Old-School Inspiration Meets New-World Microfinance as Rugby Ralph Lauren Joins Forces with Nest

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Apr 05, 2010, 07:00 ET

WASHINGTON, April 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Rugby Ralph Lauren, in partnership with Nest, will host a charity event benefiting female artisans and their families. The event will be held on Thursday, April 8, from 6-9 p.m. at the Rugby Ralph Lauren store located at 1065 Wisconsin Avenue NW in Washington, DC. A percentage of all sales from the evening will benefit Nest, a nonprofit organization that empowers women artisans around the world.

Featuring specialty hors d'oeuvres and drinks from the Rugby Cafe, raffle prizes, and music, the event will also provide shoppers with an opportunity to purchase exclusive, handcrafted items – from jewelry to accessories to textiles – made by Nest loan recipients from around the globe, including artists in India, Guatemala, Morocco, Togo, and Rwanda.

"We are thrilled about this wonderful opportunity," said Nest Founder and Executive Director Rebecca Kousky, who will be speaking at the event. "Match Rugby has provided us with both a voice for our cause as well as a market for our goods... all in a fun and relaxed setting!"

Launched in 2004, Rugby Ralph Lauren is where casual campus style meets downtown prep for a sensibility that is youthful and, at times, irreverent. Match Rugby is a sustained initiative that supports and promotes the work of young social entrepreneurs like Kousky.

Using a unique combination of interest-free microfinance loans, mentoring from established designers, and a marketplace in which to sell their crafts, Nest encourages women in developing countries to establish businesses using the creative skills they already possess, instilling pride of ownership, preserving ancient artistic traditions, and successfully moving women from poverty to self-sufficiency.

Since its founding in 2006, Nest has assisted more than 500 women in eight countries.

Shopping never felt so good!

For more information, please visit www.buildanest.com.

SOURCE Nest