City of Hope Welcomes Industry Leaders for Exclusive Tour

August 15, 2016  by in Community / Charitable Support, Industry   

 “Our Mission was simple and three fold”, said Jena Hall, Jena Hall Designs, Co-chair of the initiative and executive member of the International Home Furnishings chapter of City of Hope, “We wanted to provide a unique, behind-the-scenes experience for a select group of women in leadership roles to educate about City of Hope’s lifesaving research in cancer, diabetes and AIDS. It is our hope that this experience will help spread the mission of City of Hope, from these women’s first-hand experience.  A welcome dinner hosted by Cory 1^st Choice Home Delivery kicked off the initiative, followed by a day at the medical campus featuring presentations by world-renowned researchers, luncheon and grounds tour.”

“Secondly, we wanted to share the latest news about the life saving cures, with a specific focus on the progress being made on women’s health related cures. And 3rd, by educating and raising more awareness through these women, we hope to generate more leadership involvement, awareness, and support for the organization.” said Ellen Gefen, Gefen Productions, Co-Chair of the initiative and member of the National Executive Board member. Connie Post of Connie Post Affordable Design Solutions and the third chairwoman of the initiative and board member added, “Through this educational Mission it is our hope to bring together women leaders from all areas of our industry for this common cause. It was an extraordinary experience and honor to meet these world famous researchers.”

“This inaugural tour included a dozen industry women, providing a personal and intimate experience at City of Hope. We had the opportunity to meet several of the top research doctors in their field and hear first-hand how close we are to major breakthroughs in these diseases that affect us all. I have attended many of City of Hope’s award dinners and golf outings in the past, but seeing the medical campus and hearing from the faculty solidified why City of Hope is the furniture industry’s charity of choice, and confirmed my commitment to continuing to support this incredible institution,” said Lorri Kelley, President of BDI.” As a member of the Board of Directors for WithIt, we look to partner with City of Hope Women’s Health Initiative going forward.”

“The International Home Furnishings chapter for City of Hope is over 50 years old, and our industry’s support has contributed to the incredible advances in treatment and cures for men, women and children. The tour provided the attendees the opportunity to see how the millions of dollars raised from our annual Spirit of Life Dinners and West Coast Golf outing are applied to research and patient support services that help cancer and diabetes patients, and their families, across the globe. While most honorees in the past have been men, we look forward to recognizing more women leadership in helping the industry support the quest for cures.” said Chuck Reilly EVP of AICO and National Chair for the industry group. “We hope this first Women’s Health Initiative will be the first in a series of other educational tours to raise even more awareness to our industry.”

For more information on ways to support City of Hope, visit www.cityofhope.org/ihfi or contact Brittany De La Torre at 800-272-2310 or furniture@coh.org