In honor of its 50th anniversary, Art Van Furniture announced that it has committed to supporting Michigan-based children, health and human services programs by providing $1 million to fund 50 grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000.
The event kicked off both Art Van's Million Dollar Charity Challenge and Art Van's 50th Anniversary. Art Van has designed the grants as Challenge Gifts in order to encourage others to donate and maximize fundraising opportunities.
Last month, hundreds of organizations across the state entered for a chance, and Art Van will be announcing the area's grant recipients at this Art Van location. Come join in the excitement as Art Van gives back to the community in this exciting way.
Chairman and Founder Art Van Elslander announced the organizations from West Michigan who will receive these grants during a reception this morning at the Art Van Furniture store in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This was the third of five events around the State, where selected charities are awarded grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 each. The organizations are Michigan-based 501(c)3 non-profits who focus on children, health and human services programs.
"If you're fortunate enough to be as successful as we have been, then I believe it is your responsibility to give back," said Mr. Van Elslander, "The Million Dollar Charity Challenge will benefit 50 remarkable and deserving organizations to help them continue their outstanding work and improve the lives of people across our state. We designed these grants as challenge gifts in order to encourage others to donate and maximize fundraising opportunities."
The West Michigan grant winners are: Benjamin's Hope; Catholic Family Services; Community Advocates for Persons with Developmental Disabilities; Hospice of Michigan; Hospice of Muskegon County, Inc. (DBA Harbor Hospice); Kids Food Basket; and Mecosta County Senior Center. Other recipients are being announced at receptions in Warren, Flint, Traverse City and Lansing during a 50 hour tour of the State.
About Art Van Furniture: Celebrating its 50th anniversary, Art Van Furniture is Michigan's largest furniture retailer and America's largest independent furniture retailer, operating 30 stores in 29 communities throughout Michigan, a full service e-commerce website plus a new freestanding bedding store in Canton Michigan, 'Pure Sleep by Art Van.' The company is family-owned and headquartered in Warren, Michigan. For more information, visit www.artvan.com.