HanesBrands, the parent of Champion, Hanes and Gear for Sports, announced that the company and its employees surpassed their goal and raised $346,083 for the Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County during its 2013 employee campaign.
The successful effort was the largest employee giving contribution to the Arts Council campaign and relied on another year of generous donations by Hanes Forsyth County employees. The amount raised was 3 percent higher than the 2012 gift of $334,715.
“We are thrilled with the record-breaking 2013 Hanes Arts Council fundraising campaign,” said Howard Upchurch, the company's 2013 campaign chairperson. “Hanes and its employees have a long tradition of supporting the arts in Winston-Salem.”
The annual campaign includes weeklong activities, including silent auctions; art contests for adults and children, where winners are selected by employees; and an arts festival, during which there is live entertainment and artists have the opportunity to display their works. Also during the week, local musicians are invited to perform in the company's onsite café during lunchtime. New to the 2013 campaign were two activities: Arts for Arts Sake, a poster decorating contest, and a 5K and 1 mile walk/run.
Hanes employees are committed to supporting the arts and having fun while doing so.
“Hanes employees recognize that the arts are critical to a healthy community,” said Cheryl Lindsay, the company's campaign co-chair. “We view our Arts Council campaign as a cornerstone to our involvement in Forsyth County, and we are thrilled to continue the quest of ensuring a vibrant arts community that enriches the quality of life for all.”
Since the start of the partnership in 2001, Hanes has raised more than $4.2 million in support of local arts program and artists. Employee giving to the annual campaign has increased 55 percent over the past decade. In 2008, the company and its employees pledged $2 million to the Arts Council to help fund the construction of Hanesbrands Theatre, a 300-seat performing arts theater in downtown Winston-Salem.
“Hanes' commitment to the arts in Winston-Salem and Forsyth County is extraordinary,” said Milton Rhodes, president and CEO of the Arts Council. “Each year key members of its management team step forward to take leadership roles in our annual campaign. Hanes employees are pacesetters usually setting ambitious goals and then exceeding them.
“I am amazed at the enthusiasm and creativity with which Hanes and its employees approach the campaign. It's clear that their employees understand that the arts make a difference in economic development, the education of our children, and the overall quality of life. I cannot find enough ways to say, 'Thank you.'”
HanesBrands includes Hanes, Champion, Playtex, Bali, JMS/Just My Size, barely there, Wonderbra and Gear for Sports.
