Every year, the A&F Co. Global Home Office (GHO) in Columbus, Ohio, becomes a venue fit for festivities—specifically, The Challenge, our annual music festival meets fundraiser.
While associates and community members enjoy food, drinks and exclusive merch amidst a backdrop of twinkle lights and live music, the mission of The Challenge is always at the forefront: to celebrate the ongoing impact of our key non-profit partners.
This year, those partners are The Academy Group, GLSEN, SeriousFun Children’s Network, The Steve Fund, The Trevor Project, and—new this year—the Rare Impact Fund. Each of these partners has an important focus on bettering the lives of today’s youth; they’re expanding mental health services and resources, empowering children with serious illnesses, creating a more inclusive world for LGBTQ+ young people and more.
While many of the funds raised for our impact partners come from Challenge ticket sales, individual donations and sponsorships, A&F Co. associates—from our stores to our home offices—also raise funds with their teams throughout the year.
“We regularly bring in over $3,000 over the course of 2-3 days, which is truly wild to me,” said Daniel Townsley of Abercrombie’s Tech Design team. For nearly ten years, the Tech Design team has hosted a bake sale fundraiser, which Townsley took over when he joined A&F Co. back in 2018. “Everyone at GHO is so supportive, and it’s always a treat to have returning customers ask for specific items!”
The Tech Design team updates their selection of baked goods every year to cater to requests. Customers can now purchase gluten free and vegan options, dog treats and bite-size cupcakes for snacking on the go.
In addition to the fundraising efforts that associates lead on their own time, there’s also a unique opportunity in the annual Fundraising on the Lawn event at GHO. It’s here that teams come together on the campus café lawn to fundraise separately yet collectively, each hosting their own booths for an afternoon of raffles, games and more.
While associates are given incentives (such as VIP upgrades and offsite team-building days) to hit certain fundraising thresholds, the purpose behind The Challenge still hits home in a personal way. “The Challenge resonates because it aligns with my values of community and giving back,” said Christina Tripi, whose team (Store Operations) has hosted a volleyball tournament fundraiser for the past two years. “It’s rewarding to contribute to a cause that makes a tangible difference and brings people together for a greater good.”
Tripi had the idea for the volleyball tournament two years ago but needed a partner to help her get it off the ground. Becca Kastner, also from Store Operations, immediately volunteered.
“It’s one of the reasons I am so proud to work for A&F Co.,” said Kastner. “The impact partners The Challenge raises funds for are outstanding organizations that transform the lives of countless individuals.”
Townsley, Tripi and Kastner have all volunteered as camp counselors through the A&F Co. Camp Counselor Program and have therefore seen firsthand the positive influence of our Challenge impact partners. (The A&F Co. Camp Counselor Program is done in partnership with one of The Challenge impact partners, SeriousFun Children’s Network.)
“Fundraising is a great reminder of why I’m here,” Townsley concluded. “I always say that I can make clothes at any company, but the philanthropic culture of A&F Co. makes my daily work that much sweeter.”
This year, The Challenge will take place on 9/20 at the A&F Co. Global Home Office in Columbus, Ohio. Learn more about The Challenge and its impact partners at ANFChallenge.org.
