In the wake of the October 7th Hamas terror attacks in Israel, Tieks CEO Kfir Gavrieli launched the Tieks for Israel fundraiser, securing $80,000 in donations within hours of going live and ultimately raising $180,502 over the week-long fundraiser. Gavrieli said, “As a proud Jew and Israeli, the recent attacks by Hamas hit close to home. I am honored to see the Tieks community stepping up and showing solidarity with Israel in such a meaningful way. Through the proceeds, we will be able to help support the overwhelmed Israeli hospitals and healthcare workers treating the victims of Hamas’ barbaric attacks targeting innocent men, women, and children.”
Leading by Example: In Design and in Philanthropy
In the category of ballet flats, Tieks shoes are industry leaders, known for providing a virtually unheard-of combination of high-quality construction, cutting-edge design, and ultimate comfort. In philanthropy as well, Gavrieli provides a consistent example of using entrepreneurial success to lift up entire communities. In fact, in announcing the #TieksforIsrael campaign, he noted, “When we launched this campaign there were no other companies stepping up to support the Israeli terror victims. I hope that other brands will follow suit and show their support for Israelis, who are mourning after this horrific mass murder–– the darkest day in Jewish history since the Holocaust.”
Gavrieli decided to hold a week-long virtual fundraiser, allowing loyal Tieks fans the chance to win 13 of the brands’ most in-demand and collectible ballet flats, including the Magick, Midnight Blue, Sapphire Croc, Tiek Blue Classic, Black Ostrich, Tyrian, Seafield Check, and Arabian Night styles. To show solidarity with the people of Israel, a special shipping box design was also released, featuring a combination of the notorious yellow star forced on Jewish citizens during the Holocaust with the blue Star of David from the modern-day Israeli flag, and the poignant hashtag #NeverAgainIsNow. As further evidence of his dedication to giving back, Gavrieli committed to donating 100% of fundraiser proceeds to the cause.
This decision was particularly impressive since some of the shoes on the auction block are the first of their kind, released in order to support this important cause. Others are previously released limited-edition Tieks, which are incredibly hard to come by for the typical shopper since most specially released shoes sell out online within hours. Given the high demand for these shoes, and the Tieks’ community’s history of uniting for important causes, the Tieks For Israel fundraiser will provide vital support to hospitals in Israel, following the example that Gavrieli set last year shortly after Russian forces invaded Ukraine, devastating its citizens and creating an unparalleled refugee crisis.
Bidding for a Cause
In March 2022, Gavrieli initiated a #TieksForUkraine auction, again releasing a collection of rare Tieks for bidders to snap up while supporting relief efforts. The result? Devoted Tieks fans bid with dedication—one winner spent more than $6000 for a single pair of flats—ultimately raising close to $90,000 to support World Central Kitchen’s efforts to provide meals to tens of thousands of Ukrainian refugees. And, given the recent auction event, #TieksforIsrael once again demonstrates the vital role entrepreneurs like Kfir Gavrieli can play in the world of philanthropy by supporting important relief and recovery efforts.
