Serta Announces Contest Winners

May 1, 2008  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in Bedding on May 2008 Serta, Hoffman Estates, Ill., has announced that Tracy Marklein of St. Louis and Sherri Burmester of St. George, Utah, are the winners of the bedding manufacturer’s Counting Sheep for the Cure contest. Last October, Serta had invited all those touched by breast cancer to share their stories for the chance to win a $10,000 bedroom makeover outfitted by celebrity home designer Thom Filicia of Bravo’s “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” and Style Network’s “Dress My Nest.” 

Marklein and Burmester were selected for their inspirational and uplifting essays on their experiences as breast cancer survivors. 

“I wanted to honor these special women by designing a space that would not only be beautiful but would bring them comfort and support,” Filicia said. “This cause is extremely important to me, and I’m glad I can celebrate their fight by designing new bedrooms that reflect their new beginnings.”

Since 2005, Serta has donated nearly $900,000 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure to support Komen’s efforts to save lives and end breast cancer. By honoring Marklein and Burmester, Serta seeks to bring optimism and hope to all those touched by breast cancer. 

“To further our commitment to the cause, we wanted to give people the opportunity to reflect upon the individuals who have risen above breast cancer and have been sources of inspiration to all,” said Kelly Rampson, Serta’s director of marketing. “We look forward to giving the gift of comfort to these two very deserving women.”

In addition to the winners receiving a newly designed bedroom, Serta will pledge $5,000 in each winner’s name to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Serta also will deliver to each winner the Serta mattress of their choice. 

Winning essays and additional information on Serta’s partnership with Komen are available here for viewing.