IHFI Raises Close to $900,000 for City of Hope During Annual Fundraiser

June 11, 2025  by Karen Parrish in Business Strategy, Industry   

The 2025 West Coast event honored Jeff Child, president of RC Willey, and Harold Hudson, vice president of business development at Gabriella White/Summer Classics/Gabby, for their contributions to the industry and their commitment to the cause.

Following the day’s friendly competitions, attendees gathered for an evening of connection and celebration, complete with auctions, dinner, and recognition of this year’s honorees. The program featured two moving presentations. Kristin J. Bertell, chief philanthropy officer at City of Hope, offered insights into the organization’s progress and mission and presented event co-chair Rick Powell with City of Hope’s Volunteer Impact Award, which recognizes exceptional volunteers whose lifetime contributions have had a transformative impact on City of Hope’s mission and the community at large.  Powell has spearheaded the event since 1992 when he received City of Hope’s Spirit of Life® Award.

Bertell was followed by Michael Burton, City of Hope patient speaker and vice president of sales for Uniters North America. Known as “Miracle Mike,” Burton underwent a groundbreaking stem cell and CAR T-cell transplant procedure that not only saved his life but also advanced the future of cancer treatment.

City of Hope thanked all attendees and recognized the event’s dedicated committee and long-time co-chairs: Debra Tous, Neil Friedman, Irene Crowell, Larry Furiani, Jaclyn Jimenez, Ryan Mahoney, and Chuck Reilly.

This year’s top sponsors received special recognition:

- Emerald sponsor $35,000 – Mary Jayne and Jeff Child

- Platinum sponsors $25,000 – Ashjer LLC, J.B. Hunt Final Mile, Living Spaces, Michael Nicholas Designs

- Gold sponsors $15,000 – ANDMORE, ES Kluft, GigaCloud, Jonathan Louis, Parker House, RC Willey, Sunbrella, Tempur Sealy

- Silver sponsors $10,000 – HH2, King Koil, LS Direct, Moore & Van Allen, Najarian Furniture, Planned Furniture Promotions, Progressive Leasing, Richard Frinier Design Studio, Serta Simmons, Sit ‘n Sleep, Summer Classics

- Copper sponsors $5,000 – American First Finance, Bosch, Julie Campbell, Diamond Mattress, Electrolux, Flex2Communicate, GE, Nader’s Furniture, Ortho Mattress, Roth Living, Serta Mattress-Salt Lake City, Snap Finance, Sub-Zero Group Southwest, Surya, TCL, Dave Thompson Family, Vizio Televisions

- Premier Media sponsor – Furniture Today

The 2026 West Coast Golf, Tennis & Pickleball Tournament will honor Javier Sanchez, president and CEO of Jonathan Louis and another honoree to be announced. The event is scheduled for Monday, June 8, 2026. For more information on how to support and get involved, please email IHFIevents@coh.org.

Since 1965, the International Home Furnishings Industry (IHFI) group has raised over $100 million for City of Hope. The enduring generosity of this community continues to fuel innovative research and compassionate care. To learn how to support future events, contact Kristy Silverman at 626-713-1580 or email ihfievents@coh.org.