International Custom Suit Retailer Tom James Sponsors Charity Effort
Suit projects Create Opportunities for the Local Communities
Edwin Markham said, "What you put into the life of others will come back into your own." The Lawler brothers are big believers of this quote. With the heart of charity, they established The Suit Projects in two cities and started the journey of giving back to the local communities.
Ben and Jay Lawler are both professional clothiers for Tom James Company, the world’s largest manufacturer, retailer and direct seller of custom suits and shirts. While Ben is the leader at the St. Louis office, Jay leads the Memphis Office. Through their 10+ years with Tom James, Ben and Jay have served more than 1,000 business people for their professional clothing.
A typical Tom James clothier often is asked to carry away custom suits their clients no longer wear. Ben Lawler thought," It would be awesome if we could collect those suits and give them to those who really need them."
There is an organization serving women wanting to renter the workforce, but nothing serving men. This project addresses that need.
After sharing the idea with friends, Chris Dixon and Steve Brooks, they decided to form The Suit Project in 2012. Through their efforts, organizations such as Child Center Marygrove are able to provide underprivileged students the chance to be fitted for a suit for them to wear for job interviews.
"When Jay saw the impact the Suit Project had on the local community, he asked for help to set up a similar project in Memphis," Ben said.
By following that advice, Jay was able to start the Memphis Suit Project in 2013. Students like Hakim Israel were fitted for suits from the Memphis Suit Project.
The Lawler brothers - and their Suit Projects - exemplify the heart of Tom James Company. "We always have a desire to be service minded to the local community," Ben says. "All of our 109 offices donate gently used suits to local causes and we just decided to start our own organization so we can better direct how the donations are utilized."
Both organizations are 501©3, non‐profits and accept donations of suits and funds, which are used to cover the cost of alterations. For more information or to donate, contact: www.thestlouissuitproject.org and www.memphissuitproject.com or call 314‐409‐7060 (St. Louis) and 901‐537‐0010 (Memphis).
Michele Stephens
263 Seaboard lane
Franklin, TN 37067
615-771-1122*2514
The Tom James Company is the world’s largest manufacturer, retailer and direct seller of custom clothing. Their 500+ highly trained tailors come directly to a client’s location of choice to save valuable time. Tom James operates 105 offices in 36 U.S. states and five countries, internationally. It owns and operates three worsted woolen mills, nine tailoring facilities and is proud to serve some of the world’s most influential male and female professionals.
Tags:
