The Barbara Bates Foundation

ABOUT THE FOUNDATION

The Barbara Bates Foundation was founded in 1999 by international, Chicago-based fashion designer Barbara Bates. The Foundation was created after publicity generated that year when Bates spoke at a local alternative high school and promised free prom dresses for those girls who reached their goal of "graduating against the odds."

After reading publicity generated from that speech, a local business executive with the Kraft Corporation made a $1,000 donation to enhance the efforts by the designer and the Barbara Bates Foundation was officially born. That year, Bates donated 14 specially designed gowns to these young women with challenging situations. Since then, the Foundation has grown to also include formal wear for deserving high school males.

THE FOUNDATION'S MISSION

The Barbara Bates Foundation strives to uplift to spirits and attitudes of Chicago's disadvantaged inner-city teens living in poverty. Since its inception, the Foundation has discovered that the donation of a designer gown or tuxedo can go a long way towards encouraging teens to want to "really be somebody" and set goals for themselves. Upon graduation, 80-percent of our students go on to further their educations at two and four college institutions.

The Foundation's long-range goals include funding scholarships, job-training programs, self-esteem enhancement, and youth empowerment workshops for young adults. The Foundation has very ambitious goals for this segment of Chicago's population that have been forgotten. The Barbara Bates Foundation seeks to empower underprivileged teens to rise above their circumstances and become successful individuals in whatever fields they choose.

ABOUT THE DESIGNER

Barbara Bates was a teen mother who rose above her situation to become an international fashion designer. She speaks at numerous high schools every year, sharing her inspirational story with other young people facing similar situations. Her desire to give back has kept her motivated with the Foundation's efforts.

If you know the name you probably already know the story. Even if the name is unfamiliar, chances are you have unknowingly seen and admired her work. She loves what she does and it shows. Her creations, ranging from casual outfits to evening ensembles, demand attention. Her clients, celebrities in their own right, have an eye for quality and sense of style. Together they make an impact that enhances both garment and wearer and have propelled Barbara Bates into her own spotlight.

CONTACT THE FOUNDATION

If you know an exceptional student you would like to nominate, or if you would like to give support to the foundation in any way, please send us an email at foundation@batesdesigns.com.






	ABOUT THE FOUNDATION The Barbara Bates Foundation was founded in 1999 by international, Chicago-based fashion designer Barbara Bates. The Foundation was created after publicity generated that year when Bates spoke at a local alternative high school and promised free prom dresses for those girls who reached their goal of "graduating against the odds." After reading publicity generated from that speech, a local business executive with the Kraft Corporation made a $1,000 donation to enhance the efforts by the designer and the Barbara Bates Foundation was officially born. That year, Bates donated 14 specially designed gowns to these young women with challenging situations. Since then, the Foundation has grown to also include formal wear for deserving high school males. THE FOUNDATION'S MISSION The Barbara Bates Foundation strives to uplift to spirits and attitudes of Chicago's disadvantaged inner-city teens living in poverty. Since its inception, the Foundation has discovered that the donation of a designer gown or tuxedo can go a long way towards encouraging teens to want to "really be somebody" and set goals for themselves. Upon graduation, 80-percent of our students go on to further their educations at two and four college institutions. The Foundation's long-range goals include funding scholarships, job-training programs, self-esteem enhancement, and youth empowerment workshops for young adults. The Foundation has very ambitious goals for this segment of Chicago's population that have been forgotten. The Barbara Bates Foundation seeks to empower underprivileged teens to rise above their circumstances and become successful individuals in whatever fields they choose. ABOUT THE DESIGNER Barbara Bates was a teen mother who rose above her situation to become an international fashion designer. She speaks at numerous high schools every year, sharing her inspirational story with other young people facing similar situations. Her desire to give back has kept her motivated with the Foundation's efforts. If you know the name you probably already know the story. Even if the name is unfamiliar, chances are you have unknowingly seen and admired her work. She loves what she does and it shows. Her creations, ranging from casual outfits to evening ensembles, demand attention. Her clients, celebrities in their own right, have an eye for quality and sense of style. Together they make an impact that enhances both garment and wearer and have propelled Barbara Bates into her own spotlight. CONTACT THE FOUNDATION If you know an exceptional student you would like to nominate, or if you would like to give support to the foundation in any way, please send us an email at foundation@batesdesigns.com.