NEW YORK, N.Y.—It’s often said that the clothes make the man, but a number of notable men redefined the phrase by donating their neckwear for a charity auction. Career Gear, a nonprofit that assists disadvantaged men find and retain employment, received ties from such famous necks as Christopher Meloni, Ed Helms, Isiah Whitlock Jr., James Gandolfini, Jimmy Kimmel, John Krasinski, John Lutz, John Waters, Lewis Black, Marcellus Wiley, Michael Imperioli, Paul James, Rainn Wilson, Ryan Eggold, Steve Buscemi, Tim Gunn and Tom Colicchio, Zac Efron, Steve Carell and Zach Galifianakis for the second annual online auction held in June, 2010 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.

“We are so grateful that these inspirational men have donated their ties to Career Gear,” says founder Gary Field. “As we enter our 11th 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.