Milwaukee, WI — Back to school is typically about the students, but this year Old Navy is partnering with the Boys and Girls Clubs across the country to highlight the work of teachers while also raising funds to benefit the organization.
The retail company partnered with Pharrell Williams and his creative collective, “i am OTHER.” The videos celebrate Old Navy's new mission focused on taking the next generation to the next level.
"Learners really do become leaders," said Cedric Gardner.“[And] it’s definitely a blessing, and when I say blessing it just means [getting] an opportunity I didn’t even know that could be possible.”
Gardner penned and performed the title track "ONward!" for the campaign. He is one of only eight educators across the country featured in the in the project that highlights teachers and celebrates the launch of old navy’s cause platform ONward! --a mission focused on taking the next generation to the next level.
"It puts not only [educators] in the spotlight, but it highlights our kids in a whole new level," Gardner said. "This exposure has allowed our children to be on [a late night show], has allowed our children to fly to Los Angeles to shoot this video [and] it's just really allowing our kids to become big.”
Saniya Davis and Elijah Taylor, both members of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, joined Gardner for the video shoot where they showcased their dance skills right alongside him.
“It was really fun to meet new people," Elijah Taylor said. "[And] make new friends [and] have the experience.”
This experience is now something Taylor gets to share with others and it’s all for a good cause. The videos help promote Old Navy’s fundraising campaign as the retail company collects dollars to benefit the boys and girls of the Boys and Girls Clubs.
The goal of Old Navy's fundraising campaign was to raise $1,000,000 to benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada. Old Navy has since exceeded that goal, but customers can still donate at the register or online.
