Fashion on Fulton & Friends

The place to be on Thursday, June 7th, 2007 was St. Ann's Warehouse for the Fashion on Fulton & Friends gala benefit. 

As Brooklyn experiences economic and cultural revitalization, the problems of homelessness and affordable housing are more challenging than ever. “The Brooklyn skyline is undergoing an unprecedented transformation. In the midst of tremendous development and change, affordable and special needs housing is vital to the continued health and well being of our borough. For nearly thirty years, Brooklyn Community Housing & Services (BCHS) has helped the most vulnerable population in Brooklyn reclaim their lives after experiencing the profound crisis of homelessness,” said Linda Feldman, Chairperson of BCHS' annual Fashion on Fulton gala. Since 2000, the number of homeless individuals in New York City has increased 53% from 23,712 to 36,200. “BCHS is committed to ending homelessness in Brooklyn.” 

This year BCHS saluted three honorees who share with BCHS a deep commitment to the people of Brooklyn. They are: 

Charles J. Hynes, currently in his fourth term as District Attorney of Kings County. Mr. Hynes started one of the first specialized domestic violence bureaus in New York State, and his Medicaid Fraud legislation lead to the establishment of Medicaid Fraud Control Units in 47 States, including New York. Many of the initiatives he pioneered recognize that education and prevention are as important as traditional law enforcement strategies. Through the Regina Drew Foundation, named in honor of his mother, he is spearheading a groundbreaking alternative to prison program that for the first time would keep mothers and their children together in a secure community setting, while the mother receives intensive rehabilitative services. 

Danny Simmons is a nationally recognized artist, author, Tony and Peabody award recipient for HBO TV and Broadway productions of Def Poetry Jam. Mr. Simmons and Rush Philanthropic’s most recent project, Rush East New York, an 11,000 square foot Arts Education and Resource Center, is scheduled to open in the fall of 2007. Rush Center will bring to a neighborhood frequently described as a community in crisis, a much needed arts oasis for the youth and families of East New York. 

The third honoree, BFC Partners, is a real estate development partnership, with Donald Capoccia, Joseph Ferrara and Brandon Baron. Their Flatbush Avenue tower currently under construction one block south of the Manhattan Bridge includes 240 condos, 48 of which will be reserved for moderate income residents. Concurrent with this, in partnership with the Pratt Area Community Council (PACC), BFC will develop an affordable six-story building on Quincy Street at the intersection of Classon Avenue and Downing Street. PAAC will manage the rental property and thirty-eight of the 48 units will be available for people with incomes under $35,450, and nine units will be reserved for residents with incomes that fall below $21,270.

"Fashion on Fulton features the work of outstanding design leaders from Brooklyn's growing fashion industry, who by their presence contribute greatly to the cultural and economic vitality of the Borough. The event also acknowledges and celebrates the importance of establishing a viable partnership between culture, education, social service and private sector leaders, stated Tom Castlenuovo, Chairman, BCHS Board of Directors.

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Please visit the Media Center page to see some of the articles printed about this and previous years' Fashion on Fulton & Friends.