Ikea Names Contest Finalists

November 28, 2011  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in Community/Charitable Support on November 29, 2011

Home furnishings retail giant Ikea has announced five finalists in its second Life Improvement Sabbatical Contest.

The winner will receive a year-long sabbatical to improve the lives of others.

The finalists and their proposed projects, listed in alphabetical order, and selected by an Ikea judging panel, are:
* Cheryle Clarke, Longmont, Col., for New Safehouse Completion: Alternatives to Family Violence is a domestic violence service center provider for Adams County, Col., near Denver. The program provides food, clothing, counseling, medical treatment and ancillary needs to those who enter. Each year, more than 400 women and children find emergency refuge at the program's Safehouse. With the prize, Cheryle would contribute to acquiring and furnishing a new Safehouse facility, expanding the number of beds and growing their program to help more victims.
* Lisa Dunster, Missoula, Mt., for Rebuilding Military Family-Strengthening A Nation: The Compass Retreat Center is an organization that provides a supportive setting for military service members and their families following return from deployment, with an emphasis on renewing relationships and strengthening bonds. By providing intentional family time in a safe, neutral environment, the whole family works on healing through family activities, workshops, small group encounters, team-building and trust-building exercises. With the prize, Lisa would increase the program's outreach to more family from across the country.
* Nan Jenkins, Stockbridge, Ga., for Changing the Life of a Child: Located on the outskirts of Atlanta, A Friend's House has been providing and operating a facility for the community's children in need for more than 13 years. A Friend's House collaborates with local and state agencies to help the children with medical issues, education, and potential reunification with their families. With the winnings, Nan would help update the facility to further help address the needs of these children.
* Melissa Matthews, Wake Forest, N.C., Special Technology for Special Kids: mother of a child with Down syndrome, Melissa Matthews would like to expand the work being done at the Frankie Lemon School in Raleigh, N.C, a school for children with intellectual disabilities. This institution uses technology and cutting-edge therapy to help these children with special needs. If selected as winner, Melissa would infuse more technology deeper into these classrooms and create a website to facilitate the sharing of these technologies and techniques with other teachers across the country.
* Scott Millard, Landing, N.J., for Connor's House: Deeply affected by the loss of his son, Scott co-founded Connor's House, a resource center to assist families with chronically ill children, providing short-break respite, family support and end-of-life care. The organization has provided parental support, advocacy training, resource and referrals, as well as implemented a sibling support program. As the winner, Scott would expand support services further building the foundation to help more families through Connor's House.

Public voting will take place Nov. 28-Dec. 23, 2011 at thelifeimprovementproject.com to determine the winner, who will be announced on or around Jan. 17. IKEA will donate $1 for every received vote (up to $50,000) to U.S.-based education programs.