Empire State Building
Empire State Building

NEW YORK, May 31, 2009 / FW/ — It is a partnership that is out of the ordinary. The New York City Shiba Inu Rescue organization and Japanese handbag brand Samantha Thavasa will be holding a cocktail party and in store shopping event to raise funds for the NYC Streets Renaissance (NYCSR).

Usually, when our furry friends are involved, they are the ones who needs to be rescued during a fund raising; but this time, our furry friends are the ones who are helping in “rescuing” the streets of New York City!

As mentioned in the NYCSR website, “New York is a city best enjoyed on foot, yet we plan our streets for cars.”

New York City streets are the souls of its neighborhoods and the pathways to some of the world’s most in-demand destinations. For generations, New Yorkers and visitors have strolled, shopped, and socialized on sidewalks and street corners. Pedestrian-friendly streets are the city’s most fundamental asset.

Truth is, Americans have a love affair with cars and New York City is one of the few places where it is “normal” to walk and not drive! So, to many, the need to “rescue New York City streets” might sound strange, even preposterous.

But, to those who knows the Big Apple intimately, the idea is actually very logical even desirable. Again, from the NYCSR website:

The choice is clear: either we choose to be defined by worsening traffic and perilous streets or we can define ourselves through great public spaces and lively streets. Through action and dialogue New Yorkers can raise expectations for their public realm. Join our city-wide campaign for local improvements that reflect your neighborhood’s unique character.

That said, the collaboration between the New York City Shiba Inu Rescue and Samantha Thavasa does not sound so strange anymore. After all, a rebalanced public space away from private vehicles and toward community needs is good for the Shiba Inu, smallest of the Japanese native dog breeds.

On Wednesday, June 10th, between 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, girl- about- town Tinsley Mortimer, who designs a capsule collection for Samantha Thavasa, will be hosting cocktails and shopping at the Samantha Thavasa Madison Avenue location. 10% of proceeds from purchases made throughout the evening will be donated to the NYCSR.

Samantha Thavasa
965 Madison Ave
New York City

Wednesday, June 10, 2009
6PM-8PM

www.nycsr.org

www.samanthathavasausa.com