NEW YORK, N.Y.—It’s often said that the clothes make the man, but a number of notable men are redefining the phrase by donating their neckwear for a charity auction. Career Gear, a nonprofit that assists disadvantaged men find and retain employment, has received ties from such famous necks as Patrick Dempsey, Jimmy Kimmel and Kevin Spacey to auction off this June to raise much-needed funds. In this time of economic uncertainty, these men have all recognized the pressing need to help those who are unemployed but ready to turn their lives around.

Other celebrities who have stuck out their necks for this good cause include Eric Bana, Josh Brolin, Matt Dillon, James Marsden, Christopher Meloni, Neil Patrick Harris, Tony Shalhoub and John Waters. Additionally, a full suit donated by professional hockey player and fashion enthusiast Sean Avery will be up for bid in the online auction, as well as a selection of ties from André “3000” Benjamin’s clothing line, Benjamin Bixby.

“We are so grateful that these inspirational men have donated their ties to Career Gear,” says founder Gary Field. “As we enter our tenth year, in an economy that will surely find even more men in need of our services, we are thankful to have their support. The funds raised from the auction will go directly towards giving men a second chance to start their lives.”

Since 1999, Career Gear has empowered disconnected job-seeking men to invest in themselves to succeed as leaders, fathers and positive role models in communities where there are often few. Now some of the country’s best-known and revered role models are helping to inform a wider audience of Career Gear’s mission by aligning with its cause. Their strong sense of style and a commitment to philanthropy will help raise funds that go directly to Career Gear to sustain important retention services and career counseling workshops that lead to quality-of-life improvements.

The auction will begin on June 5 at 12:01 a.m. and close on June 14 at 11:59 p.m. To visit the auction Web site once it goes live, please visit:  <http://www.CareerGear.org>

About Career Gear

Founded in 1999, Career Gear began with the goal of providing appropriate business attire for men seeking employment, and now has broadened to provide services and resources to help their clients retain employment and advance in the workplace. By supplying a suit to men who have successfully completed a job-training program and are actively seeking employment, Career Gear not only gives them a visual advantage at interviews, but also engenders a mental transformation in how they see themselves. Career Gear sustains this transformation through unique workshops in their Professional Development Series, which focus on skills that impact an individual’s ability to remain employed. Career Gear has headquarters in New York with affiliates in five metropolitan areas across the country. Last year alone Career Gear prepared over 3,273 men for job interviews.