Art Van Furniture Renews Charity Challenge

June 2, 2010  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in Community/Charitable Support on June 3, 2010

Art Van Furniture, Warren, Mich., announced Wednesday that the furniture retailer will renew its "Million Dollar Charity Challenge" this year.

In celebrating 50 years in business last year, Art Van Furniture gave $1 million in donations in 50 grants to a variety of non-profit organizations. Each grant ranges from $5,000 to $50,000 to support Michigan-based children, health and human services programs.

Art Van describes the donations as "challenge grants" in order to encourage the people of Michigan to make a contribution and maximize fundraising opportunities. With the Michigan economy continuing to struggle, the retailer continued the fundraising effort for 2010.

"If there is one thing I have learned through the years, it is that very little can be done without the proper financial resources, and even the biggest hearts and most ambitious programs need money to meet their goals," said Art Van Chairman and Founder Art Van Elslander.

To continue the momentum in 2010, all eligible 2009 Charity Challenge recipients are receiving an additional $5,000.

"We are accepting applications for another 50 deserving recipients, but that does not end the connection with the previous 50," said President Gary Van Elslander. "Art Van is committed to assist long-term by providing resources that build success of Art Van Furniture."

Applications are being accepted June 2-August 2, and winners will be announced in October of 2010. All interested 501(c)3, tax-exempt organizations are encouraged to visit the Art Van Furniture Web site to submit grant applications and learn more about the program.