Help By Design was formed in 2011 by Harold Smith, and his partner Jim Franzen in response to the devastating earthquake in Japan. Driven to help, Smith, Franzen and their friend, designer Alvin Valley, realized the impact that could be made by rallying influencers and friends from fashion and design, together forming a fundraising effort called, “Help By Design”.
The group’s first fundraiser and silent auction raised nearly $200,000 to benefit the American Red Cross’ tsunami relief efforts. This year’s focus is The I AM LOVE Campaign. I AM LOVE’S mission is to ignite dialogue on religious bullying and homophobia, in all ages and walks of life, by teaching self-empowerment through artistic endeavors, community collaboration, and educational outreach. The campaign goes directly into the communities calling out for it, or that might directly benefit from it, with a particular emphasis on regions that have issues with equality and a desire for developing an educated dialogue. Their aim is to change the story on bullying and ignite conversations within communities that will move them to a higher understanding and acceptance of diversity.
Last Tuesday’s Help By Design was held at Norwood, a private members club in downtown Manhattan. Industry taste-makers Thakoon, Richard Chai, Peter Som, Jill Demling & Dr. David Colbert were among the evening’s co-chairs and the event was attended by such fashion insiders as model Jenny Shimizu; Victoria Secret Angels Erin Heatherton and Candice Swanepoel; and designer/TV personality Nate Berkus.