Housewares Show Gives Back to Five Chicago-based Charities
May 12, 2014
When the International Home + Housewares Show packed up at the end of their show, held March 15-18 at Chicago’s McCormick Place, they encouraged their exhibitors to donate products to five local charities.
At this year’s show, 225 exhibitors took part in the donation program, a 29 percent increase, compared with donations the previous year.
The charities use the products for various activities, ranging from auction items at their annual fundraising galas to merchandise in their resale shops.
Charities participating in the product donation program this year were: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Greater Illinois Chapter, Family Shelter Service, Marklund Children’s Home, Sertoma Centre, Inc. and The Salvation Army.
The product donation program is open to all show exhibitors. Companies wanting to donate all or part of their merchandise after the show closes contact the charities before the show to indicate their interest in donating to the organization.
The charities also are allowed to solicit exhibitors on the last day of the show only and must submit to show management a list of exhibitors whose product they are receiving.
Charity volunteers pack up and remove product donated to them after the very end of the last day.
“The product donation program is a convenient way for exhibitors to remove the booth product they don’t want to pack and ship back to their offices, while offering the charities a wonderful opportunity to acquire merchandise they can use for fundraisers and galas. It is a win-win for everyone,” said Mia Rampersad, vice president of the show.
She added, “We are very happy the program is growing each year as more exhibitors sign up with the charities.”
Both exhibitors and the charities have processes they must follow to help prevent theft and ensure a smooth donation process, Rampersad said
Several of the charities used the donated product within a month after the show.
Family Shelter Service held a gala April 11, which included housewares products as auction items and a warehouse sale April 27 with famous brands of cookware, kitchen utensils, storage items and “As Seen on TV” products; the Sertoma Centre held a Housewares Super Sale in early April; and Marklund Children’s Home Resale Shop featured the housewares items in its spring stock.
For companies interested in donating product at the close of the 2015 International Home + Housewares Show, further information and instructions will be provided in the Exhibitor Services Manual on www.housewares.org in November.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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