Kate Spade to donate 1 million dollars for suicide prevention

After the untimely death of their , Kate
Spade New York has committed 1 million dollars for charitable causes for
mental health awareness and suicide prevention. The news first broke on
WWD.

The donations will begin with 250,000 dollars to the Crisis Text Line, and
public donations to the non-profit organization will be matched up to
100,000 dollars from June 20 to June 29.

Spade became famous for her colorful and playful handbag designs, which
were credited with launching the designer handbag craze in America. In
2007, she sold the company to Liz Claiborne Inc., which completely
transformed itself into Kate Spade & Co., and later sold it off to what is
now Tapestry, Inc., formerly Coach, Inc. In 2015, Kate Spade along with her
former partners from Kate Spade & Co. launched a new line, Frances
Valentine.

“Kate Spade was a true fashion icon who brought joy to the lives of women
around the world, and inspired women to live life to the fullest. We are
dedicated to carrying on her legacy,” said Anna Bakst, brand president and
chief executive officer of Kate Spade New York, in a statement. “The
outpouring of love on social media and in our shops from customers of all
ages has been overwhelming and moving, It is such a beautiful reflection of
how much Kate was loved.”

Baskt added, “; it is complicated and
difficult to diagnose and can often be life-threatening. We hope that our
support will shed even more light on the disease and encourage those who
suffer from mental health issues to seek help. Collectively, we must all do
more.”

A study done by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in 2014
stated that suicide was the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S.,
imposing a cost of 51 billion dollars to the U.S. annually. Women are also
2 times more likely to attempt suicide than men, and on average there are
121 suicides per day.

As part of their commitment to suicide prevention, Kate Spade New York will
be hosting a Global Mental Health Awareness Day for Employees in corporate
and regional offices as part of their new Wellness Program.

Spade’s funeral will take place Thursday at 3 p.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual
Help Redemptorist Church in Kansas City, Missouri. The industry will bid
farewell to one of American fashion’s most iconic stars who will forever be
missed.

If you, or someone you know are contemplating suicide, please call the National Suicide
Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or the Suicide Crisis Line at 1-800-784-2433 in
North America or +44 (0) 116 123 in the UK.