Daily News
From Home Furnishing Business
Cindy Crawford Kicks off Art Van Charity Challenge
October 30,
2014 by in Community / Charitable Support, Industry 
Supermodel, businesswoman and philanthropist Cindy Crawford launched the 2015 Art Van Charity Challenge at a Chicago-area Wednesday event.
Crawford, in her new, role as 2015 Art Van Charity Challenge Ambassador, officially announced that $1 million in charitable grants will be awarded next year to nonprofit organizations in Michigan, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio. Crawford shared the news at “A Shining Star Event” at Art Van's store in Logan Square, Ill.m celebrating the retailer’s 55th anniversary and first year in Chicago.
“I know from firsthand experience how empowering it is to get involved and give back,” said Crawford, who lost her brother to leukemia when she was nine years old and helped raise money for the Leukemia Foundation of America as part of her healing process. “I have long been devoted to helping to make our world a better place. I personally support numerous nonprofits, and am truly touched and honored to partner with my dear friend Art Van Elslander to promote the mission of the Art Van Charity Challenge.”
“Cindy is a woman who cares deeply about others, and possesses a genuine passion for philanthropy,” said Van Elslander, Chairman of Art Van Furniture, Warren, Mi. “I can’t think of a better way to celebrate Art Van Furniture’s 10-year collaboration with Cindy and her Cindy Crawford Home collection than to team up to give away $1 million to nonprofit organizations working tirelessly to enrich the lives of those in the communities we serve.”
The Art Van Charity Challenge has generated close to $20 million in donations over the past six years for charitable organizations in Michigan, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio.