Morris Furniture Co., Raises $50,000 For Children's Medical Center

Furniture World Magazine

Morris Furniture Co., Inc. recently hosted its annual vendor appreciation dinner and charity golf benefit. During the event, two vendors and one sales representative were recognized for outstanding service, dedication and support. Attendees of the 2-day event came together and made a donation of $50,000 to The Children's Medical Center of Dayton. The donation was matched with a $50,000 grant by the Mathile Family Foundation that turned the Morris Furniture Co., Inc donation into $100,000! In January, The Children's Medical Center of Dayton launched the public phase of Be a Hero for Children, a philanthropic campaign to raise a minimum of $10 million for children's health care. The Mathile Family Foundation generously made the campaign's pacesetting gift of $2.5 million in addition to a $1 million match for community-generated funds. A vendor appreciation golf outing was held at the NCR Country Club, in Kettering, Ohio. NCR was the home of the 2005 US Senior Open. Over 100 golfers, representing over 72 company vendors and media partners, participated. At the conclusion of the event, a $45,000 check was presented to David Kinsaul, President and CEO of The Children's Medical Center of Dayton. Larry Klaben, Morris Furniture Co., Inc. President/CEO said, “Additional vendor support following the golf outing resulted in an additional $5,000 being raised, for a total donation of $50,000 for this fine organization. The support from our vendors and media partners has been outstanding. The Children’s Medical Center of Dayton is the region’s premier children’s hospital and our community will benefit from the generosity of our vendor partners. This non-profit organization serves our entire community with no child ever turned away.” During the awards program, Jack Gilberg of Berkline was named Sales Representative of the Year. Deb Linkhorn, Morris Furniture Co., Inc. Furniture Merchandiser said, “Jack was selected because of his dedication, strong work ethic and industry background. He is constantly working for his dealers. He diligently works hard to make Berkline one of our top resources.” Leather Italia U.S.A. was selected as Vendor of the Year. Mike VanAutreve, Morris Furniture Co., Inc. Vice President of Merchandising said, “Leather Italia U.S.A. has exceeded their promises and has provided us with outstanding values and great delivery.” Mike Campbell, President and Rick Dunn, Sales Representative were on hand to accept the award. Flexsteel Industries received the Partnership of the Year award. Northeast Sales Manager Todd Yoder and Sales Representative Larry Olson were on hand to accept the award. Klaben said, “Morris has been doing business with Flexsteel for over 40 years. Flexsteel has changed with the times and continues to provide Morris with quality products, great sales tools and ideas to help us grow our business. Todd Yoder and Larry Olson continuously demonstrate how a manufacturer and partner retailer can work together to achieve sales success in a true partnership.” The award presentation was held at the newly expanded Morris Distribution Center in Fairborn, Ohio. Guests enjoyed cocktails and dinner followed by a presentation about the company’s recent growth and future expansion plans. Larry Klaben announced that the company’s 10th retail showroom recently opened in Crescent Springs, Kentucky and additional store openings are planned in current trading areas. Morris Furniture Co., Inc. wishes to thank all its vendor partners for participating in this golf event and supporting The Children’s Medical Center of Dayton. In addition, Klaben said, “We’d like to thank all our vendors for making 2005 our best year ever. 2006 promises to be even better! Our vendor partners have made our sensational growth possible.” About The Children's Medical Center of Dayton: The Children's Medical Center of Dayton is the region's pediatric referral center for 20 Ohio counties and eastern Indiana. At Dayton Children's, there is a full-time dedication to caring for infants, children and teens. Specially trained and experienced pediatric specialists in over 35 specialty areas work as a team to make sure the medical and psychosocial needs of children and their families are met. About Morris Furniture Co., Inc.: Morris Furniture Co., Inc. is a Fairborn, Ohio based retail chain that started in 1947 in downtown Dayton. Morris is one of the largest privately owned furniture stores in Ohio. The company is owned by Larry Klaben, who purchased the company in 1998. The company currently employs over 450 associates. Morris Furniture Co., Inc. owns and operates Morris Home Furnishings, 5695 Wilmington Pike, and 2121 Harshman Road.In addition, Morris owns and operates Ashley Furniture Home Store of Dayton located at 161 Mall Woods Drive and 2850 Centre Drive in Beavercreek, Ashley Furniture HomeStores of Cincinnati located at 11755 Commons Drive, and 520 Clock Tower Way, Crescent Springs, KY, and Ashley Furniture Home Stores of Columbus, 3622 West Dublin-Granville Rd. Morris also operates the Dayton area’s only Thomasville showroom at 5675 Wilmington Pike in Centerville and the Midwest Clearance Outlet at 2377 Commerce Center Blvd. in Fairborn, Ohio.