IFDA/NY Holiday Gala 2000 To Benefit "Furnish A Future"

Furniture World Magazine

Furnish A Future, a program of the Partnership for the Homeless will be the silent auction beneficiary of the International Furnishings & Design Association's annual Holiday Gala. It will be hosted by WestPoint Stevens at 1185 Avenue of the Americas on Tuesday, December 5 from 5:30 to 8 PM. A festive cocktail party with merry music, great food and seasonal decorations held in a stunning showroom, the IFDA NY Chapter Holiday Gala is open to all, members as well as non-members, who consider it a "must" when looking for holiday gifts-large and small. Tickets are $35 in advance or $40 at the door. "The Gala brings together NY chapter members and industry executives in a truly enriching way," says Holly Munter, IFDA New York Chapter president. "More importantly, the relationship with Furnish a Future exemplifies the true spirit of the holiday season, and is a wonderful way for us all to give back to the community." Launched in 1991, Furnish a Future has provided furnishings for more than 17,000 families and individuals who have relocated from shelters to permanent housing. The home furnishings industry has overwhelmingly supported the program and the New York Chapter of IFDA bestowed Furnish a Future with their "Big Apple" Award for improving the quality of life in New York City. Brooke Astor is Furnish A Future's honorary chairman. The Silent Auction includes donations with a retail value of at least $400.00 to as high as $10,000 for a stay at a Chateau in Burgundy, France, courtesy of Felissimo (Universal Corporation of America), which is expected to be raffled off again this year. Other contributors such as Grange Furniture; Ethan Allen; Simon's Hardware & Bath; Delta Faucet Company; WestPoint Stevens; Condé Nast; Hachette Filipacchi; and Hearst are again expected to donate high-ticket items. The Holiday Bazaar, which industry insiders fondly call the "Decorator's Tag Sale" sells everything from teakettles to tassels and tablecloths-and much more can be found at bargain prices. If anyone would like to contribute to the auction or bazaar contact Pat Gannon at 212-686-4405 or Margot Gunther at 212-758-0286. For further information please call the IFDA office at 212-686-6020. IFDA is the only all-industry Association whose members provide services and products to the furnishings and design industry and is the driving force through its programs and services to enhance the professionalism and stature of the industry worldwide.