Art Van Teams With Focus: HOPE

February 5, 2012  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in Community/Charitable Support on February 6, 2012

Art Van Furniture has teamed with Focus: HOPE to honor Eleanor Josaitis, whose work impacted the lives of thousands of Detroiters in need.

The Art Van Furniture/Focus: HOPE community service tribute to Josaitis, co-founder of Focus: HOPE and who died last August, will provide families, seniors and schools with food, new and gently-used books, and art supplies.

"Eleanor was my friend and an incredible woman who loved nothing more than helping others," said Art Van Elslander, founder and chairman of Art Van Furniture, Warren, Mich. "We are honored to be a part of this well-deserved tribute that does what Eleanor stood for--giving back."

Guests throughout southeast Michigan are urged to collect non-perishable food, new and gently-used books and new art supplies for school-aged children, families and seniors. The collected donations can then be dropped off at any of the 18 Art Van Furniture stores throughout Metro Detroit from now until Feb. 24.

All donated items will be brought to the Focus: HOPE campus on March 3. The items will then be distributed through Focus: HOPE and Detroit-area schools. The community initiative will culminate on March 10 with a special ceremony, the Light for Hope Eleanor M. Josaitis Tribute, a special fund-raising dinner sponsored by Art Van Furniture at Detroit Marriott to celebrate the late activist's 44-year career in community service. Art Van Elslander will be presenting sponsor.

Due to Josaitis' work, many have jobs, low-income seniors and families have food, and countless others have been encouraged to seek education and creativity, the tools necessary to rise out of poverty. Josaitis attributed her success to passion, persistence and partnerships.