 Imports’ commitment to the world’s children

Wendy Miller is Director, Product Marketing at the U.S. Fund for UNICEF.

Last Tuesday was one of celebration at the U.S. Fund’s office in NYC! It was an afternoon of celebrating the passion and commitment of an incredible team of Pier 1 Imports associates. This dedicated group epitomizes the joy and spirit of the holiday season, by helping provide a hopeful future to children around the world all year long. The associates who joined us represented the stores and regions that exceeded their sales goal of UNICEF 2011 holiday cards with the highest margin, while also meeting or exceeding their total sales goals.

Sharon Leite, Pier 1 Imports’ Executive Vice President of Stores, presented Caryl Stern, President and CEO of the U. S. Fund for UNICEF, with a check for $1,607,976. The donation reflects the amount that Pier 1 Imports raised during the 2011 holiday season from the sale of UNICEF greeting cards in their stores across the United States. Understanding how much even $1 can do to help a child, I know that Pier 1’s efforts will make a huge impact on saving and improving children’s lives around the world.

Pictured from left to right: Executive Vice President of Stores Sharon Leite, Regional Manager – Los Angeles Inland Region Leila Newton, Regional Manager – Miami Region Sandy Mora, Store Manager Brigette Maine, Store Manager Cheyenneh Lee, Director of Stores – Northeast Territory Susan Dubois, President and CEO of the U. S. Fund for UNICEF Caryl Stern, Store Manager Terri Dillard, Store Manager Ashley Bryant.

I was very moved by the presentation. Pier 1 Imports and U.S .Fund for UNICEF have been partners for 27 years, and it was evident to me why the partnership has lived and thrived for so long. It is because of the passion and commitment of all the folks involved, along with the admiration each organization holds for the other.

The afternoon was truly a celebration of how much we have done and continue to do together to ensure that every child has an opportunity to reach his or her full potential.