Jeffrey Seaman & Bob Sherman
City of Hope’s National Home Furnishings Industry (NHFI) announced that it will honor two industry giants at the annual Spirit of Life benefit gala on April 22, 2012. Bob Sherman, chief executive officer and president of Serta Mattress Company, and Jeffrey Seaman, co-founder of Rooms To Go, will receive The Spirit of Life® Award, City of Hope’s most prestigious honor, in recognition of their business and philanthropic accomplishments. The dinner takes place at the Grandover Resort in Greensboro, NC, and supports lifesaving research, treatment and education programs at City of Hope, one of the nation’s leading cancer centers.
In the span of 22 years, Sherman has led Serta from a one-factory operation into the second largest bedding manufacturer in the U.S. with sales exceeding $800 million. Sherman is active in numerous charitable organizations and was most recently honored by A Silver Lining Foundation, an organization that ensures access to diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer patients. Serta Mattress Company was founded in 1933 and distributes nationwide from facilities in the U.S. and Canada.
“It’s an honor to support an organization that is leading the way in helping people manage and ultimately conquer cancer,” said Sherman. “Patients everywhere benefit from the innovative science of City of Hope. I’m happy to do whatever I can to advance the institution’s mission to quickly find cures for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases.”
Seaman and his father, Morton, founded Rooms To Go in 1991, introducing the concept of displaying and packaging furniture in complete room settings as well as its simplified, personalized shopping experience. Seaman supports numerous charities, including the Children’s Fund at Rooms To Go, which supports Moffitt Cancer Center, Children’s Healthcare Atlanta Foundation, NAACP, Anti-Defamation League, Piedmont Hospital and St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation. He was a board member of Piedmont Hospital and helped launch the Spine Center, a state-of-the-art medical facility that specializes in surgery and the treatment of spine injuries and conditions. Rooms To Go is one of America’s largest independent furniture companies.
“I’m personally touched by the ways cancer impacts family, friends and the furnishings community,” said Seaman. “We’re all connected and the support we can provide to each other – whether physically, emotionally or financially – makes a great difference in the world. You can see it in City of Hope’s mission to cure cancer, and I’ve made it my mission to help.”
“Bob Sherman and Jeffrey Seaman have dedicated their professional and personal lives to helping others,” said Kevin O’Connor, chairman of the Spirit of Life gala and president and chief executive officer of Samson Marketing. “It’s only fitting to honor these two leaders who have paved the way in the home furnishings industry with their tremendous support and commitment to our mission. Their influence gives us greater hope that cures can one day be found.”
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, the NHFI has grown to include representatives from all facets of the industry including retail, manufacturing and publishing and has raised more than $40 million.
To purchase tickets for the Spirit of Life event, contact Beth Stern at bstern@coh.org. To register online, or for more information on City of Hope’s NHFI, visit www.cityofhope.org/nhfi.
About City of Hope: City of Hope is a leading research, treatment and education 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 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 or follow City of Hope on facebook, twitter, youtube or flickr.