Kate Spade New York Pledges $1 Million to Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Organizations

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Kate Spade New York has announced that the company, co-founded by the late designer Kate Spade, will donate $1 million to organizations that support suicide prevention and mental health awareness.

Spade died in her apartment at the age 55 on June 5. Her death was ruled an apparent suicide. “My daughter and I are devastated by her loss, and can’t even begin to fathom life without her,” her husband and partner Andy Spade wrote in a statement shortly after her death. “We are deeply heartbroken and miss her already.”

Kate and Andy Spade left the brand in 2007 when they sold the company to Liz Claiborne. Now Women’s Wear Daily reports that the Kate Spade New York Foundation, as a tribute to Spade’s legacy, will make a $250,000 donation to the Crisis Text Line. The brand will also match public donations made to the Crisis Text Line starting June 20 through June 29 up to $100,000. Racked reports that the company is still deciding on other mental health organizations to donate the rest of their pledge to.

Kate Spade New York is also reportedly prioritizing mental health inside the company by hosting a “Global Mental Health Awareness Day” for employees; the company is also rolling out a “Wellness Program” over the next few months. “The brand’s objective is to generate greater awareness of mental health, call attention to the common risks and warning signs, and encourage effective interventions and treatments for those in need,” WWD reports.

 
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