NEW YORK—The UJA-Federation of New York is planning to establish a new Accessories Division, which will target the involvement of companies and executives in the eyewear, sunwear, jewelry, handbag, small leather goods and footwear sectors, spanning the wholesale, retail and licensing arenas.

Attendees representing various eyewear and accessory companies, New York department store retailers and related organizations attended a reception earlier this week, hosted in the Marchon Eyewear showroom, to learn about how they might become more involved in the work of the new division of this non-profit organization which allocates resources, and programs to more than 4.5 million people in New York, in Israel and in 60 countries worldwide.

Marchon co-founder, Al Berg, active in the UJA-Federation, along with Gilbert Harrison, Chair of the UJA-Federation Fashion Division and Chairman of Financo, Inc. joined with other representatives of UJA, to talk about the potential for the accessories industry to create an exciting event or series of programs, with a goal of launching officially in 2013. Among those on hand at the reception were Marchon’s president and CEO, Claudio Gottardi along with other Marchon senior execs, Karen Giberson, president of The Accessories Council, David Friedfeld, president of ClearVision Optical, Cliff Robinson, B. Robinson, and others from the fashion/retail business.

UJA-Federation of New York is recognized for its comprehensive and carefully planned allocation of resources to nearly 100 beneficiary agencies, as well as to dozens of other grantees and grass roots organizations. Those allocations make possible a wide array of essential services and programs, including food for the isolated elderly, financial and spiritual guidance.

For many years, the UJA-Federation of NY had an active optical industry division which raised funds for the group’s charitable initiatives. Those participants in the optical sector are now encouraged to take part in the new Accessories Division. While a steering committee has been formed to plan the activities of the new Accessories Division, the group is looking for more volunteers and suggestions about future fundraising events.

More information and details of upcoming meetings are available from Marcy Fink (212) 836-1448 or finkm@ujafedny.org and Jon Marcus (212) 836-1853) or marcusj@ujafedny.org of the UJA-Federation of NY.