Armani Opts for Cash Over Caviar

My heart was warmed this morning when I read in WWD that Giorgio Armani donated $1Million to New York City Public Schools at the celebrity studded opening of his new, 43,000 square foot store on Fifth Avenue.  As if it wasn't enough that the store will provide untold numbers of jobs to New York City residents, and will, according to Mayor Bloomberg, assure Armani  "...a front-row seat in our recovery,"  Armani felt it was more appropriate to spend his money on bettering our public schools rather than throwing a big dinner for the who's who of the celebrity contingency.  Armani's donation will establish the multi-year Armani Arts Institute umbrella program, supporting arts programs in public schools in under-served neighborhoods, with a specific emphasis on the Bronx.  Apparently, Armani even took a trip on the subway to the Bronx, a site I would have LOVED to have seen for the mere reason that I want to give the man a big hug!