City of Hope Kicks Off Fundraising Season with Awards & Sports and HPMKT

October 21, 2025  by Karen Parrish in Business Strategy, Industry   

As IHFI enters a new fundraising year, it invites all members of the home furnishings community to get involved through donations, sponsorships, or participation in the upcoming events:

— Celebration of Hope on Oct. 25, 3-5 p.m. is hosted by Schonbek at IHFC-H327 (Hamilton wing, third floor) with live music, prizes and swag, hors d’oeuvres and champagne.

— Pink Out High Point, Oct. 26, encourages all market goers to wear pink for awareness and solidarity.

— Snap a photo at the Pink Out Pink Furniture display on the Showplace walkway and share it on social media with #pinkouthighpoint.

— Join City of Hope at the Center Stage concert featuring The Fray, Oct. 26 at 7 p.m. 

— Uttermost will offer City of Hope pink ribbons to decorate their market bags at IHFC-C448 (Commerce wing, fourth floor).

The 2025–26 campaign includes regional Walk for Hope events designed to educate, inspire, and raise vital funds across the country, and the industry’s two flagship fundraisers, Spirit of Life® Awards during the Spring 2026 High Point Market on Sunday, April 26, and West Coast Golf, Tennis & Pickleball Tournament taking place on Monday, June 8, 2026, in Coto de Caza, California.

Since its founding in 1965, the IHFI group, representing retailers, manufacturers, suppliers, sales representatives, and service providers, has raised nearly $110 million to fuel City of Hope’s innovative research and compassionate patient programs. The 2024-25 season marked a milestone year, generating more than $4.6 million in support of cancer research and care through two major events honoring industry leaders Dr. Man Li Wong of Man Wah Holdings), Jay Schottenstein of American Signature Furniture/Value City Furniture, Jeff Child of RC Willey, and Harold Hudson of Summer Classics.

“Every event, every donation, and every conversation within this industry makes a tangible difference in the lives of patients and families facing cancer,” said Katie Doyle, associate vice president of corporate philanthropy for City of Hope. “The passion and generosity of our industry partners continue to expand the reach and impact of City of Hope’s mission.”

Following City of Hope’s acquisition of Cancer Treatment Centers of America in 2022, its national footprint now spans California, Phoenix, Chicago, and Atlanta—placing nearly 90 million Americans within driving distance of a City of Hope location. Members of the IHFI Board and regional supporters recently toured the Chicago outpatient clinic and the main campus in Zion, Illinois, gaining firsthand insight into the leading-edge research and personalized care that define City of Hope.

“This expansion reflects City of Hope’s unwavering commitment to bringing world-class cancer treatment closer to the communities that need it most,” said Tim Newlin, president/CEO of Norwalk Furniture and co-chair of the IHFI Board. “It’s inspiring to see how our industry’s efforts and compassion directly support this growing national network—bringing hope closer to home for millions.”

For sponsorship or participation opportunities in IHFI’s 2025-26 events, contact Loren Boyko, at lboyko@coh.org or visit cityofhope.org/IHFI.