Daymond John


Honorary Event Chair


Unity Care is pleased to announce Daymond John, co-star of the ABC hit reality business show, Shark Tank, as the Honorary Event Chair for its 3rd Annual YouthLive! gala, April 12, 2014.

Daymond  revolutionized the sportswear industry in the 1990s as the founder of FUBU—“For Us, By Us.”  Daymond started the clothing company in his mother’s basement that expanded into a global fashion empire.  He created distinctive and fashionable sportsware that became trendsetting to youth all over the world and has grossed over 4 billion dollars in retail sales to date.

Born in New York City, Daymond grew up in the neighborhood of Queens raised by his single mother.  He started in the apparel market when he wanted a tie-top hat, but was put off by the price.  He asked his mother to teach him how to use a sewing machine, and he began making the distinctive tie-top hats in the morning and selling them on the streets of Queens in the evening hours.

Over the last 16 years, Daymond has evolved into more than a fashion mogul.  He is an author, consultant and public speaker, who shares his expertise with everyone from students and aspiring entrepreneurs to small business owners and CEOs of major corporations. Daymond is regarded as one of the most sought-after branding experts and keynote speakers in fashion and business today.



He has been featured on Bloomberg News, CNBC, Fox Business, and in The Wall Street Journal, as well as many other prominent media outlets.


Awards:


  • The Crain's Business of New York “Forty Under Forty” Award

  • The NAACP “Entrepreneur of the Year” Award

  • The BrandWeek “Marketer of the Year” Award

  • The Ernst & Young’s “NY Entrepreneur of the Year” Award

The highly anticipated third annual YouthLive! gala will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2014 at the San Jose Fairmont Hotel located at 170 S. Market Street, San Jose, CA 95113.  The evening features a youth talent, art and fashion show.  Proceeds from the event benefit Unity Care’s programs improving the lives of at-risk and foster youth.

For information about sponsorships contact Jacqui Marchessini at (408) 510-3480 or email jmarchessini@unitycare.org.