JUNE 16, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HOPE WEEK 2025 COMMUNITY INITIATIVE DAY TWO:
TUESDAY, JUNE 17 – BOTTOMLESS CLOSET
YANKEES PLAYERS AND THEIR FAMILIES WILL TOUR THE FACILITY, LEARN ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION,
OFFER FASHION/STYLING TIPS, AND HAVE LUNCH WITH THE GROUP
***EMBARGO NOTE: ALL HOPE WEEK EVENTS CONTAIN SURPRISE ELEMENTS FOR THE HONOREES.
PRIOR TO THE EVENT TAKING PLACE, MEDIA IS ASKED TO PLEASE REFRAIN FROM
*POSTING OR DISSEMINATING THE NAMES OF HONOREES OR DETAILS OF THE SCHEDULED EVENTS.****
ABOUT EVENTS ON TUESDAY, JUNE 17, AND HONOREE – BOTTOMLESS CLOSET
MEDIA INFORMATION FOR COVERING HOPE WEEK DAY TWO:
TUESDAY, JUNE 17 AT 1 W 34TH ST IN MIDTOWN, MANHATTAN
WHAT**:** The Yankees will honor Bottomless Closet on Day Two of the 16th edition of HOPE Week. Carlos Rodón, Ben Rice, Austin Wells, Luis Gil, Pablo Reyes and Field Coordinator Tanner Swanson will be among the contingent of Yankees players and coaches who will tour the Bottomless Closet facility in midtown Manhattan and assist staff in unpacking inventory. Players will also help clients select workplace clothing. For more than 25 years, Bottomless Closet has provided women of limited means with a blueprint for entering the workforce, capping it off with professional attire to wear when they present themselves at in-person interviews. Through resume coaching, interview preparation, and career development workshops, they empower women with tangible skills, self-confidence and resiliency. After the event, Bottomless Closet staff and clients will be guests of the Yankees for batting practice and the team’s 7:05 p.m. game vs. the Angels.
TIMING/LOCATION/PARKING FOR EVENT**:** Media should arrive by 10:30 a.m. at Bottomless Closet’s headquarters in midtown Manhattan. The event will be taking place at 1 W 34th St., 5th floor. Media should RSVP by e-mailing Parker Lougée (plougee@yankees.com) and Kaitlyn Brennan (kbrennan@yankees.com). All media attending the event will be responsible for finding street parking.
ABOUT HOPE WEEK HONOREE – BOTTOMLESS CLOSET
For the countless women and single mothers living on the fringes of poverty in New York City, the path to a better life is fraught with hurdles and barriers. For variety of reasons, some never learned the skills and cues taken for granted in the professional world, nor do they have access to a network of people to offer advice and suggest opportunities.
For more than 25 years, Bottomless Closet has provided such women of limited means with a blueprint for entering the workforce, capping it off with professional attire to wear when they present themselves at in-person interviews. Through resume coaching, interview preparation, and career development workshops, they empower women with tangible skills, self-confidence and resiliency.
The inspiration for Bottomless Closet came in 1996, when a New York Times article highlighted the challenges women on public assistance faced when searching for employment—particularly the lack of appropriate interview clothing and self-confidence. Recognizing an urgent need, a group of women took action by creating a welcoming and supportive space where those seeking support could access the tools and resources necessary to succeed. By 1999, Bottomless Closet became a reality.
Stepping into Bottomless Closet is unlike walking into a typical nonprofit office. Designed as both a workspace and boutique, it offers a welcoming environment where women not only select professional attire, but also prepare for job interviews in a setting that builds confidence. Each client is paired with a volunteer coach who guides them through resume writing, interview techniques, and workplace skills. Many women walk in feeling uncertain, never having owned professional attire before, but leave seeing themselves in a new light—with renewed confidence and a sense of purpose.
“I think what Bottomless Closet gives you is way more than something tangible. It makes you strong to know that you have that support. It’s priceless.” – Former Bottomless Closet client
For many, this support is life-changing. Some clients come from backgrounds of homelessness, domestic violence, incarceration, or long-term unemployment, facing significant barriers to re-entering the workforce. But with the right resources, preparation, and encouragement, they transform uncertainty into opportunity. Former Bottomless Closet clients that have found success now return to Bottomless Closet to mentor others—proving that one opportunity can change not just a single life but an entire community.
One of the most unique aspects of Bottomless Closet is its lifelong commitment to its clients. Once a woman walks through its doors, she is a client for life. Even after securing a job, she can continue to access professional development workshops, career coaching, and wardrobe consultations as she progresses in her career. This ongoing support ensures that Bottomless Closet is not just a stepping stone, but a lasting resource that empowers women long after their first interview.
Beyond individual success stories, Bottomless Closet fosters a cycle of empowerment. With nearly 100 dedicated volunteers and 200 referral partners, the organization continues to grow, ensuring that more women receive the support they need.
MORE ABOUT HOPE WEEK
(Please also visit hopeweek.com)
Introduced in 2009 and embarking on its 16th edition in 2025 (including a pause in 2020 due to the COVID pandemic), the Yankees’ HOPE Week initiative (Helping Others Persevere & Excel) is an ambitious, week-long, multi-faceted community outreach program undertaken by all players and employees within the organization. The initiative is rooted in the belief that acts of goodwill provide hope and encouragement to more than just the recipient of the gesture.
At its core, HOPE Week is about people helping people. The one thing everybody has — no matter their background or financial situation — is time. By involving every one of our players and coaches, Manager Aaron Boone, General Manager Brian Cashman, our minor league affiliates and front office staff during the celebration of HOPE Week, the Yankees send the message that everyone can give of themselves to make their community a better place.
Equally significant during HOPE Week is garnering publicity for highlighted causes and organizations. The greatest challenge facing many not-for-profits is generating interest, awareness and funding for their missions.
The Yankees encourage all their fans to get involved … Give HOPE!
—nyy—