There's nothing like a celebrity to draw attention to a cause. Credit Katie Couric for the increase in colon cancer screenings and Michael J. Fox for raising awareness about Parkinson's
disease. Similarly, Urban Brands' Ashley Stewart stores recently tapped singer Gladys Knight to extend her involvement with the women's plus-size clothing chain, after first working with it earlier
this year.
The 200-plus store chain, largely located in urban neighborhoods, has been active on the local level. Individual stores have gotten access to annual charity budgets to spend in their
communities, says spokesman Mark Gunn. A new unit, The Stores Community Foundation, will work on a national level, with Knight doing local appearances and seminars. A Gladys Knight clothing line is
due in stores this fall. The foundation's first charitable effort will benefit Dress For Success. Ashley Stewart will also stock Knight's upcoming album, "Before Me," set for release in
October by Verve Records, with profits going into the new foundation.