Morris Receives United Way’s Humanitarian of the Year Award During 75th Anniversary Celebration

June 30, 2022  by Laurie Northington in Business Strategy, Industry   

On Tuesday, June 28, United Way of the Greater Dayton Area presented the Humanitarian Award to the Klaben Family at the Wright State University Nutter Center. On this day, Morris Furniture Company closed all its stores and distribution center to kick off the celebration of the company’s 75^th anniversary. Their success is vastly accredited to the hundreds of team members, partners, Hope to Dream volunteers and many valued customers since 1947

Throughout the event, company associates celebrated by reflecting upon the company’s history and philanthropic endeavors. In the theme of giving back, associates received a lesson on Mastering the Skill of Self Confidence by keynote speaker, Dr. Ivan Joseph, many prizes, and a peek into the future for Morris Furniture Company and the Hope to Dream ventures.

During the award presentation, Tracy Sibbing, vice president of community impact at United Way of the Greater Dayton Area explained, “The Humanitarian Award was created to recognize a specific individual who has not only succeeded in mobilizing our community but also in connecting people to each other.” She also described how the collaboration between Secret Smiles, United Way, and Morris Furniture company has impacted the families who have received beds and the joy the Hope to Dream events bring to many volunteers as well.

“Secret Smiles started in Dayton in 2001. In 2004, we came to Morris Furniture Company requesting to be able to purchase 50 beds at a discounted price. We were working with local social service agencies and found a huge need for a lot of kids sleeping on the floor in our community and we wanted to help. Well, those 50 beds – how many years later, have turned into almost 8,500 beds,” said Tracy Janess, president of Secret Smiles of Dayton.