LISA SILVERMAN Supplies for Success
Q: How do you look at the world of philanthropy and how do you see yourself in that world? A: Philanthropy was woven into my life since childhood. I was taught by my mother, who had me volunteering to help people living in poverty since elementary school, that there are people less fortunate and it’s my responsibility to help them. I currently serve as Vice Chairwoman of Supplies for Success and have been an integral part of the program by using my artistic bent to create invitations and social media content, curate pop-up boutique fundraisers and, of course, volunteer at our giant annual 112 QUEST
backpack assembly events where hundreds of volunteers pack backpacks with school supplies. Q: What are your specific causes and concerns? A: Children living in poverty is such an injustice. Education is the pathway to a better life and although our country offers free education, when kids don’t have the necessary school supplies, they start behind, and are anxious and ashamed. Providing supplies for learning is so simple, yet has such impact on their success. Annually, we distribute more than 11,000 backpacks to organizations across New York. Q: Do you have any anecdotes to share about how best to raise money or give money (to causes) and spend money (within organizations)? A: Business owners have a unique opportunity to integrate charity into their culture—people like to shop knowing that their purchase will make a difference. TFW has offered shoppers a discount code to donate a portion of their purchase to provide backpacks to local children. When donating, I think it’s best to put money into causes you are passionate about.
J A M I E N E L S O N ; A LE X A N D R A S A L A N D
DURING HER DAYS AS a fashion-photography producer, Lisa Eryn Silverman was often exposed to beautiful photographs taken by renowned photographers that ultimately went unused. With so few photographs chosen to be featured in magazines, many were and are simply forgotten. Through her founding of These Fine Walls, an online marketplace for interior designers and art collectors to purchase unused photographs, Silverman has furthered her long-held passion for philanthropy by creating a special code for shoppers whereby a portion of sales benefits Supplies for Success.