CBRE held its second annual city-wide business clothing drive, called PurSUIT of SUCCESS, Sept. 10-21, collecting more than 3,000 articles of clothing to benefit local women and men in job training programs.

The two beneficiaries of the business clothing drive were:

>> Fresh Start Women’s Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping empower women through services focused on economic self-sufficiency, self-esteem and lifelong learning.

>> St. Joseph the Worker, which assists the homeless, low-income and other disadvantaged individuals in their efforts to become self-sufficient through quality employment.

Co-chairing the event were CBRE Communications & Media Manager Katherine Haug and Associate Bryan Moreno, who, along with company employees, collected, sorted, boxed and delivered thousands of gently-used business apparel to the charity partners.

“Finding a job can be difficult, but it can be almost impossible when you lack the clothing needed for an interview or full-time employment,” said Craig Henig, CBRE senior managing director and Arizona market leader. “Through the donation of thousands of suits, ties, slacks and blouses, CBRE is able to make a significant difference in the lives of many displaced workers in our community by helping them get back on their feet and back to work.”

In addition to clothing donations from local employees, 21 CBRE-managed buildings throughout the Phoenix area, along with their tenants, participated in the business clothing drive. Many of these locations also accepted donations from the public.

“The support of CBRE and the PurSUIT of SUCCESS clothing drive is so important to Fresh Start.  The donated clothing items assist our self-esteem center in wardrobing women for upcoming job interviews and court appearances, giving them a boost of confidence for those important transitions in their life,”  said Susan Berman, president/CEO of Fresh Start Women’s Foundation.

Candace Sherwood, special events and outreach coordinator for Saint Joseph the Worker added: “The competition to get an interview is tough these days, so making a great first impression during an interview is critical. The clothing provided through PurSUIT of SUCCESS provides our clients the ability to do so.

“The items are professional, high quality and in great condition, which not only helps our clients look professional, but also helps them feel confident; two necessary components of a successful interview. St. Joseph the Worker is so thankful to have the support of CBRE and to partner with them in helping our clients secure quality employment.”

During the past two years, CBRE’s PurSUIT of SUCCESS has collected more than 6,900 articles of clothing, providing interview and work outfits for hundreds of people working to regain their independence.