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From Home Furnishing Business

Michigan Reps Donate $10K to Vilestra Heart Fund

November 14, 2013  by in Community / Charitable Support, Industry   

Through First National Bank, HFRM will donate $10,000, and will manage a drive to help Vilestra, a long time member of the International Home Furnishings Association and the HFRM.

Vilestra suffered a heart attack on Feb. 8, and by Oct. 10 he was notified that he had exhausted his benefits and no longer had health coverage. He is now awaiting Jan. 1 for the Affordable Health Care Act to take effect so he can resume testing for heart transplant qualifications.

He began his furniture career in retail, as part owner in his wife, Mary’s family business (Van's Furniture) in Portage, Mich. After 17 years, the family decided to sell the business, and Vilestra made his move to the wholesale side of furniture sales. The couple has been married for 40 years, during which time he has worked for Rowe Furniture, La-Z-Boy Furniture; and presently Palliser Furniture, Fairfield Chair, Braxton Culler, EQ3 and Kalora Area Rugs.

The First National Bank--Rick Vilestra Heart Fund is accepting any donations. To make a contribution, First National Bank, send a check payable to "Rick Vilestra Heart Fund" to First National Bank, attn: John Schreuder, Chief Executive Office, 348 W. Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo, Mich. 49007; or contact Schreuder at 269-488-8853 or by e-mail for more information about the fund.