Major West Coast mattress retailer Sleep Train reported that it is celebrating the record-breaking success of its annual fundraising event to provide assistance to foster youth aging out of the foster care system to further their education after high school graduation and obtain independent living skills support. The Sleep Train Charity Golf Classic doubled the event’s expected donations goal, raising $500,000 for a grand five-year total of nearly $1.5 million in cash donations for foster youth agency programs along the West Coast.
Sleep Train hosted the private daylong event at Lincoln Hills Golf Club in Lincoln, CA where 400 people participated in the “Pirates of the Caribbean” themed eighteen-hole golf tournament and live dinner auction. Major proceeds from this year’s event are being distributed among the following agencies, with a guarantee that the donations will be used to fund services and programs that directly impact the foster youth:
- Volunteers of America – Former Foster Youth Program
- First Place for Youth – My First Place and Steps to Success Programs
- Promise2Kids – Guardian Scholars Program
- Oregon State Assistance Commission (OSAC) – Dream Scholarship
- Treehouse – Education Engagement Program
“For foster children aging out of the system, going to college or finding an apartment on their own can feel completely out of reach,” said Leo McFarland, president/CEO, Volunteers of America. “With support from Sleep Train, these young adults can make the transition to independent living, get help to apply for college and begin to dream about a career path where they can give back to the community that supported them.”
Statistics suggest that fewer than 10% of former foster kids who have turned 18 go to college, and within 18 months of aging out of the system, up to 50% of foster youth become homeless. “Children shape the future of our communities, and we feel it is our responsibility as a company and a community to ensure all young adults have access to higher education and the support in place to pursue their dreams,” said Dale Carlsen, founder and president of Sleep Train. “The Golf Tournament is an event we look forward to every year that brings together our team of employee-owners, partners and vendors to have fun while raising money for a cause close to our hearts. We are proud of this year’s achievement and humbled by the generosity of our participants to help shape a brighter future for these young adults.”
The Sleep Train Charity Golf Classic drew participants from all over the United States including representatives from Simmons Bedding Company, the presenting sponsor, Sealy Mattress Company, Tempur-Pedic®, Leggett & Platt, Latex International, Serta Mattress Company, and DSI Delivery. The company’s Foster Kids Program is currently hosting its first ever Dollar Drive for foster children through October 30, 2011. Donations in all denominations can be made at any of Sleep Train’s nearly 100 retail locations throughout California or online at www.SleepTrain.com.
About Sleep Train: Sleep Train Mattress Centers, an award winning, employee-owned company, is ranked the #1 bedding specialist on the West Coast. Sleep Train offers customers superior service by professional and knowledgeable sleep consultants and the best selection of famous brands, such as Simmons Beautyrest®, Sealy Posturepedic®, Tempur-Pedic®, Stearns & Foster, and Serta®, as well as premium adjustable beds, futons, and wood and metal accent beds at the guaranteed lowest prices. Sleep Train’s award-winning Foster Kids Program actively contributes to its community through ongoing donation drives that benefit the area’s nearly 60,000 foster children. Sleep Train is part of the Sleep Train Enterprise that boasts more than 150 retail locations throughout California, and over 230 locations along the West Coast. Sleep Train is Your Ticket to a Better Night’s Sleep®. For more information, please visit www.sleeptrain.com or call 1-800-378-BEDS.