New York, New York - December 8, 2005 - The Khym Foundation, a New Jersey-based charitable institution founded by Korean-American apparel entrepreneur David Khym, founder of Southpole and Wicked Fashions, hosted a scholarship award ceremony at 4:00 PM on December 7, 2005. This event was held within South Pole/Wicked Fashion’s offices, located in Fort Lee, NJ.

The event recognized the academic achievements of 20+ local NY/NJ community college students, through the provision of grants from the Khym Foundation’s ongoing charitable award program. Selected students are presently attending colleges including Hudson Community College, Kingsborough Community College, La Guardia Community College and Union County College. Additional attention was focused on other grants that have been made by the Khym Foundation over the past year.

To view a photo album of the Khym Foundation's Scholarship Award Program Ceremony, please click here.

To arrange an interview, or to receive more information on the Khym Foundation and its activities, please contact Suzanne Harvey at: +1-212-532-3005 or e-mail khymfoundation@kwrintl.com

About the Khym Foundation

The Khym Foundation is an officially registered nonprofit organization that was established in 2003 in the state of New Jersey by David (Daewon) Khym, Chairman of Wicked Fashions, Inc., a clothing enterprise, and his brother Kenny (Kwang Won) Khym, the President of Against All Odds, a retail chain.

The Foundation plans to build its endowment by $1,000,000 annually for ten years, contributing to a total contribution of $10,000,000. So far $3,100,000 has been collected. The foundation’s activities and ventures will be funded by the returns generated from investment of the donated capital.

The purpose of the foundation is to fund scholarships, promote community culture, as well as, to enhance public welfare. Last year, as a first venture, an essay contest was organized for first generation Korean immigrants, who overcame suffering and hardship to achieve success in their adopted land. These essays are expected to be published in a book in the near future. The Foundations also donated to a range of public service groups, in addition to giving support to the elderly and the handicapped.

Although the foundation was founded by those of Korean descent, its fundamental objective is to provide financial support to people of all backgrounds. This is reflected in the range of students and organizations who were granted awards in this years scholarship and charitable awards program.

About Southpole/Wicked Fashions, Inc.

Wicked Fashions, Inc. was established as a wholesale clothing company in 1991. It has since become a major force in urban and hip-hop fashion and its Southpole line is recognized as a dominant global denim and sportswear brand in both the young men and junior markets. The company shows no signs of slowing down after achieving sales of less than $100 million in 2001 to a projected $350 million in 2005. In recognition of his achievements, Southpole/Wicked’s founder, Mr. David Khym’s was awarded JC Penney’s ‘2001 Divisional Award for Men’s Apparel, its 2002 Supplier Divisional Award for Men’s Apparel and its 2003 Supplier Divisional Award for Women’s Apparel. He was also selected as Ernst & Young’s 2004 Entrepreneur of the Year. The media has also recognized the company and coined the term “Southpole Trend” in reference to the many companies now vying to compete in the “trendy basic” segment, a niche first filled by Southpole products, which combines high-quality and attractive pricing in the hottest teen and urban styles.

Website: http://www.southpole-usa.com

KWR International, Inc.
Suzanne Harvey
email: khymfoundation@kwrintl.com
phone/fax: +1-212-532-3005/+1-212-685-2413