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City of Hope Cruise Nets $170K
September 11,
2011 by in UnCategorized 
By Home Furnishings Business in Community/Charitable Support on September 12, 2011
The City of Hope's first dinner cruise in New York honoring furniture retailing icon Simon Kaplan raised $170,000 for cancer and diabetes medical research.
More than 420 people attend the inaugural event which was hosted on the Majesty Cornucopia yacht and set sail from Hoboken Shipyard Marina in New Jersey and offered dining, dancing and entertainment.
Kaplan, CEO of Value City Furniture N.J./Ashley HomeStores, was the honoree for the event.
"It is really heart warming to see how our industry is getting behind this important cause and our event. We are seeing commitments and expressions of interest from all corners of the industry, from suppliers, manufacturers and retailers, which we believe due to the high regard Simon is held by his peers in the industry, said Patrick Cory, managing partner at Corys 1st Choice and chairman of City of Hopes Northeast region.
Guests aboard the Cornucopia yacht saw views of lower Manhattan, Ellis Island, Statue of Liberty, Governor's Island, South Street Seaport and the Brooklyn Bridge.
The cruise, closely coincided with the 10th anniversary of September 11, and incorporated a memorial in the program.
Proceeds from Cruise for Hope will support lifesaving research and treatment programs at City of Hope. Nearing its centennial, the institution has been a model for scientific discovery and compassionate care for those facing cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases. Among many breakthroughs, City of Hopes research has led to new, more effective therapies. Numerous cancer drugs, including Herceptin, Rituxan and synthetic human insulin used by millions worldwide with diabetes, are based on technology and research pioneered at City of Hope.
In addition to Cory, event co-chairs include: Russell Bienenstock of Furniture World; Chris DeLisa of Corys 1st Choice; Bill Hartman of Furniture First; and Edward Massood of Thomasville Furniture.