“Queen of Quite A Lot”
posted: 09/16/2010 by Connie ThompsonLEON & LULU RECOGNIZED WITH A SPECIAL AWARD FOR SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY DURING THE RETAILER EXCELLENCE AWARDS August 16, 2010 (New York) - Recognition for Leon & Lulu's exceptional support of local nonprofits was deemed worthy of a special award at last night's 59th Annual Retailer Excellence Awards in New York City. Mary Liz Curtin, co-owner of Leon & Lulu, was present to accept the Special Award for Service to the Community, a surprise category created especially to recognize Leon & Lulu's achievement of hosting 65 in-store events in 2009, the majority of which supported local nonprofits. Hosted by Gift & Decorative Accessories at The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers, the event attracted hundreds of industry leaders from around the country who were in town to attend the New York International Gift Fair. The Retailer Excellence Awards was hosted by Caroline Kennedy, Editor-in-Chief of Gifts & Decorative Accessories, a Sandow Media publication. During the awards ceremony, Caroline Kennedy announced that as an additional, surprise category, the judges voted unanimously to honor Leon & Lulu for an achievement which surpasses the type of community outreach attempted by most retailers. As she explained how impressed the judges were with Leon & Lulu's commitment to hosting in-store events to support local charities, Kennedy added, in a bow to Mary Liz' unforgettable personality and approach to business, that the judges also decided to crown Mary Liz "Queen of Quite a Lot". The recognition from peers is truly an honor for Leon & Lulu. As Mary Liz explained after accepting the award, "I encourage other retailers to support local charities any way they can. It makes you feel great, broadens your reach and every charity needs as many friends in the business community as possible."