The Intimate Apparel Square Club (IASC), the New York-based charity, announced that its annual H.U.G. Awards gala fundraiser will have three distinguished honorees: Payless ShoeSource Inc. President and CEO LuAnn Via, shapewear company Rago Foundations and its Chairman Steven Chernoff, and former longtime VF Corporation executive Janet Peters. The event will take place November 7 at 230 FIFTH to raise funds for pediatric services at Rusk and Tisch Hospital, part of the new Hassenfeld Pediatric Center at NYU Langone.

“This is shaping up to be an exciting year of fundraising for The H.U.G. Awards,” said IASC President Norma Reinhardt Mascarotti. “Honoring LuAnn Via, Rago Foundations and Janet Peters gives us a wonderful opportunity to recognize achievement and good will in several areas of fashion, intimates and retail.”

In keeping with the spirit of H.U.G. (Help Us Give), LuAnn Via is being honored for her longstanding commitment to community service and volunteerism. Rago Foundations Chairman Steven Chernoff will accept the award being given in recognition of the company’s ongoing contributions to intimate apparel-based charities and other endeavors. Janet Peters, the well-respected philanthropist and veteran of VF Corporation and H. Warshow & Sons, will receive a special lifetime achievement award.

The annual H.U.G. Awards gala brings together leaders in the fashion and retail industries to raise funds for the IASC’s campaign in support of pediatric treatment and rehabilitation at NYU Langone’s Rusk and Tisch Hospital. To date, the H.U.G. Award gala has raised nearly $5 million for programs at Rusk and Tisch. Individuals or organizations interested in purchasing tickets for this year’s fundraiser or making a donation to the IASC NYU Langone Pediatric Services campaign may contact the IASC at 845-758-575

H.U.G. Awards Honorees

LuAnn Via, Payless ShoeSource Inc., President and CEO

 
 
 
 

Steven Chernoff, Rago Foundations, Chairman

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Janet Peters, former longtime VF Corporation executive