Hetrick Martin Institue

Maison 24 is the exclusive destination for the "I Kiss Boys" and "I Kiss Girls" tote bags designed by the youth from The Hetrick-Martin Institute

July 20, 2010 - A colorful, cotton tote bag to carry personal items and to relay a bold personal message is what's in store at Maison 24.  

Visitors to Maison 24's website or in person at the Bridgehampton or Fire Island Pines stores can purchase "I Kiss Boys" and "I Kiss Girls" tote bags designed by the youth members of The Hetrick-Martin Institute, home of the Harvey Milk High School .  The tote bags are a creation of the youth members’ involvement with Polo Fashion School – a collaboration between The Hetrick-Martin Institute and Polo Ralph Lauren.  

Each tote bag is $ 20 (plus shipping when ordered online at www.maison24.com) with 75% of the sale price supporting the mission of The Hetrick-Martin Institute, which is the nation's oldest and largest social services organization serving lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning teenagers.  Founded in 1979, The Hetrick-Martin Institute continues to provide a safe environment in which young people can participate in after school programs featuring academic enrichment, health and wellness, arts and culture and job readiness assistance as well as receive mental health and supportive services, a hot meal, clothing and showers.  Please visit www.hmi.org for more information.

"We are delighted to help the youth of the The Hetrick-Martin Institute share these fun tote bags with other confident, youthful individuals," says Allison Julius, co-founder with her brother Louis Marra of Maison 24.  "The tote bags are for everyone and the money raised will help provide a safe environment for these talented young adults to continue to learn and express themselves."

Maison 24, a nationally-recognized retailer, offers a mix of traditional and trend-setting home decor and accessories.  Louis Marra and Allison Julius, brother and sister co-owners, have found what they feel is the best of the best across a wide range of categories – home furnishings, men’s and women’s accessories, music, art, decorative objects, books, children’s accessories, collectible toys, and so much more.  Whether it’s a new find, a product of their own design, or bringing in something they've coveted forever, they have created a unique and above all fun shopping experience.  Maison 24 opened its Bridgehampton, NY location on May 24, 2008 and opened a Fire Island Pines, NY summer location May 14, 2010.  Visitwww.maison24.com for more information or follow them on Twitter at www.twitter.com/allisonlouis.