Saks Fifth Avenue Honors World Mental Health Day with the Release of the Annual Saks Fifth Avenue Foundation Impact Report and Launches Campaign with Football Player Kayvon Thibodeaux

Saks Fifth Avenue Foundation expands partnerships with grassroots organizations, welcomes
new grantees and supports Kayvon Thibodeaux's JREAM Foundation.

NEW YORK, Oct. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Saks Fifth Avenue is commemorating World Mental Health Day with the release of the Saks Fifth Avenue Foundation's annual Impact Report, the announcement of new partners—including RAISEfashion—and a collaboration with football player Kayvon Thibodeaux to support his leadership and philanthropic work with the JREAM Foundation. Reinforcing the Foundation's mission to make mental health a priority in every community, the 2025 report highlights the Foundation's year of impact and also names the winners of the annual local grant program, which funds grassroots organizations working to expand access to mental health care and fight stigma at the community level.

"The demand for comprehensive mental health resources has never been more critical, and each year the Saks Fifth Avenue Foundation deepens its commitment to make mental health a priority," says Emily Essner,President and Chief Commercial Officer, Saks Global & Officer of Saks Fifth Avenue Foundation. "In the past year, our non-profit partners have reached thousands of individuals directly and supported programs that uplift underserved communities across the country. By expanding our partnerships and empowering local leaders, we're building more pathways to care and working to ensure that more people have access to the support they need and deserve."

2024–2025 IMPACT HIGHLIGHTS

From July 2024 through July 2025 , the Saks Fifth Avenue Foundation achieved:

• $1.125 million in grants distributed
• $250,000 in grants supporting grassroots local nonprofits
• More than 4,000 individuals reached with direct mental health support
• More than 100 high schools and youth programs equipped with resources for positive mental health outcomes
• 86% of grants directed to underserved communities

Since its founding in 2017, the Saks Fifth Avenue Foundation has invested more than $8.5 million in U.S. mental health initiatives, provided services to more than 714,000 individuals through its non-profit partners, reached more than 15 million people with anti-stigma messages and funded 21 research projects, unlocking $13 million in federal grants.

LOCAL GRANT PROGRAM
The Foundation is excited to announce the winners of its Local Grant Program. The ten nonprofit organizations were selected from a record of nearly 2,500 applications (10x more than any year before). These organizations will receive a total of $250,000 in funding, continuing the Foundation's commitment to supporting local mental health programs that serve youth, women, communities of color and LGBTQ+ communities.

The 2025 grantees include:

• Black Men's Health Clinic
• Bronx Tech Hub
• Completely KIDS
• Girls' LEAP
• Greater Flint Health Coalition
• Juvenile Protective Association
• NewBo City Market
• Roots of Recovery
• Thrive Youth Center
• Youth Advocates of Sitka

In addition to this year's local grantees, the Foundation proudly announces RAISEfashion as a new partner.

"At RAISEfashion, our mission is to create sustainable pathways for underrepresented designers and students by providing pro bono advisory support, access to networks and the resources they need to thrive. We know that none of this is possible without also caring for mental health," said Felita Harris, Co-Founder and RAISEfashion Executive Director. "To be announced as a new grantee on World Mental Health Day is a profound milestone for our organization and the community we serve. It sends a powerful message that the well-being of creatives matters, that success in fashion begins with supporting the whole person, mentally, emotionally and financially. We are deeply looking forward to collaborating with the Saks Fifth Avenue Foundation to make mental health an integral part of building healthy businesses and thriving creative lives."

CAMPAIGN
New this year, Saks Fifth Avenue is launching a campaign with Kayvon Thibodeaux, football player, Saks Social Club member and founder of the JREAM Foundation, to highlight his leadership in supporting youth mental health. The Saks Fifth Avenue Foundation is delighted to support the JREAM Foundation, as a reminder of the meaningful difference local non-profits can make in supporting mental health wellness in their communities. Also, in recognition of World Mental Health Day, Saks Fifth Avenue will feature stories of local grantees and the JREAM Foundation across Saks.com and digital platforms.

"The JREAM Foundation is focused on creating opportunities for young people to feel supported, inspired, and confident in themselves. Mental health is a huge part of that journey," said Thibodeaux. "I'm grateful to the Saks Fifth Avenue Foundation for its commitment to mental health, and proud to stand alongside them in ensuring that children in our communities know they're not alone."

 Customers can shop the Saks-branded merchandise collection, with at least 50% of proceeds benefiting the Saks Fifth Avenue Foundation and its nonprofit partners.

ABOUT THE SAKS FIFTH AVENUE FOUNDATION:
The Saks Fifth Avenue Foundation is the charitable arm of Saks Fifth Avenue. The Foundation is committed to making mental health a priority in every community, especially those where support is most needed, by increasing understanding, improving access to care, building protective factors and reaching communities uniquely affected by mental health issues. For more information, visit saks.com/saksfoundation.

ABOUT SAKS FIFTH AVENUE: 
Saks Fifth Avenue is a leading destination for luxury fashion, driven by a mission to help customers express themselves through relevant and inspiring style. Since its inception in 1924, the company has delivered one-of-a-kind shopping experiences, featuring an expertly curated assortment of fashion and highly personalized customer service. Its unique approach combines an emphasis on the digital customer experience with a strong connection to a network of 33 extraordinary locations across North America for seamless, all-channel shopping. Saks Fifth Avenue is part of Saks Global's portfolio of top luxury retail brands and real estate assets.

Visit saks.com for more information.

ABOUT SAKS GLOBAL:
Saks Global is the largest multi-brand luxury retailer in the world, comprising Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks OFF 5TH, Last Call and Horchow. Its retail portfolio includes 70 full-line luxury locations, additional off-price locations and five distinct e-commerce experiences. With talented colleagues focused on delivering on our strategic vision, The Art of You, Saks Global is redefining luxury shopping by offering each customer a personalized experience that is unmistakably their own. By leveraging the most comprehensive luxury customer data platform in North America, cutting-edge technology, and strong partnerships with the world's most esteemed brands, Saks Global is shaping the future of luxury retail.

Saks Global Properties & Investments includes Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus flagship properties and represents nearly 13 million square feet of prime U.S. real estate holdings and investments in luxury markets. 

For more information, visit SaksGlobal.com and follow Saks Global on LinkedIn.

SOURCE Saks Fifth Avenue