Earl S. Kluft, founder and owner of E. S. Kluft & Company, will be honored at the 20th annual West Coast Golf and Tennis Tournament benefiting City of Hope, one of the nation’s leading cancer research and treatment centers. Kluft will receive City of Hope’s Lifetime Achievement Award for his philanthropic contributions and business accomplishments. Hosted by City of Hope’s National Home Furnishings Industry, the tournament and reception will take place at Coto de Caza Golf and Racquet Club on Monday, June 6, 2011.
Founded in 1946 by Kluft’s grandfather, the company later became the nation’s largest Spring Air Licensee. Kluft began as a sewing room employee at the age of 14 and quickly moved up the ranks. In 1991, he purchased all family shares and became chief executive officer in 1986. By 1987, he created the first luxury mattress valued at $2,000 and the Spring Air Four Seasons Mattress in 1993. In 1996, he founded Chattam & Wells and raised the bar further in the luxury bedding market.
In 2004, Kluft purchased Aireloom Mattress, a must-have brand with a legacy of high-profile clients such as Frank Sinatra and President Ronald Reagan. Shortly after, Kluft created the Kluft brand and has successfully established this brand in the competitive landscape as the most luxurious brand in America with the highest price points. His business philosophy lies in his passion for perfection and a strong work ethic.
“It’s an honor to be recognized by an organization that is paving the future for cancer research,” said Kluft. “There are too many people we know who have battled this deadly disease, which is why we must support City of Hope’s efforts to quickly turn promising scientific discoveries into new treatments for patients.”
“Earl stands with City of Hope in the fight against cancer,” said Shannon Sullivan, director of development, City of Hope. “His support along with the furnishings industry will enable researchers to fast track promising, new therapies for a future without cancer.”
In its 20-year history, the West Coast Golf and Tennis Tournament and dinner has raised more than $5 million for City of Hope.
To register for the tournament and purchase tickets for dinner, visit www.cityofhope.org/nhfi/tournament or contact Sullivan at ssullivan@coh.org. For more information about the National Home Furnishing Industry, visit www.cityofhope.org/nhfi.
City of Hope’s National Home Furnishings Industry chapter was created more than 45 years ago by a group of industry leaders who wanted to help fund the search for a cure for cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. It has grown to include representatives from all facets of the industry including retail, manufacturing and publishing. In its 45-year history, the group has raised over $43 million for City of Hope.
About City of Hope: City of Hope is a leading research and treatment center for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases. Designated as a Comprehensive Cancer Center, the highest honor bestowed by the National Cancer Institute, and a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, City of Hope's research and treatment protocols advance care throughout the nation. City of Hope is located in Duarte, Calif., just northeast of Los Angeles, and is ranked as one of “America’s Best Hospitals” in cancer and urology by U.S.News & World Report. Founded in 1913, City of Hope is a pioneer in the fields of bone marrow transplantation and genetics.