News

Gift for Life, the gift and home industries' charitable organization, announced that two industry leading organizations and individuals, Kurt Adler Inc, Clare Brett Smith and Norman Glassberg will be honored during Gift for Life’s 22nd Annual “Party for Life,” taking place Feb. 4 in New York City. 

 

The Kurt S. Adler company is being honored with Gift for Life's Chuck Yancy Lifetime Achievement Award. Founded by Kurt S. Adler in 1946, the company has been a leading importer of holiday decorations for more than 60 years. Its well-known lines include Steinbach and Hollywood Nutcrackers, Noble Gems and Polonaise blown-glass ornaments, Fabriché Santas, Snowfall lights and many more.

 

With headquarters in New York City and showrooms around the country, Canada and Hong Kong, the business continues today to be run by Kurt Adler’s children – Howard, Clifford and Karen. A one-stop source for all holiday needs, Kurt Adler and the Santa’s World brand showcase talented designers and iconic licenses with products from some 200 factories in 15 countries.

 

“As a family business we have long recognized the need to help support community service and education programs,” said Cliff Adler, Kurt Adler Inc. co-president. “We appreciate the recognition from Gift for Life and their continuing efforts across the U.S.”

 

Clare Brett Smith, president emerita of Aid to Artisans, is receiving Gift for Life's Bert Tonkin Gift of Giving Award. Smith was a craft importer for 15 years before joining the nonprofit Aid to Artisans, where she served as president for more than 20 years and helped to create economic opportunities for low-income artisan groups around the world.

 

Believing in “trade not aid” – she brought Honduran cornhusk flower makers to Williams Sonoma's Pottery Barn in the 1980s; Peruvian ceramics to Jonathan Adler in the ’90s; and then items such as Salvadoran hammocks, Macedonian rugs, Haitian metal angels and more to homes in the U.S. and Europe. Today, as an independent crafts professional based in Farmington, Conn., Smith continues to be active in the industry by working with programs such as the Alliance for Artisan Enterprise, hosted by the Aspen Institute; and the HAND/EYE Fund and magazine.

 

“Economic opportunities go hand in hand with health care and education. These are the building blocks of successful communities around the world, which Gift for Life clearly recognizes,” Smith said. “I am honored to accept this award on behalf of craftspeople and the larger creative business community.”

 

Norman Glassberg, founder of Trade Associates Group (TAG), is being honored posthumously with the Trailblazer Award, which in future years will be called the Norman Glassberg Trailblazer Award. Glassberg founded TAG as a sales representative firm in the Chicago Merchandise Mart in 1975, and today TAG is recognized as one of the leading designers and distributors of quality giftware, tabletop, home décor items, furniture and seasonal accessories.

 

In addition to his business accomplishments, Glassberg was a noted philanthropist who served dozens of local and national organizations, foundations, and public service groups.

 

“Norman was a true visionary and a best friend,” said Barbara Turf, former CEO of Crate & Barrel, in a statement issued by TAG following his death. “His business timing was always impeccable. His work ethic was enviably consistent. Norman’s innovation and brilliance commanded employee and industry respect. He will be deeply missed.”

 

“The Adler organization, Clare Brett Smith and Norman Glassberg represent visionary, passionate leadership within our industries,” said Stu Teller, chair of the Gift for Life board. “Their boundless energy to meet the needs of the industry has been matched by a generous spirit.”

 

Gift for Life’s 22nd Annual “Party for Life,” benefiting DIFFA, will be hosted at The Boathouse in New York City’s Central Park.

 

For additional information, visit www.giftforlife.org.