Michael Fiacco of Old Brick Furniture Receives Simon Kaplan Distinguished Leadership Award at GMFA Outing. Raises $150,000 for DMCCF

Furniture World News Desk on 7/1/2024

Presentation of the Simon Kaplan Distinguished Leadership Award to Michael Fiacco. Pictured (l-r): Chris Clarizio, President, DMCCF; Harris Kirsch, President GMFA; Michael Gallagher, President, Crest Furniture; Michael Fiacco, Owner and President, Old Brick Furniture; Karyn Kaplan, Simon Kaplan’s daughter and Owner of Crest Furniture.

The Greater Metropolitan Furnishings Association (GMFA) reported that its 2024 golf outing and dinner celebration helped the Dean Michael Clarizio Cancer Foundation (DMCCF) raise nearly $150,000.

DMCCF helps families who need direct financial support as they cope with expenses associated with cancer treatment. One hundred percent of the fundraising proceeds go directly to individuals and families.

Michael Fiacco, CEO of fast-growing Old Brick Furniture, which operates nine stores in New York, Vermont and Massachusetts, supported the effort, which attracted 190 golfers and 275 dinner attendees. At the event, Fiacco was presented with the Simon Kaplan Distinguished Leadership Award.

“This recognition was well-deserved,” said Chris Clarizio, GMFA board member and President of the Dean Michael Clarizio Cancer Foundation. “Michael continues to grow his business despite challenging economic conditions. Like Simon Kaplan, he leads by example, embodying the outstanding qualities that Simon Kaplan demonstrated while leading his Value City Furniture NJ/Ashley Furniture Team. Congratulations, Michael, on receiving this prestigious award!

“It was an amazing day. The event raised almost $150,000 for HEROES fighting cancer. During the dinner celebration, grants of $5,000 were presented to five incredible young warriors ranging from 3 to 17 years old. "We are genuinely grateful to all our attendees, sponsors, and donors. It's incredible to see so many people support Michael Fiacco and our HEROES."

“We could not be more humbled by the enthusiastic group that helped us hand out $40,000 to children and young adults fighting cancer,” added Harris Kirsch, GMFA’s president. “We couldn’t have done this without the help of Michael Fiacco and GMFA members who work with DMCCF all year to make a positive difference to these children and their families."

The event was held at Crystal Springs, a world-class, four-star hotel, golf course, spa, pool, and culinary resort in Hamburg, New Jersey.

About GMFA: GMFA is a not-for-profit organization formed to promote and protect the interests of home furnishings retailers, representatives, designers, manufacturers, wholesalers, and industry suppliers in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. GMFA sponsors networking, social, and educational events and provides member services such as health insurance and business discounts. Event proceeds are donated to the Dean Michael Clarizio Cancer Foundation to help children and families pay for cancer-related expenses. Contact Tony Bellarosa, Executive Director of GMFA, at 201-400-8286 or ant5013@icloud.com for more information.

About DMCCF: The Dean Michael Clarizio Cancer Foundation was founded by its namesake, Dean, during his battle with cancer in 2005. The 501(c)3 non-profit foundation operated by Dean's family and friends carries out his vision: helping others who face the challenges of cancer with financial, spiritual, and emotional support. Given the changing times and rising healthcare costs, there is an astounding number of cancer patients in need of financial assistance. To help families in need mitigate these costs, the DMCCF hosts multiple annual fundraising events, with 100 percent of the proceeds going directly to individuals and families. To date, DMCCF has donated over $2 million. www.thedmccf.org

Pictured above: Michael Fiacco, Owner and President of Old Brick Furniture (top left) and Chris Clarizio, President of DMCCF (top right), present $5,000 to one of eight deserving families at the recent GMFA/DMCCF golf outing at Crystal Springs Resort.

The leadership team at Old Brick Furniture attending  the event (l-r) included Liana Runco, Brian Motyl, Cassie & Michael Fiacco, Rachael Clark, and Steve Goetz.