New Charity Helps Memphians Suit Up
The Memphis Suit Project A
by JONATHAN MARTIN
pparently, suit shopping can spawn a friendship anchored in giving back. Five years ago Memphis attorney Justin Tomas became friends with Jay Lawler, the Tom James
branch manager. Lawler told Tomas about his younger brother, who started a charity in St. Louis in the fall of 2012, providing suits to those who otherwise would have nothing to wear to a big interview. Justin was intrigued. “Tere are several great groups who provide professional clothing to women, such as Dress For Success, but no similar group for men,” said Tomas. Tomas noted that many men’s suits were simply dropped off at thrift stores, where they were mixed in with other clothes and sold without the benefit of any fitting, and not targeted to those who needed them. Atkins Capital Management partner Will Moore joined in
and Te Memphis Suit Project was born. James McGehee, Jr. of the McGehee Realty and Development Company also acts as advisor to the Suit Project board. Te group provides suits to teen and adult men who need them to dress to impress. “Sometimes that big opportunity comes around only once in
life. It's not fair that some should have to go to that big interview not professionally dressed and sit in the waiting room looking at their competitors, all dressed in new suits,” Tomas explained. “We are not just here to serve the inner-city underprivileged, we also provide suits to returning military servicemen and clergymen.” Teir website explains that, “It is the mission of the Memphis
Suit Project to provide professional business attire to deserving individuals in need. We work towards eliminating the barriers caused by financial inequality and unfortunate circumstance throughout all aspects of life.” Teir mission statement is to “help build a positive self image for underprivileged men and women. Our product is new or used business attire that is appropriate for a professional atmosphere. Tese young adults will be properly outfitted and attired through the generous donations of our
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supporters. Te Memphis Suit Project will show the importance of a first impression, specifically in a competitive work force.” Te process is simple. Suits and other business attire in good
condition are gathered. After they are collected, suits are by size. When they hold an event, the soon-to-be-suited is measured by a professional tailor and matched to a suit in their general size range. Ten the tailor takes the suit back to be custom tailored to fit the recipient perfectly. “Tese are the same tailors who tailor expensive suits for
the well-dressed professional at several of Memphis’ finest men’s shops,” said Tomas. “Tat is where our expense comes in as the tailors are donating their time at a reduced, but not free, rate.” After tailoring, the suit is presented to the beneficiaries with their name stitched on the inside. Te only requirement is that a suit applicant performs “one random act of kindness for another.” Tere are no guidelines on what that act is, but the group hopes to spawn a ripple effect of good deeds. Lawler gets many donations from his customers at Tom James, and Tomas has a great source of donations in his attorney friends. Te nonprofit 501(c)3 accepts tax deductable donations of suits and other professional clothing such as coats, pants, belts, shoes, shirts and ties. You can drop off donations at any of the founders’ places of employment, or they will be glad to arrange a pickup at your home or office. Tomas said that the suits do not have to be expensive brands from Tom James or Oak Hall—they welcome any suits in good wear condition. Financial donations are also needed to cover the cost of the custom tailoring. No one involved in the Memphis Suit Project takes any compensation whatsoever, and so all donations go directly to the charity’s use. Tailors willing to volunteer their time at a reduced or free basis are also sorely needed. Truly a grassroots effort, board members even keep the donated clothing in their own homes and garages. Tomas grew up in Memphis and feels the need to give to
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