When Jacqueline Savage McFee, a designer of popular, trendy school and office products splashed in luscious color, got the devastating news that her cousin’s young daughter, Kendall Sierens, was diagnosed with leukemia, it brought things into perspective for her. It also created a spark.
McFee went to business partner Clay Presley, president and CEO, Carolina Pad & Paper (CPP), with the idea of dedicating one of the company's 2008 fashion collections in honor of the little girl, now 4, who is successfully battling this deadly disease. The result: The Kendall Kollection, a hip line of school and office products that will be available in stores this spring.
Further, she determined to partner with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) to help launch the line (notebooks, folders, binders, pencils and other supplies), donating 10 percent of proceeds from the products to support LLS's blood cancer research and patient education and support services. CPP will also make a contribution to LLS.
Leukemia causes more deaths of children and young adults under the age of 20 than any other form of cancer. Aiming to create significant visibility for this deadly disease, the partnership between LLS, McFee and CPP is a perfect match. The Kendall Kollection appeals to the key target audience of young school-age girls as well as women interested in more upscale, creative office supplies.
“Kendall is such a courageous little girl,” McFee said. “My hope is that every time somebody buys a piece from this line they will be inspired and take satisfaction knowing they are doing something to help her and all the other brave families dealing with blood cancers who are literally in the fight of their lives.”
The Kendall Kollection, manufactured and distributed by Charlotte, NC-based CPP, will be appearing in major retailers such as Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Office Max and Wegmans beginning in late spring 2008, in time for back-to- school shopping.
The collection, designed to appeal to tweens, teens and young women, features whimsical flowers, bold stripes, polka dots, houndstooth and scrolls in a bright color palette of turquoise, hot pink, yellow, orange, lime and chocolate.
“It’s no surprise that Jackie’s dynamic designs are gaining worldwide attention, and LLS is honored she chose to partner with us to raise awareness of those touched by blood cancer,” said Nancy Klein, senior vice president, LLS Marketing Communications. “The proceeds from these terrific-looking items are going to help give hope to thousands of patients and their families.”
CPP head Presley added that, “when Jackie came to me with the idea of developing this collection, I was impressed by her passion and dedication to helping, not only Kendall, but other sufferers of this terrible disease. The Kendall Kollection is a wonderful way to give to a worthy cause.”
