For the sixth consecutive year, the New York-based clothing design company, Eileen Fisher, hosted a special sale to benefit New Hope for Women (NHFW), the domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking resource center serving Sagadahoc, Lincoln, Knox and Waldo counties.

The annual benefit began in 2009 after an inspirational conversation between Susan Schor, former Chief Culture Officer/Facilitating Leader of Eileen Fisher, and her Midcoast Maine friend Marianne Forti.

Ily Shofestall, owner of SOMA Pilates & Massage in downtown Rockland, soon became part of the team, and together they’ve worked to grow the event each year, creating an evening of bargain shopping with a luxury feel.

During its six-year span, the sale has generated over $150,000 for NHFW. Held at Pascal Hall in Rockport, the invitation-only sale of donated designer items was enhanced with wine from RAYR the wine shop of Rockport, and appetizers from Jess’s Market of Rockland. All remaining items were displayed at SOMA, where they were available for sale to the public for an additional week.

All of the $43,007 raised from this year’s event was donated directly to NHFW, where it will be used to help fund educational programs and direct services for those impacted by domestic violence, dating violence and stalking.

NHFW offers support to people in Sagadahoc, Lincoln, Knox and Waldo counties. Its services include a 24-hour crisis hotline (1-800-522-3304), walk-in advocacy, support groups, legal services, and court advocacy; prevention programs including community education, youth education and advocacy; transitional housing, safe homes, and a batterer’s intervention program. For more on NHFW, visit www.newhopeforwomen.org.

Eileen Fisher's corporate culture seeks to empower women through its clothing design, organizational values and structure, and philanthropic initiatives. The company also provides grants to women entrepreneurs and to nonprofits that foster leadership in women and girls.

For more on the company, visit www.eileenfisher.com.