Username:
Password:
Remember me

close

 

 

 

by GoPride.com News Staff

Chicago, IL — Howard Brown Health Center (HBHC) unveiled a new campaign for the Brown Elephant during a special event Friday with State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Illinois), a longtime HBHC ally and frequent shopper at the Brown Elephant, and seven other customers.

During the red ribbon ceremony at the store's Lakeview location, HBHC President and CEO Jamal Edwards announced the ‘Donate Shop Save Lives' campaign, which is designed to share the personal experiences of donors and shoppers who directly impact HBHC.

"Many of our customers simply aren't aware that their donated items or the purchases they make, translate into crucial medical exams or lab work that could save someone's life; so we thought this campaign would help us convey that message." said Edwards.

The facade of the Brown Elephant locations in Chicago and Oak Park will be refreshed with images and stories that connect purchases to lifesaving services at the HBHC.

In one of the window panels unveiled Friday, Rep. Feigenholtz is pictured wearing a long, pink coat, which she purchased at the Brown Elephant, along with copy that reads, "Shop Warmth."

Feigenholtz explained that she wore the coat for the first time during last year's winter election season and it generated numerous compliments and inquiries.

"The Brown Elephant is not only the place to find one-of-a-kind pieces, but it's also serving a wonderful cause since the proceeds from purchases support Howard Brown Health Center's annual charity care efforts," said Rep. Feigenholtz, who generously lent her support and image to ‘Donate Shop Save Lives.'

Feigenholtz is among more than 220,000 people who visit the Brown Elephant Resale Shops each year.

"I shop local and support small business in my district," Feigenholtz told ChicagoPride.com. "Being able to support Howard Brown through the Brown Elephant during the holiday season is truly a joy."

Proceeds from Brown Elephant sales help support Howard Brown Health Center, which provides $1 million in charity care to Chicago's LGBT community.

Campaign organizers say ‘Donate Shop Save Lives' is the beginning of an ongoing marketing effort to refresh the Brown Elephant brand. 

The Brown Elephant is always seeking donations of quality men's, women's and children's clothing, used, yet current and working electronics, furniture, housewares, books and toys, and working, recent generation smartphones and cellphones. 

The donation areas at all locations are open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. All stores are open from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. daily. For more information, visit www.howardbrown.org/brownelephant. 

Kinky Boots
More Info | Buy It!

Queers in History: The Comprehensive Encyclopedia of Historical Gays, Lesbians and Bisexuals
More Info | Buy It!

Like Me: Confessions Of A Heartland Country Singer
More Info | Buy It!