Back to School Clothing Drive

Retail Store Upgrade Alert

karlgentles — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 00:23:48 +0000

SAFE Schools: As part of Back-to-School Clothing Drive’s ongoing effort to provide the best online shopping experience, we are pleased to announce enhancements are underway in our SAFE online retail store! One example of the upcoming changes is the ability to order multiple sizes of a single product at one time. In order to implement and test these upgrades with as little interruption as possible, we are going to close the store from December 15, 2011, until January 8, 2012. You will not have any access to the store during this time. Please do not hesitate to call us at 602-256-9408 if you are in need of products or if you have any questions during that time. Thank you for your patronage and Happy Holidays!

BTS Executive Director selected as a 2011 Piper Fellow

krissy — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 23:35:09 +0000

Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust has named its 11th class of Piper Fellows—leaders that work daily on the frontlines to improve quality of life for people in Maricopa County’s diverse communities. Along with Back to School Clothing Drive’s Executive Director Karl Gentles, the Fellows are: Barbara Fenster, executive director, Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona; MaryLynn Mack, deputy director, Desert Botanical Garden; Darlene Newsom, chief executive officer, UMOM New Day Centers; and Jared Sakren, producing artistic director, Southwest Shakespeare Company. Through the Piper Fellowship, these dedicated nonprofit leaders will participate in self-designed professional development sabbaticals to further strengthen their skills and bring new knowledge back to the organizations they lead and serve.

“Piper Fellows are afforded time and resources to invest in themselves and their fellowship experiences have proven to be transformative. This investment in ‘human potential’ comes back to nonprofit organizations by way of new programming, new relationships and networks, and reenergized leaders— all of which ultimately strengthens and benefits the community at large,” said Judy Jolley Mohraz, Ph.D., president and CEO of Piper Trust. The newly selected Piper Fellows, chosen via a competitive process, will complete individual sabbaticals in 2012 and will become part of the enduring Piper Fellows “alumni” group that meets regularly to discuss ideas, challenges, and sensitive leadership issues. Up to five new Piper Fellows are selected each year; 46 nonprofit leaders have participated in the program to date. A committee of three community leaders, including one Piper Fellow from the previous year’s class, made Piper Fellow recommendations from among 18 applications.

A private independent foundation, Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust honors Virginia Galvin Piper’s philanthropic commitment to changing lives and strengthening community in Maricopa County (Arizona). By investing in nonprofits and encouraging strategic planning for the future, Piper Trust strives to make Maricopa County a stronger, more nurturing and vibrant community. Since it began awarding grants in 2000, Piper Trust has invested $285 million in local nonprofits and programs. The Trust had total grants paid of $21.6 million in fiscal year 2011. Piper Trust grantmaking areas are healthcare and medical research, children, older adults, arts and culture, education and religious organizations. For more information, visit www.pipertrust.org

Karl Gentles Fellowship Details

“Working in the nonprofit sector is extremely gratifying. We fill a gap that neither the government nor the private sector addresses which brings intensity to everything we do. The children we serve are faced with disparities they can’t even begin to understand and are unable to advance without help. My passion is to eliminate the barriers and give them the chance to succeed.”
- Karl Gentles, Executive Director, Back-To-School Clothing Drive

Fellow Biography

Karl Gentles has worked in the nonprofit arena for the last 15 years and has served as Executive Director of Back to School Clothing Drive since 2007. Driven by his passion for helping children, Gentles has revolutionized the organization’s business model by more than doubling revenues and substantially increasing the number of partner schools. Harnessing the potential of social enterprise, Gentles has positioned Back to School Clothing Drive for long-term financial sustainability. He has held senior leadership positions with USAA, Bank One, and Greater Phoenix Economic Council and has served in pivotal roles for nonprofits such as Phoenix Industrial Development Authority, Southwest Leadership Foundation, and Arizona School Facilities Board, among others.

Field Notes

To further grow Back to School Clothing Drive’s retail social enterprise, Karl Gentles has planned a comprehensive fellowship that combines visits to best practice sites and study at leading executive education programs. By spending time at Better World Books and the famed Harlem Children’s Zone, Gentles will learn first-hand how to implement a “triple bottom line” approach and gain further insight about the challenges of growing a program exponentially without losing sight of the mission. Knowledge gained from coursework in leadership and social innovation at Harvard Business School and INSEAD Business School will help shape Back to School Clothing Drive’s growth and sustainability.

Steer Tax Dollars to BTS with the Working Poor Tax Credit!

krissy — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 07:13:16 +0000

The Arizona Charitable (or Working Poor) Tax Credit allows you to receive a dollar-for-dollar credit of up to $400 (married filing jointly) on your state income tax when you donate to Back-To-School Clothing Drive. That means you can help us provide new school clothes and supplies to high-need children throughout Arizona … and it may not cost you a dime! This isn’t a tax deduction, which lowers your taxable income, this is a tax credit, which lowers the taxes you owe by the amount you give. Click on the postcard below and donate today so you choose where your tax dollars go! You may also mail your contribution to our office at 1212 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85034 (new address as of June 2011). A Tax Credit Receipt will be mailed to you once your contribution is processed.

Is it too good to be true?

It might sound that way, but this is truly a win-win situation. Your donation helps children start school with the clothes and supplies they need and you get a state tax credit and a federal tax deduction!

How does it work?

Donate to Back-To-School Clothing Drive by December 31, 2011
Complete Arizona Tax Forms 321 and 301
Reduce your state tax bill by the amount donated (up to $200 individual/$400 married filing jointly)

Can I still donate to my child’s school?

Yes! The this tax credit may be taken in addition to the Public School and the Private School tax credits.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Back-To-School Clothing Drive is not a tax advisor. Contact a qualified tax professional for expert advice on your specific tax situation. For more information on this tax credit (ARS 43-1088), please contact the Arizona Department of Revenue at (602) 255-3381, or http://www.revenue.state.az.us/.

Back to School Feels the “Love” at 2011 Gala

krissy — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 22:20:19 +0000

Evidence that change is good abounded at Back to School Clothing Drive’s 2011 fundraising dinner, “The Stitches of Love Gala,” where more than 330 supporters helped the nonprofit provider of school clothes and uniforms raise a record $287,000 at the revamped event. A new venue, a professional auctioneer and lavish live-auction items were some of the adaptations made. There was also a silent auction, a VIP cocktail reception, and band that played contemporary country music – perfect for dancing the night away.

“This year our goal was to rebrand the event as a true fundraiser, as opposed to previous years when fundraising efforts took a backseat,” said Executive Director Karl Gentles. “It was clear from the moment guest received the save-the-date card that we were looking for financial support.”

That support was buoyed by Gerry Wissink, CEO of the BHHS Legacy Foundation, when he pledged $100,000 from his organization as well as a match from Legacy Connections, bringing the total donation to $200,000. Event sponsors were BHHS Legacy Foundation, KPHO CBS-5, General Dynamics, HDS Marketing, KGPR, Wright Event Management Group, Glendale Civic Pride Ambassadors and Western Destinations.

All funds raised support the mission of Back-to-School Clothing Drive: To provide new school clothes and uniforms, backpack and school supplies to children who desperately need them. The 44-year-old organization assists more than 25,000 children each year through its three signature programs the “New Clothes, New Beginnings” annual clothing distribution event, Student Attire for Education (SAFE), and Stitches of Love.

Our Gala is Oct. 15 … peek at some awesome auction items!

krissy — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 23:08:43 +0000

The 2011 Stitches of Love Gala is less than two weeks away! We hope you join us Saturday, October 15, at the JW Marriott Resort at Desert Ridge for family-friendly cowboy games, live and silent auctions, a fashion show, and lots of fun and excitement. Individual seats are $100 and tables of 10 are $1,000 and come with a table sponsor listing in the event program. Don’t delay … RSVP today! Call 602-256-9408 or click here.

An African Safari!

Seven Nights in a Luxury Mexican Villa

A Behind-the -Scenes Tour

Hero for a Day!
Ride along with Phoenix Police and Glendale Fire

A Luis Gonzalez Baseball!

Call 602-256-9408 or click here to reserve your seat or buy your table.

You Are Invited to the Stitches of Love Gala

steve — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 00:52:55 +0000

A Night of Denim and Diamonds

Thank you for making our Open House a success!

krissy — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 22:51:50 +0000

At last night’s Open House we officially unveiled our new office — and we want to thank everyone who stopped by! It is exciting for us to have a single space that is able to house our daily operations, Stitches of Love materials and workshops, and board meetings. Having such a large number of our top supporters in that space made it even better. We hope you enjoyed the food, networking, and especially the live music by 15-year-old Maria Victoria (Maybe she will listen to the many suggestions to audition for America’s Got Talent!) If you weren’t able to visit us last night but would like to see the office – or pick up a copy of the 2011 Distribution Report (which was hot off the press!) — please feel free to come down and take a look. Although someone is usually in the office during regular business hours, it is always a good idea to call first. Our new address is 1212 E. Washington St. in Phoenix.

Back to School Clothing Drive Hits Home Run During All Star Game

karlgentles — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 00:51:09 +0000

The Back to School Clothing Drive’s collaboration with Bank of America during the recent All-Star Game held in Phoenix boosted the nonprofit’s visibility and showcased the bank’s signature local corporate social responsibility initiative. The PR campaign generated more than 15 million media impressions and over 1.5 million social media interactions during the three-week campaign. Coverage included: Phoenix Business Journal, The Arizona Republic, American Banker, Tucson Citizen, KPHO-TV (CBS), KNXV-TV (ABC), NBC-12, Fox-TV 10, Univision-TV 33, KTAR-AM 620, KMLE-FM 108, MLB.com, Sporting News Radio, and Baseball Digest.

$58,000 Raised During Telethon!

krissy — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 00:02:59 +0000

Thanks to all who called in and made a donation during the recent CBS 5 telethon benefiting Back to School Clothing Drive. As a major sponsor CBS 5 continues its support by featuring our organization in its Pay it Forward program running through August 28.

Another Great Day at Distribution!

krissy — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 06:30:31 +0000

On day two of the “New Clothes, New Beginnings” distribution, 400 awesome volunteers served more than 1,100 grateful children from the Glendale, Alhambra, Balsz, Washington, and Wilson school districts. Everyone had a lot of fun and we are looking forward to doing it again tomorrow on BHHS Legacy Foundation Day.

Don’t forget that our VIP reception is tomorrow night, Wednesday, July 13, at 5:30 p.m. at center court in the gymnasium of ASU Preparatory Academy. If you haven’t RSVP’d your attendance, do so now by emailing krissy@backtoschoolclothingdrive.com. We hope to see you there!