Nyc Restaurants, Shops Come Together For Ten-day 'flash Sale' To Support Teen Program

For Immediate Release
Contact: Isabelle Jett�, Futures and Options
ijette@futuresandoptions.org
O: 212-601-0002, x 27; M: 312-636-6390

Giving New Yorkers Cause to Spend, NYC's Futures and Options Launches

The Opportunity Card, "Flash" Savings Event for Caring Consumers

Coach, Gap, The Container Store, Zales Among 100 Brands and 200 Locations
Where Fashionistas and Foodies Can Save 20% - and Support Underserved Youth

TheOpportunityCard.org

Facebook.com/FuturesandOptions

NEW YORK, NY (September 12, 2011) - New Yorkers love pop-up events and flash sales. Now, youth-serving non-profit Futures and Options is blending the best of both with The Opportunity Card, a ten-day fundraiser that will connect caring consumers with hundreds of New York's favorite retailers and restaurants for a good cause.

Since 1995, Futures and Options has made it possible for over 2,000 of New York City's underserved youth to explore careers through career development and paid, mentored internships.

Here's how it works: Starting Wednesday, September 7, consumers can buy The Card for a $50 tax-deductible contribution to Futures and Options. Then for ten days, from October 28 to November 6, 2011, holders of The Opportunity Card will get exclusive 20% discounts from more than 200 stores and restaurants on NYC's must-have clothing, beauty, jewelry, housewares, dining options, and more.

Smart shoppers can get The Opportunity Card at TheOpportunityCard.org or 212-601-0002, ext. 27.

Supporting partners of the inaugural Opportunity Card include Gilt City and Zagat. Beginning September 20th, Gilt City members can visit www.giltcity.com/newyork to purchase the premier Opportunity Card through the site.

While new to New York City, The Opportunity Card is modeled after hugely successful card-fundraising initiatives used by nonprofit organizations across the country. For shoppers, for merchants, for New York City, and for youth who benefit from Futures and Options programs, The Opportunity Card is a win. Consumers save money and discover new shopping and dining destinations; merchants enjoy increased traffic and visibility; and Futures and Options raises funds through the sales of The Card to directly support its programs.

The Opportunity Card will raise awareness and funds to support the organization's efforts to ensure more New York City teens have access to work readiness training, professional career opportunities, a college education, and a promising future.

"What's most exciting about The Opportunity Card for us is the chance to raise funds that will expand our programs and reach more kids," said Patty Machir, Executive Director of Futures and Options. "While we served over 350 teens this year, there's demand from hundreds more who applied to participate. Support from caring consumers who take advantage of The Opportunity Card can help make that happen."

Futures and Options gives low-income, inner-city youth a chance at meaningful work experiences. The organization reaches teens at a formative time of their lives, guiding them to further their education and become contributing citizens. More than 65% of Futures and Options participants are from low-income families and qualify for free lunch assistance. Sixteen percent are immigrants, and 24% speak English as a second language.

Sponsors of The Opportunity Card program's inaugural run include the Downtown-Lower Manhattan Association and Futures and Options board members Stephen and Stephanie Hessler, Stephen and Maria Musante, Christian Sullivan and Vanessa Wilson.

To find out more about The Opportunity Card, please visit www.theopportunitycard.org.

About Futures and Options:
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