City of Hope’s National Home Furnishings Industry will honor Jake Jabs, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of American Furniture Warehouse, with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 18th annual West Coast Golf and Tennis Tournament at Coto de Caza Golf and Racquet Club on Monday, June 1. The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes Jabs for his philanthropic, community and business accomplishments. The event will benefit lifesaving cancer research, treatment and education at City of Hope.
“I’m thrilled to receive this prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from City of Hope,” said Jabs. “More than 1.4 million people will be diagnosed with cancer this year. Our industry is proud to support City of Hope’s efforts to quickly turn promising scientific discoveries into new treatments for patients everywhere who are facing cancer.”
In January, Jabs, his colleagues and industry supporters kicked off the campaign with a tour of City of Hope, where they visited and learned about how City of Hope is a leader in groundbreaking research and treatment for cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
“We’re proud to recognize Jake for his philanthropic contributions and professional achievements,” said Michael Sandler, director, National Home Furnishings Industry, City of Hope. “Through his continued support, the National Home Furnishings Industry and City of Hope have worked together successfully to help accelerate cancer research and treatment for patients nationwide.”
In its 18-year history, the West Coast Golf and Tennis Tournament and dinner have raised more than $4 million for City of Hope. To register for the tournament and purchase tickets the dinner, visit www.cityofhope.org/nhfi/tournament or contact Michael Sandler at 800-272-2310 or msandler@coh.org. For more information about the National Home Furnishings Industry, visit www.cityofhope.org/nhfi.
Created more than 40 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, City of Hope’s National Home Furnishings Industry chapter has grown to include representatives from all facets of the industry including retail, manufacturing and publishing. In its 40-year history, the group has raised over $40 million for City of Hope.
About the honoree
Jabs’ first venture into the furniture business came in 1968 when he opened Mediterranean Galleries, a high-end furniture store with locations in Denver, Colorado Springs and Pueblo, Colo. and Billings, Mont. Five years later, the Mediterranean trend in home furnishings ran its course and Jabs chose to close the Galleries.
In 1975, he purchased a one-location, struggling furniture business, called American Furniture Company – which he then renamed to American Furniture Warehouse. Under Jabs’ leadership, American Furniture Warehouse has expanded into a 12-store operation that has experienced a remarkable growth trend over the years. As he has been since the beginning, Jabs is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the company and also oversees the company’s team of buyers. Today, American Furniture Warehouse is one of the top retail furniture companies in the U.S. and the largest privately-held businesses in Colorado.
The self-taught businessman credits American Furniture’s success to “the basic American philosophy of hard work, long hours, self confidence, the courage to take risks, and the desire to give value and service to every customer."
An active member of the community and philanthropist, Jabs lends his support to a number of nonprofit organizations. He serves as national vice president of the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and is actively involved with Easter Seals, the Arthritis Foundation, the American Red Cross, the Children's Diabetes Foundation, the Rocky Mountain Village for Children and Adults with Disabilities, and numerous other causes.
Jabs has received the following honors and awards: American Legion Community Service Award, American Red Cross Community Heroism Award, Businessman with a Heart, Colorado Easter Seals’ Champion Award, Colorado Veterans of Foreign Wars Citizenship Award, Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year, InFurniture’s Retail All-Stars, Montana Small Business Person of the Year, Montana State University Alumni Award, Muscular Dystrophy Association Humanitarian Award in Honor of 25 Years of Dedication, National Home Furnishings Association Retailer of the Year 2000, Denver Business Journal 2007 Power Book Industry Leader in Category of Retail & Marketing, Furniture Today’s Retail Giants of Bedding 2007 and Furniture Today’s Retailer of the Year 2007.
In addition, Jabs has written numerous articles, including "Free Enterprise and the Land of Opportunity" and "We Must Save Small Business," as well as articles on Russia and Poland. His autobiography, "An American Tiger," was published in 2000 and is available online at www.shopafw.com or at any of American Furniture Warehouse’s locations.
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. For more information, visit www.cityofhope.org .