Surya’s John Haste Recognized by City of Hope

May 5, 2016  by in Community / Charitable Support, Industry   

The event debuted this past January at the Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market. It raised more than $27,000 to benefit City of Hope’s research facility and hospital as well as its work to treat and cure cancer and diabetes. 

Home furnishing vendors, identified by “We Are a Proud Supporter of Furnishing Hope” signage, made a donation or pledged to donate a portion of market sales completed on the day of giving.

“We are proud to bestow the 2016 Volunteer of the Year Award to John Haste,” said Brittany De La Torre, director of corporate philanthropy for City of Hope. “As a board member, John spearheaded the first ever ‘day of giving,’ engaging many new supporters from the decor and accessories segment of the industry, and raising critical funds and awareness for City of Hope’s cancer and diabetes research.” 

Calhoun, Ga.-based Surya, a source for coordinating home accessories for a broad range of lifestyle and budgets, has a longstanding history of supporting organizations in the communities in which it operates. 

“I am very humbled to have been selected as City of Hope’s Volunteer of the Year,” Haste said. “The work that I do for the City of Hope pales in comparison to the incredible breakthroughs taking place within the organization’s research group to find cures for life-threatening conditions such as cancer and diabetes. I am honored to be a part of this important cause, and to work for a company like Surya that is truly committed to giving back.” 

Haste was recognized at City of Hope’s annual Spirit of Life Award dinner held in Greensboro, N.C., on Apr. 17 to honor furniture industry leaders for outstanding personal, professional and philanthropic achievements. 

California-based City of Hope is an independent research and treatment center for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases.