Art Van Furniture Donates Another Million

October 11, 2010  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in Community/Charitable Support on October 12, 2010

For the second year in a row, Art Van Furniture has awarded $1 million to 50 charities.

This year, the Warren, Mich.-based furniture retailer is inviting the public to decide which of the charities will receive an additional $25,000 bonus.

The $1 million went to Mid-Michigan charities in grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000.

"The Art Van Million Dollar Charity Challenge was created last year to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Art Van Furniture," said Art Van Elslander, founder and chairman. "We decided to do it again because we recognize the need is as great as ever."

The grants were designed as challenge gifts in order to encourage others to donate and maximize fundraising opportunities. The recipients all are Michigan-based nonprofits focused on children, health and human services programs.

The public will be able to decide which of these 50 charities is awarded additional money by voting online at Art Van Furniture's Web site. Voting begins Wednesday and runs through Oct. 31.

The 2009 Art Van Million Dollar Charity recipients were not left behind. All 50 winning charities from 2009 also received an additional $5,000 this year as well.

"We wanted to offer our continued support to our charity partners so that they can continue their great work," said Gary Van Elslander, Art Van President. Nearly 600 charities applied this year.