Downtown Columbus Hotel Partners with Teen Fashion Philanthropist Who is Changing the World

COLUMBUS, OH., July 21, 2014 – The Crowne Plaza Columbus Downtown, located in Nationwide Realty Investors’ Arena District, is thrilled to be hosting Allyson Ahlstrom, a fashion philanthropist who, four years ago at age 15, started an initiative to give new, donated designer clothes to poor teens who would never be able to afford them. The Threads for Teens® tour will make its fourteen cities summer stop in Columbus at Franklin County Children Services at 855 W. Mound Street on Friday, July 25.

At the Columbus stop, more than 60 deserving girls will receive a brand new free outfit, from a chic, pink clad semi-truck set up as a mobile boutique. In addition to serving girls, Threads for Teens® mobile boutique invites community members to visit and to learn more about the organization and how empowerment is important to teenage girls. Visiting event hours at Franklin County Children Services are from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“I want to make Threads for Teens® available to as many girls as possible. That’s one of the reasons for the road trip,” said Ahlstrom. “More than that, I’m hoping to inspire others to volunteer and contribute in their own way. Anyone can make a difference.”

In May 2013 at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., actor Kevin Spacey and Olympic Gold medalist Allyson Felix lauded Ahlstrom as one of the Top 10 teen volunteers in America. She also has been honored with a 2012 HALO award from Nickelodeon and a 2011 Jefferson Award for Public Service.

“This is our second year to host Allyson,” said Juliann Beatty, director of sales & marketing. “When we discussed her 2014 summer tour return, I mentioned that the July 25th date would be a perfect time for the Columbus stop, it’s when Thirty-One Gifts is hosting their 2014 National Conference downtown. Both organizations share a goal to serve and support girls and giving back, and I thought we could connect them with each other to make a greater impact. What an inspiration!”

Thirty-One Gifts, through its philanthropic initiative, Thirty-One Gives, supports the mission of Threads for Teens and celebrates Ahlstrom for her vision as a young leader and volunteer. Thirty-One Gives is donating 1,000 products from their U R U Collection featuring inspirational phrases such as “U R Strong, U R Bold, U R True and U R U.” Every girl will receive Thirty-One products in addition to an entire new outfit.

The fourteen cities tour kicked off July 14 in Los Angeles, CA and will conclude on July 30 in Boston, MA.

Click below for photos of Allyson Ahlstrom and the Threads for Teens tour bus.

About Threads for Teens® On Tour
About Threads for Teens® is a 501 ( c) (3) charitable organization that gives underprivileged teen girls the opportunity to receive free, brand-new quality clothing. Besides filling a tangible need, Threads for Teens® gives young girls hope, boots their self-esteem, and instills confidence. www.threadsforteens.org

About Thirty-One Gifts and Thirty-One Gives
Thirty-One Gifts is the 10th largest direct-selling company in the U.S., offering products designed for everyone’s lifestyle, from stylish and functional purses and totes to home organization solutions and much more, most of which can be personalized. Products are sold by independent sales consultants at home parties, providing women with a unique business opportunity that offers a solution to their need to earn extra income while working independently.

Thirty-One Gifts is a family of consultants, hostesses, customers and home office staff whose hearts are in perpetual motion. They are passionate about helping others and paying forward the many blessings they have received as a company. One of the main ways they carry out this mission is through Thirty- One Gives – the company’s philanthropic initiative. Thirty-One Gives is dedicated to supporting three key pieces of their heart – girls, women and families. In its first two years, Thirty-One donated more than $27 million in product and cash to support the mission. http://www.thirtyonegifts.com

About The Crowne Plaza Columbus Downtown
Located in the city’s bustling Arena District in the heart of downtown Columbus, the distinctive 375- room full service Crowne Plaza offers upscale guestrooms with 9 conference rooms accommodating up to 500 people, Boulevard Cafe? & Lounge, fitness center, game room, pool and features Max & Erma’s Restaurant.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Juliann Beatty
Crowne Plaza Columbus Downtown
(614) 461-2667
[email protected]