Soma Intimates Is Committed to Empowering Women - One Bra at a Time

NEW YORK, Jan. 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Soma Intimates, the ultimate destination for beautiful lingerie, loungewear and beauty announces the latest installment in its "Giving is Beautiful" bra donation campaign, a nationwide charitable initiative to collect bras for women in need.  Starting today and continuing through February 26th, 2012, the company will accept both new and gently used bras at all Soma Intimates boutiques across the country. 

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120112/FL34612LOGO )

"A bra is one of the least donated, but most in-demand items for women in need.  When we learned that there are thousands of women going without an item that most of us consider part of our daily routine, we knew we had to do something," states Laurie Van Brunt, Soma Intimates' Brand President.  "At Soma, we believe that no woman should have to make the decision between putting food on the table and buying a bra.  The simple act of donating a bra helps these women to focus on rebuilding and recovering from the hardships of domestic violence.  Over 4 million women need the assistance of a shelter annually and many come with only the clothes on their backs."

While national in scope, Soma's bra donation initiative is local in nature – directly impacting communities where the bras are donated.  Each of Soma Intimates 182 boutiques and outlets will work with a local women's shelter to help women in need in that area.

This year, to raise awareness about domestic violence and to impact the number of bras collected, Soma announces a partnership with The National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV).  The NNEDV is the leading voice for survivors of domestic violence.  Representing over 2,000 shelter programs across 56 state and territory coalitions throughout the United States, the NNEDV is the perfect partner to help spread the word and make a difference in women's lives – one bra at a time.

"NNEDV is thrilled to partner with Soma Intimates on this year's 'Giving is Beautiful' bra donation," said Sue Else, President, NNEDV. "Together we can make a difference in women's lives, help close the gap on the lack of bras available in shelters and raise awareness to work toward ending domestic violence."

First launched in July 2010, this marks the fourth biannual bra donation initiative for Soma Intimates.  To-date, Soma has collected over 145,000 bras to help women in need across the country.

"We are honored to kick off our 2012 bra donation with NNEDV as our partner.  Giving really is beautiful, and we're thankful to them and all of our customers who are coming together to support local women in need," says Van Brunt of Soma Intimates.  "While we are incredibly proud of the 145,000 donated bras we have collected, this partnership allows us to raise the bar even higher.  Our goal for this bra donation is to hit the milestone of a quarter million bras."

For more information about the Soma Intimates "Giving is Beautiful" bra donation event, please visit www.soma.com/givebras. 

About Soma Intimates:
Soma Intimates, a division of Chico's FAS, Inc. (NYSE: CHS), is the home of beautiful lingerie, loungewear and beauty products.  Home of the warmest personal service, Soma embraces women with luxuriously soft fabrics, innovative fashion and an always perfect fit.  As of January 12th, 2011, Soma Intimates will operate 182 boutiques and outlets across the country as well as a website at www.soma.com.

About NNEDV:
NNEDV, a 501(c)(3) organization, is a leading voice for domestic and sexual violence victims and  their allies.  Its members include the 56 statewide and territorial coalitions against domestic violence.  It works closely with them to understand the needs of domestic violence victims and advocacy programs.  NNEDV has been a premiere national organization advancing the movement against domestic violence for over 15 years, after leading efforts among domestic violence victim advocates and survivors in urging Congress to pass the landmark Violence Against Women Act of 1994.  To learn more about NNEDV, please visit www.nnedv.org.

SOURCE Soma Intimates