PROJECT GENTLEMEN TO GIVE 1,000 FREE SUITS TO GRADUATING HIGH SCHOOL MALE SENIORS


PROJECT GENTLEMEN TO GIVE 1,000 FREE SUITS TO GRADUATING HIGH SCHOOL MALE SENIORS CHICAGO – More than 300 young men from 65 local-area high schools will be dressed to impress for their high school graduation courtesy of Project Gentlemen. Project Gentlemen is the charitable arm of I Am a Gentleman, Inc. (IAAG), a national organization that mentors and empowers African American male teens through various programs and activities. Now in its 2nd year, the free clothing event will be held on Saturday, May 27, 2017 at Hyatt Regency Chicago, 151 East Upper Wacker Drive. from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. “Project Gentlemen is excited to once again be able to impact the young men of Chicago as they begin the next phase of their educational journey,” said Jermaine Lawrence Anderson, CEO of IAAG. “Working with private donors and local retailers, we were able to secure over 1,000 suits, sportcoats, dress shirts, neck ties and gently worn shoes to clothe graduating seniors. We tell our young men their worth doesn’t depend on their outer garments but they do need to take pride in their appearance. First impressions can open doors but being poorly dressed can quickly close them.” The first event in 2015 provided 800 outfits to more than 250 students. Project Gentlemen is inviting graduating male seniors to experience a full day of interactive activities including insightful presentations: Presenting Yourself, Proper Interviewing Skills & Techniques, and the Basics of Etiquette & Grooming. Attendees will also receive lunch, free haircuts and have an opportunity to meet various vendors representing the military, colleges and universities, and job recruiters. One of the highlights of the event will be a first-time health and wellness education series presented by Harmony Health Plans, Inc., a WellCare Health Plans, Inc. (NYSE: WCG) company, the presenting sponsor of the Community Education Series. The session will offer young gentlemen the opportunity to engage in open dialogue with four panelists in the areas of healthy eating, sex education, preventive healthcare and becoming an athlete: preparing your body and mind. Additionally, Harmony Health Plan, Inc. will provide a $500-dollar scholarship to one young gentleman to further his education in the field of health and science. Harmony is honored to sponsor Project Gentlemen,” said Miguel Torres, senior director of field sales and marketing at Harmony. “We recognize it is not always easy to live a healthy lifestyle, especially as an adolescent. We designed the education series to raise awareness and start the dialogue around critical health issues facing the people and communities we serve. Our goal with Project Gentlemen is to educate, enlighten and provide information and resources to help these young men live better, healthier lives.” "Our team at I AM A GENTLEMAN, INC. are excited about our new partnership with Harmony,” Anderson added. “With their support and guidance, we are now able to expand the messaging to our youth that a part of being a gentleman is living a whole and healthy lifestyle." The day culminates with a fun-filled shopping spree at the “Gentlemen’s Boutique.” With the assistance of professional stylists each student will leave with at least one complete outfit and a pair of socks and shoes. There will be a pinning ceremony where the seniors take a Pledge to officially join I Am a Gentleman. Over 1,570 young men across the United States have committed to becoming gentlemen. Project Gentlemen 2017 sponsors include Harmony Health, The Chicago Police Department, King College Prep High School, Communities in Schools, Larry Roberts Barber College, Fifth Third Bank, and 100 Black Men of Chicago. Student registration for Project Gentlemen is FREE for all male students and can be completed online at www.iamagentleman.org For additional information, volunteer opportunities and donations, visit their website at www.iamagentleman.com I Am a Gentleman’s mission is to engage, enrich and empower young men for successful careers, healthy lifestyles, marketable skills, and well balanced relationships.

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