City Of Hope Spirit Of Life Dinner Is Huge Success

Furniture World Magazine

The City of Hope’s National Home Furnishings Industry’s Spirit of Life Award dinner featuring the fourth annual American Furniture Idol competition was a huge success. The dinner held on Wednesday, October 3rd under the SHOWPLACE tent in High Point honored two exceptional industry executives, John Disa of Wickes Furniture and Kevin O’Connor of Samson Marketing. In accepting this award, both of these men spoke elequently about their business experiences and families. Each also told of their devotion to and the importance of the mission of City of Hope. Over 800 retailers, manufacturers, retailers, industry suppliers and representatives attended the $500 per plate affair. Diners were treated to a thoughtful and entertaining presentation by "Special Guest Speaker" Sean Kent, an internationally known comic and cancer survivor who was treated at City of Hope. Toward the end of the evening, the "American Furniture Idol" talent competion featured five talented home furnishings industry performers: Kimberly Wray, VP of Marketing, High Point Market Authority; Larry Stein, Associate Publisher FURNITURE WORLD Magazine; Kelly Peterson, Group Advertising Director for Hearst Integrated Media; Greg Haptor; and Heaath E. Combs a writer for FURNITURE TODAY. All had impressive talent, but the audience favorite was 85 year old, "Furniture Idol" winner Larry Stein. His swinging clarinet performance of "Stompin' At The Savoy" brought the audience to their feet and earned a standing ovation. Idol Judge Connie Post labeled Mr. Stein, "The Cutest Man I've Ever Seen." Greg Haptor was voted the favorite of the three judge panel for his original composition featuring voice, guitar and harmonica. City of Hope’s 2007 national fundraising campaign encompassed a series of regional events, including the West Coast Golf and Tennis Tournament, the Hike for Hope in High Point last Market and the Midwest Dinner Cruise. For more information about the City of Hope, it's mission and how you might make a useful contribution to the national home furnishings industry effort, contact: Michael Sandler, 800-272- 2310 or msandler@coh.org.