International Market Centers isn’t just our name. It’s literally who we are as the center of a global industry that gathers together many diverse members of what really is a small, small world, after all. (Cue today’s ear worm. You’re welcome.)

So, when we here at IMC discovered that there are brands and exhibitors, factories and workers, even colleagues and their families affected by the crises of hunger and loss being experienced in Ukraine right now, we decided this summer was the right time to Come Together to help those in need.

IMC CEO Bob Maricich explained, saying, “Having a direct connection to people in Ukraine who are receiving [this] aid is humbling. We are proud to raise funds to support the communities of the exhibitors who are coming from Ukraine to our Las Vegas Market and are pleased that ‘Come Together’ donations are benefitting workers and their families who are part of our global industry.”

joining together, leading the way 

This Come Together initiative is being led by our digital and physical markets – JuniperMarket, Atlanta Market, and Las Vegas Market – working together in alliance with World Central Kitchen (WCK). So, no matter what role you have in our industry or what relationship you share with IMC, you can play a part in the efforts to raise at least $25,000 to provide thousands of fresh meals for displaced Ukrainian families from Chef Jose’ Andres and his WCK team.

Starting the first of this month, you can help raise funds in the following ways:

• Place an order on JuniperMarket and we will donate $5 per order (up to $5,000) through August 1
• Make a donation at either IMC Market in Atlanta or Las Vegas and IMC will match donations (up to $5,000)
• While at Market, look for participating vendors who will donate a portion of their proceeds from at-market sales. Boost their sales, your inventory AND the donation fund with your planned purchases. A full list of participating vendors will be available soon – we’ll make sure you know who they are.*
• Make a direct donation, personal or corporate, at any time online via https://donate.wck.org/fundraiser/3931045.

*Hey vendors! If you’re interested in participating, you can email cometogether@giftforlife.info for information. We’d love to have you join us as we support fellow members of our brand community.

a heart for giving and a chance to win

Not only are we going to make it easy for you to join us in this fundraising for World Central Kitchen’s (WCK) #ChefsForUkraine program, we’re going to make it downright tempting. IMC is awarding prizes for Atlanta Market and Las Vegas Market hotels and restaurants to donors! There are LOTS of prizes that will be awarded to randomly chosen winners, so everyone has a great chance to be doubly rewarded for their good works.

Here’s a simple listing of how your gift could also provide reward beyond the warmed heart and peace of mind gained by your generosity.

From June 1 through June 15, buyers and sellers can qualify to win by either donating online at https://donate.wck.org/fundraiser/3931045 or by placing JuniperMarket orders. Winners, who will be randomly selected from all eligible participants, will receive one of seven prizes connected with the summer 2022 markets:

• Hotel Indigo – two-night accommodations and breakfast for two
• Hyatt Regency – two-night accommodations and breakfast for two
• Westin Peachtree Plaza – two-night accommodations and breakfast for two
• Marriott Marquis – two-night accommodations and breakfast for two

• $150 dining credit at Oscar’s Steakhouse at the Plaza Hotel
• $200 Dining credit at Bazaar Meat by Jose’ Andres at the Sahara Hotel
• Two complimentary tickets to either a Gordie Brown Show or a 52 Fridays show at the Golden Nugget Showroom, plus $100 Dining credit for the Salt Grass Steakhouse

there's more!

If your plans are already made for this Summer’s Market, you still have the opportunity to parlay your generous donations into Market rewards in the new year.

From June 15 through August 1, buyers and suppliers who donate directly at https://donate.wck.org/fundraiser/3931045 or place orders on JuniperMarket will be eligible to win hotel and dining prizes for IMC’s winter 2023 markets. Seven winners will be randomly selected from all eligible donors to receive one of the following prizes:

• Hotel Indigo – two-night accommodations and breakfast for two
• Hyatt Regency – two-night accommodations and breakfast for two
• Westin Peachtree Plaza – two-night accommodations and breakfast for two
• Marriott Marquis – two-night accommodations and breakfast for two
  
  

• $150 dining credit at Oscar’s Steakhouse at the Plaza Hotel
• $200 Dining credit at Bazaar Meat by Jose’ Andres at the Sahara Hotel
• Two complimentary tickets to either a Gordie Brown Show or a 52 Fridays show at the Golden Nugget Showroom, plus $100 Dining credit for the Salt Grass Steakhouse

While it might seem like WKC’s Ukrainian efforts are worlds away, personally meeting the seven Ukrainian furniture manufacturers featured in The Ukrainian Pavilion at this summer’s Las Vegas Market will let you see how closely connected we all are. We here at IMC are so grateful that you value these connections as we do and thank you from very grateful hearts for your share in the efforts to support the needs within our community.

It's OUR small world, after all.