Mark Your Calendars: Happenings at Champions for Charity 2016

Never has shopping been more fabulous and guilt-free!

Roll up your sleeves, lace up those Manolos and break out the Birkin: Champions for Charity is back! Now in its 21st year, Americana Manhasset’s annual four-day charity shopping extravaganza takes place Thursday, December 1 through Sunday, December 4. During that time, a festive atmosphere abounds throughout the center and shoppers enjoy unique in-store receptions designed with their discerning tastes in mind.

While we all love tasty hors d’oeuvres and a glass of Champagne, what truly makes this benefit special—and sets itself apart from all others—is the generous 25 percent pre-tax donation made to the shoppers’ charity(s) of choice from a list of over 100 not-for- profit participating organizations.

Since its inception, this collaborative event between Americana Manhasset stores and their patrons—a highlight of the holiday shopping season on Long Island—has raised over $10 million dollars for local and national charities.

So what’s in store beyond the fabulously catered receptions each boutique has planned? Special appearances, book signings, live entertainment and much, more more! Among this year’s highlights are personal appearances by Donna Karan at Urban Zen; Anne Fontaine at her namesake boutique and iconic supermodel Pat Cleveland, who will be signing copies of her new memoir at St. John. Over at London Jewelers, Elizabeth Frogel will be signing her newest children’s book, Charlie Girl: Tails of a Very Original Poodle.

The Burberry boutique will be transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with Tin Can Studios flower shop where clients, with purchase, can customize their own fragrant holiday wreath (the brand will host multiple events all four days for charities including Ronald McDonald House, The Sands Point Preserve Conservancy and the Chinese American Medical Society). Hermès will also host multiple charities: UJA, Island Harvest, Gift of Life, Chinese Dollars for Scholars, and Portledge School.

Other notable Americana boutique partnerships include Louis Vuitton with Tower Foundation (we hear a deejay will be spinning alongside an electronic violinist, not to mention an origami artist recreating the brand’s furry friends straight out of the holiday windows); Bottega Veneta with The Diabetes Research Institute Foundation (an engraving artisan is personalizing fragrance bottles with clients's initials); Michael Kors with Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America; Gucci with Cycle for Survival and Larger than Life, Rag & Bone with The Bone Marrow Foundation, and Salvatore Ferragamo with The Paul Foundation.

Participation in Champions for Charity could not be easier! Simply register for your complimentary Champion Number online (including mobile), by phone (800-818-6767) or in person at our Concierge office. Present your Champion Number between Dec. 1-4 at the time of each purchase and 25 percent of your full-price, pre-tax purchases will be donated to the participating organization(s) of your choice. And voilà, that’s it!

Oh, and in case you were wondering: ALL Americana Manhasset stores and select Wheatley Plaza stores participate in Champions for Charity.

Happy shopping and HAPPY HOLIDAYS!