Sleep in Heavenly Peace shares in Hope to Dream’s mission of providing beds to children who would otherwise go without. Together, they have created a powerful alliance focused on delivering a good night’s sleep and a sense of security to those most in need. This crucial partnership has positively impacted the lives of countless children and families throughout the United States and across several countries.  

“We are thrilled to mark the fifth anniversary of our partnership with Sleep in Heavenly Peace by donating 1,000 mattresses,” said Ruthie Bautista, Vice President of Hope to Dream. “This is a testament to the unwavering commitment of both organizations towards improving the lives of children across the nation. Our shared dedication to ensuring every child has a safe and comfortable place to sleep has been the driving force behind this successful collaboration.” 

Sleep in Heavenly Peace aligns perfectly with Hope to Dream’s aim of providing proper bedding solutions to children facing difficult circumstances. By delivering quality mattresses and bedding accessories, these organizations bring warmth, comfort, and a sense of stability to countless lives. In April 2024, Sleep in Heavenly Peace built and delivered their 200,000th bed. Hope to Dream and local Ashley stores have supplied over 8,000 beds towards this achievement over the course of the partnership. A portion of every mattress purchased at participating Ashley stores helps Hope to Dream provide beds to children in need.   

“We are incredibly grateful for the ongoing partnership with Hope to Dream,” said Luke Mickelson, Founder and Head of Development of Sleep in Heavenly Peace. “This donation of 1,000 mattresses will go a long way in helping us continue our mission of ensuring no child has to sleep on the floor. Our shared dedication to improving the lives of children in need has been the key to our success, and we look forward to continuing this impactful partnership in the years to come.” 

Together, Hope to Dream and Sleep in Heavenly Peace remain committed to helping children experience the transformative power of a good night’s sleep. 

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NORMANDY, France — Hilbert “Hibby” Margol, a veteran of the furniture industry and World War II, received France’s highest military and civilian award, the National Order of the Legion of Honour, during a ceremony marking this week’s 80th anniversary of the D-Day Allied landing in Normandy.

Margol, who turned 100 earlier this past spring, was one of 11 American veterans who was honored during the commemoration of the landing. He received the medal of honor from France President Emmanuel Macron and was congratulated by U.S. President Joe Biden at the ceremony.

While he was not part of the actual D-Day landing, he fought in France as part of the 392^nd Field Artillery Battalion, 42^nd Infantry Division.

Margol and his late brother Howard, and their associate Mike Belford, were the co-founders of former Furniture Today Top 100 Retailer Nationwide Warehouse & Storage in Norcross, Georgia. It was an offshoot of their original business Hotel & Mattress Supply, which marketed mattresses around the country.

The Margol family ran the Southern division of Nationwide out of Norcross, and the Belford family ran the Northern division out of Columbus, Ohio.

According to a 2001 Furniture Today ranking, the retailer was No. 30 on the Top 100 list, with 159 stores and estimated sales of $219.1 million in 2000.

An estimated 180 American veterans made the journey to Normandy to commemorate the anniversary. Many were flown over to France courtesy of Delta Airlines.

Bob O’Neill, industry veteran and founding director of The Monday Co., also attended the event. He first got to know the Margol family through his time at supplier Rosalco, and he and his family have remained friends with the Margol family ever since.

“Having an apartment in Paris, it was my great honor to see my good friend and former major customer, Hibby Margol, get honored by both the French and U.S. presidents to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D Day,” O’Neill told Home News Now. 

“Hibby is a true American war hero and entrepreneur,” O’Neill added. “He always encouraged me to think big when I was a 20-some-year-old Georgia sales rep calling on him in the 1970s. He would always be available as a business mentor to me as my career expanded. It gave me great pride as an American and as a furniture man to be in France for this event.” 

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Her transformation of a living room in a historic home built circa 1880 was judged best in category and the overall best of 298 entries in 12 categories by interior design journalists from throughout the U.S. and Canada. The resulting space “seamlessly blends historic charm with modern, eclectic flair. Vibrant elements, from a colorful wool area rug to custom upholstery and a sparkling crystal chandelier, create a breathtaking atmosphere with multiple seating areas. Ten-foot windows are adorned with fuchsia silk taffeta panels, while a baby-grand Steinway piano and captivating artwork add elegance and cohesion,” Shugars said.

“I am thrilled to win this honor,” said Shugars, “Being Designer of the Year and winning four other design awards is very exciting. This is a wonderful way to celebrate my sixth year in business.”

The media judges also selected Shugars for these other awards: Kitchen first-place, Bedroom second place, and a third place in the Living Room category.

Designer of the Year Runners-Up

The first Runner-Up was Marva Don Card, of Fort Denaud, Florida. Her family room was first in its category and judged second-best overall.

The second Runner-Up was Kimberly Paulus, of Missouri City, Texas. Her bathroom took third place overall and first in its category. She also won seconds in Childrens, Kitchens and Living Room, and another entry in Kitchens won third place. Paulus was Designer of the Year in 2019.

Other Design Awards:

Donayre Award

Shugars’ first place living room also won the Donayre Award, which is voted on by company franchisees and is named for Carol Donayre Bugg, ASID, retired company vice president and director of design.

Second-place winner of the Donayre Award was Paulus for her living room.

Third place went to Lisa Porter, of Dallas, for her bedroom makeover, which was judged first in category by the media judges.

People’s Choice Award

Kiran Arif, of Cincinnati won all three top awards in the People’s Choice Award segment, an online judging open to the public. Her living room design received the highest number of votes cast, her kitchen was second and miscellaneous space was third.

Patti Award

Katie Frederic, of the Coin Team franchise in Sanibel Island, Florida, won the Patti Award. Named after Patti Coons, former public relations director who was instrumental in starting the International Dream Room competition. The award is for first-time entries into the competition and is judged by those franchisees who have achieved Decorating Den Certified Decorator status. She won for a living room makeover.

Annie Abanilla, with the Pressley Design Co. franchise in Fort Worth, won second for her bedroom.

Michelle Simpson, with Lisa Porter’s Spruced Decorating Den Interiors, won third-place Patti for her living room makeover.

This was the company’s 40^th International Dream Room awards presentation. It was held at the company’s Tune in to Success 2024 annual conference in Nashville.

Decorating Den Interiors was founded in 1969 and has interior design professionals and decorators throughout the U.S. and Canada. Its design professionals offer full-service interior design that includes fine furniture, case goods, accessories, lighting, floor and wall coverings, draperies, and other hard and soft window treatments from its custom LIVV Home Collection of furnishings. Its design professionals bring samples directly to the client’s home or office, provide complimentary design services and personally oversee projects through installation. 

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In celebration of its 15th anniversary, the festival is expanding its music, food, art and entertainment experiences to enhance fun for the entire family. Attendees will experience some of the biggest names in music including Journey, Old Dominion, The Script, Bret Michaels and more. In addition to main stage performances, the three side stages will host a talented selection of performers with music all day including local artists, family-friendly shows and area school groups.  

New additions to the festival include line-dancing lessons, a youth outdoor skills challenge, Xpogo Extreme Pogo Stunt Show and Dragoonies Flame Show, just to name a few highlights.

Ashley for the Arts also welcomes back the Art and Craft Fair, an inflatable air park as well as the fan favorite Timberworks Lumberjack show. Other off-stage entertainment offerings include a hot air balloon display, fireworks, a petting zoo, bingo, axe throwing, street performers and an interactive art space. The 15th anniversary event will kick off with the annual Pursuit of a Cure Glow Run and foam party, raising money to advance medical research and help offset medical costs for cancer patients.  

Ashley for the Arts was established in 2009 when Ron Wanek, founder and chairman of Ashley Furniture Industries, and Todd Wanek, president and chief executive officer, were asked by community members to create a “social gathering” to bring awareness to the arts.

The one-day concert featured John McCutcheon, world-renowned folk singer, at Memorial Park. Attendance was estimated at 300 people. Throughout the 15 years, Ashley for the Arts has grown into an annual music and arts festival attracting tens of thousands of fans throughout the three-day weekend and has donated over $3.5 million for more than 70 participating nonprofit organizations, including local schools, children’s charities and medical research. 

During the pandemic, in lieu of hosting the festival, Ashley for the Arts created the Community Cares Grant to support area nonprofits looking for assistance on projects focused on art, music and/or cultural activities. Since 2020, the grant has benefited four community projects including city murals through the Independence School District; musical playground equipment through the Rainbow Community Club; River Prairie Festival through the Eau Claire Area Economic Development; and most recently, a band shelter through the Fountain City Business and Community Club.  

“As we celebrate the 15th anniversary of Ashley for the Arts, I am incredibly proud of the tremendous growth we have achieved over the years,” said Cole Bawek, event director of Ashley for the Arts. “What started as a small community event has blossomed into a nationally recognized festival, bringing joy, inspiration and cultural enrichment to thousands of people. None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support and dedication of our incredible fans and community. Our commitment to supporting the arts remains steadfast, and I look forward to the future as we continue to make a positive impact in the communities we serve.”  

Three-day general admission tickets for this year’s Ashley for the Arts are online starting at $45 plus fees, with prices increasing on June 1. New this year, children’s tickets are available for $25 (ages 2-10). For additional event details, download the Ashley for the Arts app or visit the website.

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Born in Metro Detroit, Nolan is the only “local” driver that will compete in this year’s Grand Prix – May 31-June 2 on the Streets of Downtown Detroit.

Gardner White will provide students with an after-school snack of pizza in the SAY Cafe. Additionally, SAY Detroit will receive free Detroit Grand Prix tickets for students. Gardner White is powering all Detroit Grand Prix social media channels in 2024. 

Since opening its doors in 2015, SAY Detroit Play Center is rebuilding and empowering one of Detroit’s most-challenged neighborhoods. Set on nearly 15 acres in the Osborn community in northeast Detroit, the facility was formerly an abandoned City of Detroit recreation center (Lipke Park) until it was targeted by SAY Detroit to become a motivational learning center for Detroit youth with academics as its core. SAY Detroit was founded by Mitch Albom.

Details of the event are shown below.

WHEN: Thursday, May 16

 3-4:30 PM

WHERE: SAY Detroit Play Center

 19320 Van Dyke Ave

 Detroit, MI 48234

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“With the grant from Ashley, we were able to purchase art materials for our South Davie artists to explore drawing foundation and improve their drawing skills that are critical for High School Visual Arts,” stated Dana Roberts, South Davie Middle School Art Teacher. “We appreciate our partnership with Ashley and our art experiences are much stronger thanks to the support.” 

​In addition to the donation, Ashley awarded three students scholarships for their artistic work throughout the year and at the event. This year’s recipients include Sophia Aguayo-Bermudez (Visual Arts), Caroline Landy (Music) and Lizzie Rappaport (Band).​

The Arts Smart Festival is comprised of students from the Davie County Schools Arts and Education departments which includes artists, singers, dancers, musicians, and actors. The event provides students an opportunity to feature their talents with visual art galleries, make-and-take stations, performances by the theater, music, and dance departments, and more. ​

Ashley takes immense pride in partnering with K-12 and post-secondary schools to encourage students, enhance creativity and enrich education through a wide array of opportunities. Ashley is committed to investing in future leaders and fostering creativity through access to the arts.  

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Harbin Yueyang Furnishing owns one additional Ashley Furniture HomeStore in the surrounding region. The Harbin store will employ approximately four people. Ashley Furniture HomeStore, one of the world’s best-selling home furnishing brands, has more than 1,125 locations worldwide. 

“We are honored to bring Ashley Furniture HomeStores to Harbin,” stated Yuncong Song, General Manger, Harbin Yueyang Furnishing. “This new store allows us to be closer to our customers and provide a world class experience for our guests. Ashley is a brand name that people have come to trust. This trust has led to its growth into the one of the largest furniture store brands in the world.” 

The showroom features complete lifestyle vignettes, down to the final detail of lighting, rugs and wall art. Product categories include bedroom, dining room, upholstery, leather, occasional tables, home office, youth bedroom, recliners, mattresses and accessories. Technology enhances the environment, incorporating various elements to improve the customer shopping experience.  

Ashley Furniture HomeStore hours are Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Follow @ashleyofficial on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date with promotions and events. 

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BASSETT, Va. — A team of Bassett associates from factories, stores and the company headquarters traveled to Ohio recently to participate in the ninth Annual Tree Planting with its forestry sustainability partners. The event is held each year to coincide with Arbor Day. Bassett will plant more than 29,000 trees this year.

Jeb Bassett, who leads the company’s EFEC team and is senior vice president and chief operations officer, planted the 200,000^th tree. Jeb Bassett is the great grandson of founder C.C. Bassett.

“We want our associates to experience our tree plantings so they feel a stronger connection to what we’re trying to do with our sustainability efforts They take this back to their jobs with a greater sensitivity to the importance. We hope they look for and make recommendations of other things we can do in the workplace.”

The company began the initiative in 2016 with the launch of the BenchMade collection. The case goods and occasional furniture collection features solid Appalachian hardwoods that are crafted at its BenchMade factory in Bassett’s hometown, Bassett, Virginia. Bassett Furniture has committed to planting two trees for every BenchMade dining table, bed, cocktail table and credenza sold.

“I didn’t expect we’d be at 200,000 trees so quickly,” Bassett said. “The success of the BenchMade line has greatly exceeded our forecasts.”

Bassett plants a variety of species including poplar, pine, maple and oak to assure forest growth if one species becomes susceptible to pests or disease.

“Many of the trees harvested for BenchMade sprouted as seedlings 90 to 120 years ago when Bassett was in its formative years,” said Bassett CEO Rob Spilman. “It’s important that we plant back where we take. We’re doing this for future generations so people can enjoy the unique beauty of wood furniture.”

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Set for Tuesday, May 14, at 3 p.m., the event features a unique “Build a Bear” workshop experience during which each child can make their own fuzzy friend, along with interactive carnival games and a variety of entertainment, from face-painting and caricature artists to
balloon artists, jugglers, stilt walkers and a DJ. Games are scheduled to include relay and potato sack races, bubble wands, and there will be plenty of kid-friendly food on hand, right down to a Kona Ice/Ice Cream truck.

The activity is a featured part of a leading annual meeting for mattress and home furnishings retail executives.

“Our company has been sponsoring charitable events like this one for many years in different parts of the country,” said David Binke, chief executive officer of King Koil. “Our belief has been that while we gather to discuss the most pressing issues affecting our industry and learn from one another, we also need to be mindful of those less fortunate. I believe we all have a responsibility to do good where we can, both as individuals and as corporate citizens. I love doing things for kids and am always so honored to host events for the Boys & Girls Clubs and provide the children in their after-school programs with truly unforgettable experiences.”

Indeed, King Koil has long supported charitable organizations that benefit children, often in conjunction with major annual bedding industry events. Last year, the company hosted 125 children for “Drive to Thrive,” a thrilling afternoon at the iconic Phoenix International Raceway, a mile-long track more typically used during the NASCAR circuit races.

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The 2024 honorees, David Binke of King Koil Mattress Co. and Catherine and Richard Frinier of Richard Frinier Design Studio, have been instrumental in raising awareness and critically needed funds for this 31^st annual event that is one of two flagship fundraisers for the industry and City of Hope. This year’s event returns to the majestic Coto de Caza Golf & Racquet Club in Southern California.

“City of Hope is an incomparable medical research and health care center changing the landscape of health care for patients with cancer, diabetes and many other life-threatening illnesses. We ask everyone to please give to this important cause to benefit each of us and for future generations to come, as they work tirelessly to save and improve the quality of lives and to ensure quality health care is made available to all,” said the Friniers.

“As the International Home Furnishings Industry group was one of the first and remains one of the most active and successful trade groups to support City of Hope, we feel very strongly that this is something we can all do together within our remarkable industry to carry on this nearly 60-year old tradition of giving where every donation makes a difference while helping City of Hope maintain its position as a leading-edge research facility and compassionate center of healing.”

The event committee encourages more leaders to answer the call to action and emphasizes City of Hope’s national and global impact, which has been supported by the International Home Furnishings Industry group with over $100 million since its partnership began in 1965.

The West Coast Golf & Tennis committee thanks the following industry organizations that have pledged their support:

·       Diamond sponsor $50,000 – King Koil

·       Platinum sponsors $25,000 – Ashjer LLC, GigaCloud Technology, J.B. Hunt Final Mile, Living Spaces, Richard Frinier Design Studio, Sit ‘N Sleep

·       Gold sponsors $15,000 – Andmore, Blue Bell Mattress, New Classic, Parker House, Sunbrella, Tempur Sealy

·       Silver sponsors $10,000 – Furniture of America, Hollywood Bed, Jonathan Louis, Najarian Furniture, Planned Furniture Promotions, Progressive Leasing, Serta Simmons Bedding,

·       Copper sponsors $5,000 – Barnes and Thornburg, Dave Thompson Family Trust, Design Environments, E.S. Kluft & Co., Flex2Communicate, G.C. Evans Sales & Mfg., Jeromes, Leather Italia, Moore & Van Allen, Ortho Mattress, Precision Textiles, RC Willey, RPM, Steinrich Communications Group, Stewart Binke & Family, Talalay Global, Watch Hill Furniture Capital, Watsons

·       Premier Media sponsor – Furniture Today

·       Reception sponsor – Matushita Greatwall Corp.

·       Hat sponsors – Qualex and RPM

In the final five-week stretch before the event, Binke rallies the industry, “We’re very close to reaching our goal for the event and I encourage all those who have yet to commit to join us in upholding our industry’s enduring tradition of supporting City of Hope to continue the fight against cancer and the development of effective treatments. This event is a lot of fun and a great way for our community to come together, and I’m honored to be a part of it.”

To support or register for the West Coast Golf & Tennis event, click here. For more information, contact Loren Boyko at 626-222-9764, or send an email to IHFIevents@coh.org..

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