Bob's Discount Furniture Expands Charitable Programs - Launching Bob' Cares Program

Furniture World Magazine

Bob's Discount Furniture, the fast-growing New England furniture retailer, has an alter ego that defies the company's image. Pitchman Bob Kaufman, President, and sidekick Cathy Poulin, Director of Public Relations, are known throughout New England for their cult-classic television and radio ads. Off stage Bob's Discount Furniture makes a serious commitment to its local communities by sponsoring and supporting dozens of charitable events each year. With stores in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine, Bob's holds charitable events in all four states. In 2005 Bob's is launching a new campaign called Bob's Cares to focus on the needs of children and education. The Bob's Cares events started with Bob's Rockin' Reading Classroom Contest from February 11 through February 25 in coordination with the national Read Across America campaign that honors Dr. Seuss's The Cat in the Hat and promotes literacy. The Bob's Rockin' Reading Classroom Contest was open to the public. The winner's school, Sutton Elementary in Sutton Massachusetts, will be visited by Bob's Reading Crew for a day of reading activities, and a party in honor of The Cat in the Hat. Sutton Elementary will also receive two new computers. Last year a Bob's Book Nook was established in each store so children could sit and read while their parents shopped. The Book Nooks are now permanent fixtures in each store. Bob's second annual Art Scholarship Contest in the fall will reward three aspiring art students in three different age groups with scholarship money for college. Bob's sponsors an annual food drive for the local food banks every Fall. Other events include The Salvation Army's Adopt A Family Program, the Angel Tree campaign where employees adopt families in need during the holiday season and grant their wishes, and The United Way's Joy of Sharing Toy drive where stores collect toys during the holiday season. Each May, Bob's sponsors the March of Dimes campaign for preventing birth defects. Bob's involvement ranges from employee donations, to production of television and radio ads for the charities, and paying for airtime. The Red Cross has a constant need for blood donors. Not only does Bob's hold blood drives twice a year in each of it's stores, the company produces and runs public service announcements specifically targeting the need for blood throughout the year to address shortages in all four states. "Although the initial contact with Red Cross began with us trying to be a good corporate citizen in 1995, it became extremely personal when my own father started requiring bi-monthly transfusions to stay alive, and then my nephew needed transfusions to fight his leukemia in 2003. Only when you see your loved ones go in drained and lifeless, and come out with life and vigor, can you understand how important it is to give the gift of life." Building a better life for others is another theme of Bob's charitable work. From helping build homes through Habitat for Humanity, to construction of Liberty Safe Haven shelters for the homeless, Bob's is a community leader. When there was an urgent need to transport relief supplies to Tsunami victims, Bob's was the first company to cut a check to the Sisters of Mercy in Connecticut for delivery costs. With so many needs, and so many events, Bob's employs two full time people who work continuously on charitable programs. Bobs Discount Furniture's Charitable Foundation sponsors an annual golf outing to raise money for hundreds of charities throughout New England. Outing monies are donated to Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Family Aid, Camp Rising Sun for children with cancer, and the March of Dimes. Throughout the year the Foundation also supports a diversity of organizations, including national causes such as the Muscular Dystrophy Association. "Bob's is unique in so many ways. The company's charity and community giving reveals why we like working here so much," said Poulin. "It's not only about what the company and its owners do. Many of our employees contribute, and we invite members of the community to participate in all our events." About Bob's Discount Furniture Bob's Discount Furniture has strong regional brand awareness and customer appeal due to its unique shopping environment, commitment to customer service, and everyday low prices. First-time visitors are pleasantly surprised by the comfortable atmosphere and vast selection of quality furniture that surpasses their "discount" expectations. Some stores have complimentary cafés featuring gourmet coffee, fresh baked cookies and candy. Many have home theaters and video arcades. Bob Kaufman, President, and Cathy Poulin, Public Relations Director, supply their own quirky talent for the company's television and radio advertisements, as they invite customers to "Come on down!" For more information please visit http://www.mybobs.com.