Today marks the 26th anniversary of the founding of BERGFELD’s.What better way to celebrate this milestone than to bring together one of our estate clearance clients, and public service as brilliantly created by Kevin Livingston, founder of 100 Suits for 100 Men! With collaborations such as this, everyone wins and good fortune is spread.
BERGFELD’s is always on the alert for solid charitable organizations and ways that some of our estate client’s personal property can be of benefit to the community. Kristin was watching NY1 news when a story by Cheryl Wills came on. It showcased a gentleman, Kevin Livingston, who had seen too many people in his Queens neighborhood join gangs and wind up in jail or worse, dead. After witnessing one more innocent victim get caught in the cross-fire, he decided he needed to make some kind of a difference. With no funding other than his own determination and entrepreneurial spirit, he set out to identify men in his community and utilize their skills to become self-sufficient and to provide them with a suit to go out into the world with self-confidence.
At the time she saw this story on NY1, Kristin was working on clearing the estate of a gentleman who came from very humble beginnings in Brooklyn and had little formal education. He set out to teach himself about finance and banking. He became hugely successful in business and, to share his wealth, he was also a well-liked and respected philanthropist.This gentleman was an excellent dresser and left behind a walk-in closet filled with custom made clothing which he had directed to be donated to charity. Kristin knew immediately she had to call Kevin Livingston and arranged to donate this wardrobe to 100 Suits for 100 Men.
They arranged to meet at the estate location. When Kevin opened the closet door and saw the quantity and quality of this man’s wardrobe, he was beaming with joy. “Think of all the people this is going to help!” he cried. “This is amazing. You are a pocket full of awesome!” This ranks high on the list of compliments BERGFELD’s has received over these 26 years. And, this from a man who wears a matching necktie and pocket square.
A date was set for the clothing to be picked up and then to pass from one self-made man onto a gathering of men full of potential. Here’s hoping that all the entrepreneurial energy surrounding this event will be passed along too. The inventory of clothing donated includes 23 business suits, 83 neckties, 94 dress shirts, 42 pairs of trousers and 9 sports jackets.
