Click on any of the photos above to enlarge.

Robert Valdes-Rodriguez, founder of RVR Neckwear, was inspired to design a collection for Hearts of Gold after meeting its Founder and Executive Director, Deborah Koenigsberger, through mutual friends. “I said, let’s provide something fashionable for men and raise money for Hearts of Gold,” Robert recalls. With that, Robert embarked on designing two tie styles and a pocket square exclusive to Hearts of Gold. Like RVR’s existing neckwear collection, the “Hearts of Gold” designs are woven in Italy by one of the most exclusive silk mills in the world.

RVR’s silk masterpieces will debut at Hearts of Gold’s 13th Annual Fall Fundraising Gala, “It’s A Love Thing,” on Thursday, November 12 at Metropolitan Pavilion. The event will feature co-Mistresses of Ceremonies Soledad O’Brien and Tamara Tunie and Honorary Chair Rhonda Ross and will include a cocktail reception, dinner, live auction, fashion show, and after-party.

Proceeds from the sales of the ties, pocket squares, and the gala event will be used to support approximately 900 mothers and children in residence annually at three Manhattan shelters. Though New York City has the country’s second-largest homeless population, Deborah Koenigsberger's vision is to expand the organization, so that struggling families get real-time support not just in New York but across the nation.

© 2008 Hearts of Gold