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From Home Furnishing Business

GMFA Raises $5K to Fight Cancer

July 2, 2014  by in Community / Charitable Support, Industry   

This year's event attracted 130 golfers and 180 for dinner with $5,000 in donations from the day benefiting the DMCCF. The donations were presented at the event held at Knoll Country Club in Parsippany, N.J., to two families to help with the many expenses associated with cancer. Donations were presented to 28-year-old James Reitberger and 17-year-old Carmine Ciano. 

To date, the Dean Michael Clarizio Foundation has donated approximately $400,000 directly to families to help with expenses incurred in fighting cancer, and is a major supporter of Camp Happy Times. The foundation was established after Dean Clarizio, brother of Klaussner sales representative Chris Clarizio, lost his battle with the disease. 

"Dean spent his short life reaching out to others," said GMFA Executive Director Alan Granetz. "We appreciate being able to continue helping others in his name."

Also presented at the outing was the 72nd Meadoff Memorial Award for Sportsmanship, initiated in honor of A.S. Meadoff, to Edward Massood, CEO of Thomasville Home Furnishings of New Jersey. The award is based on fair-mindedness, personal relationships, social consciousness and support of humane and philanthropic causes. Jordan Greenberg of Apropos made the presentation.

"Former recipients meet each year to review and choose an individual to receive this honor," said Greenberg, "The Meadoff Memorial Award for Sportsmanship is one of the most coveted Awards in our Industry, since it is the person not a position or title being recognized. Eddie is a guy you can depend on to be there in a pinch, to laugh, to cry, to find the lesson in the adversity and to do what was needed and then some. Everyone who knows Eddie Massood knows he is a wonderful guy, always helping with a smile on his face, energy in his step and lots of love in that huge heart of his."

"Eddie is one of the kindest, most charitable and engaged people in our industry, always supportive and upbeat," added GMFA President Patrick Cory, a former recipient of the Meadoff Award. "There's nobody else like him in the industry, nobody with a bigger heart or more willing to give of his time and boundless energy. I don't know anyone who deserves to get this award more."

During the presentation a moment of silence was observed for George Massood who passed away this year. George was co-owner along with Edward's father Mike Massood of furniture carrier MGM Transport.

Major sponsors for the golf outing included: Surya Rugs, Rick Powell, Planned Furniture Promotions, Sleepys, Klaussner, Raymour & Flanigan, Advisors Mortgage, Suburban Furniture, National Micro Rentals, Churchill Services, LS Direct, and Pat and Ken Luthy.