IIDA NY Donates Pajamas to Deserving Youth During Annual Color Invasion Event
This year’s Color Invasion 2018 event hosted by the International Interior Design Association New York (IIDA NY) chapter was not only a memorable experience for guests, but also for the New York chapter of the Pajama Program, a national organization dedicated to delivering warm pajamas and books to at-risk children. Attendees were encouraged to donate unopened pajamas and brand-new books for deserving children ages infant to 18 years old. In addition, a portion of the proceeds from the event were donated to benefit the Pajama Program and its initiatives.
Color Invasion
“We were introduced to the Pajama Program through a design advocate, ENV, about six years ago and just fell in love with what they do and how they do it,” recalls Brian Bates, Color Invasion director and vice president of IIDA NY membership. “The services they provide are so important; and as a parent, I find it unimaginable that children don’t have pajamas or books for a warm, comfortable and safe bedtime experience.”
The Color Invasion event is an annual theme party signature to IIDA NY that benefits the chapter’s student activities and design awards program. Over 1,500 members of the A&D community attended this year’s event, which took place at Center415 in midtown Manhattan. Through lavish décor and eccentric costumes, this year’s theme – Deco Follies – transported guests back to the Gilded Age.
More Feel Good Friday: Revamped PlayPark at SickKids Hospital
Pajama Donations
“As a committee, we plan four years in advance — Deco Follies was the last one from the deck,” says Bates. “We wanted to transport our guests to a different era, one of which design, style and architecture had a great influence. We wanted to create an unforgettable experience for guests.”
Attendees ended up donating 64 pairs of new pajamas and 43 new books to the program during this year’s event. Bates notes that the IIDA NY’s two signature events, Color Invasion and the Sustainable Quilt Auction, foster philanthropic partnerships within the community to the Pajama Program and Free Arts NYC throughout each year. “Additionally, through mentoring programs and student socials, IIDA NY and its design professionals connect with local design students who will be entering the industry,” he adds.
For more information on IIDA NY, visit iidany.org.
How to Get Involved
In just three simple steps, you or your organization can plan a pajama and book drive to support every child’s right to a good night. First, collect the new pajamas, new books or monetary donations. Note that both pajamas and books should be new and unused, and the pajamas should be a complete set (top and bottoms). Try utilizing your creative design skills to decorate a box or multiple boxes to make an eye-catching drop-off zone for the donated items, as well as posters, invitations or brochures regarding your drive. Once the drive is complete, report the donation to your local Pajama Program chapter or the main office, where you’ll be provided a drop-off location to deliver your donation. To learn more, visit pajamaprogram.org.
► Daily Design News | 5 Contemporary Designs that Celebrate Hanukkah
