Daily News
From Home Furnishing Business
Employees of Ashley Furniture Donate Over $38,000 to Children’s Hospital
January 14,
2019 by Laurie Northington in Community / Charitable Support, Industry 
The donation, made possible through Ashley’s “Dollar a Week” program, was raised through employee contributions from Ashley’s Ecru, Verona, Ripley, and Saltillo, Mississippi locations to support one of the leading children’s hospitals in the United States. This is the 13th year Ashley employees have contributed to the hospital, totaling $195,830 to date.
Along with representation from Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, Mary Michael Kimbrough, a patient of the hospital, and her family attended the check presentation.
Kimbrough endured a surgery at just seven months old to move her aorta, which was putting pressure on her windpipe, causing severe breathing issues. Thanks to Le Bonheur, she can now breathe properly. The family received a personalized tour of Ashley’s Ecru facilities to learn more about where the supporting employees work, and how they manufacture furniture.
The “Dollar a Week” program also supports St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Ashley employees also awarded $26,476 to one of the world’s premier pediatric cancer research centers. The money will help pay for children diagnosed with cancer to go through treatment at no cost. Since 2012, Ashley’s Mississippi employees have contributed $147,107.
“Many operations at St. Jude, including research and treatments, are funded solely by personal donations, including businesses and individuals. Because of the amazing hearts of the Ashley employees, patients and families at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital never receive a bill for treatment, travel, housing, or food. All parents worry about is spending precious time with their children,” said Colby Maxwell, regional development representative, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “Our founder, Danny Thomas once said, ‘I’d rather have a million people give me a dollar than one person give me a million. That way you’ve got a million people involved in this mission.’ What amazing and life-changing work being done here. On behalf of our patients and their families, thank you!”
“Our employees should feel very proud today for their impactful donations to these organizations. It’s truly remarkable to see their continued support and commitment year after year,” said Ron Wanek, founder and chairman, Ashley Furniture Industries, Inc. “Our company, family, and employees care deeply about Le Bonheur and St. Jude Children’s Hospital’s mission to find cures for childhood diseases.”
In addition to these employee contributions, Wanek and his wife Joyce made a personal donation of $5,000 to each organization.