GMFA/Clarizio Foundation Golf Outing Gives $10,000 To Families Fighting Cancer

Furniture World News Desk on 7/1/2014

Pictured above: Jordan Greenberg, President of Apropos presenting the
Meadoff Award for Sportsmanship to Edward Massood.


The Greater Metropolitan Furnishings Association reported that it’s recent golf outing conducted in association with the Dean Michael Clarizio Cancer Foundation (DMCCF), was the largest in recent memory. This year’s event attracted 130 golfers and 180 for dinner with proceeds from the day benefiting the DMCCF.

$5,000 donations were presented at the event held at Knoll Country Club in Parsippany, NJ to two families to help with the many expenses associated with cancer. Donations were presented to 28 year-old James Reitberger and 17 year-old Carmine Ciano.

To date, the Dean Michael Clarizio Foundation has donated approximately $400,000 directly to families to help with expenses incurred in fighting cancer, and is a major supporter of Camp Happy Times. The foundation was established after Dean Clarizio, brother of Klaussner sales representative Chris Clarizio, lost his battle with the disease.

“Dean spent his short life reaching out to others,” says GMFA Executive Director Alan Granetz. “We appreciate being able to continue helping others in his name.”

Also presented at the outing was the 72nd Meadoff Memorial Award for Sportsmanship, initiated in honor of A.S. Meadoff, to Edward Massood, Chief Executive Officer of Thomasville Home Furnishings of New Jersey. The award is based on fair-mindedness, personal relationships, social consciousness, and support of humane and philanthropic causes. Jordan Greenberg of Apropos made the presentation.
“Former recipients meet each year to review and choose an individual to receive this honor,” Said Greenberg, "The Meadoff Memorial Award for Sportsmanship is one of the most coveted Awards in our Industry, since it is the person not a position or title being recognized. Eddie is a guy you can depend on to be there in a pinch, to laugh, to cry, to find the lesson in the adversity and to do what was needed and then some. EVERYONE who knows Eddie Massood knows he is a wonderful guy, always helping with a smile on his face, energy in his step and lots of love in that huge heart of his!”

Patrick Cory, President of GMFA and a former recipient of the Meadoff Award noted, ”Eddie is one of the kindest, most charitable and engaged people in our industry, always supportive and upbeat. There’s nobody else like him in the industry, nobody with a bigger heart or more willing to give of his time and boundless energy. I don’t know anyone who deserves to get this award more.”

During the presentation a moment of silence was observed for George Massood who passed away this year. George was co-owner along with Edward’s father Mike Massood of Furniture carrier MGM Transport.

Major sponsors for the golf outing included: Surya Rugs, Rick Powell, Planned Furniture Promotions, Sleepys, Klaussner, Raymour & Flanigan, Advisors Mortgage, Suburban Furniture, National Micro Rentals, Churchill Services, LS Direct and Pat & Ken Luthy.

About GMFA: The Greater Metropolitan Furnishings Association, established as The Furniture Club in 1942, consists of approximately 180 members, including metropolitan area retailers, representatives, designers, and service providers. It is a non-profit run by furniture industry volunteers (members of the former MFA and GNYHFA Associations) for the purpose of creating a strong and cohesive regional home furnishings industry. For more information contact Alan Granetz, Greater Metropolitan Furnishings Association at (908) 725-3460 or email greatermfa@gmail.com.

About The Dean Michael Clarizio Cancer Foundation: The Dean Michael Clarizio Cancer Foundation was founded by its namesake, Dean Michael Clarizio during his own personal battle with cancer. The foundation is tirelessly maintained by his family and friends in an effort to carry out his vision... the vision of helping others who face the challenges of cancer. The foundation is operated by volunteers and is funded with donations by generous people. For more information about the DMCCF or to make a donation visit http://www.dmccf.com




Above, Chris Clarizio of Klaussner presenting a $5000 donation from the Dean Michael Clarizio
Cancer Foundation (DMCCF) to cover cancer related expenses.




Above, Right to left, Edward Massood, CEO Thomasville Home Furnishings of New Jersey, Mike Massood, Elie Massood and Jack Hayes.




Above, GMFA board member Andy Gans.

GMFA board members Lenny Kharitonov CEO of Bedroom Furniture Discounts with Tommy Leflein of
Lexington Furniture, GMFA Board Member and photographer for the evening.

Above, Meadoff Award Recipient Edward Massood with father Michael Massood formerly of MGM Transport.

Above, GMFA president Patrick Cory of Cory Home Delivery (right) and Alan Granetz GMFA
Executive Director raffling off scores of prizes.

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