Wis. show house helps kids in need of books
By Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, August 29, 2005
Madison, Wis. — Wrangler Home, Flexsteel, Cornett Homes and Wisconsin-based Comfort Shoppe store owners Randy and Barb Witt hosted a series of July events raising funds for First Book, a national non-profit organization devoted to providing new books to children in need.
On July 24, Comfort Shoppe auctioned Wrangler Home/Flexsteel furniture in a showcase house built by Cornett Homes to benefit First Book. Cornett and its associated sponsors will make a donation to First Book using profits from the home's sale.
Several events were held to benefit First Book Dane County, the local chapter of the national organization, which supports local literacy and after-school programs with an ongoing supply of books.
Legendary University of Wisconsin football coach Barry Alvarez and wife Cindy hosted a story time event with children from the Madison area.
The house is part of the Madison Area Builders Assn.'s Parade of Homes, which originated in 1950. The parade has developed a reputation as one of the finest home showcases in the nation, allowing the public to see quality home construction and new trends in home design, furnishings and products. Some 60,000 people attended the parade of homes.
Manufacturer Flexsteel and Wrangler Home partnered with the builders group to create the 4,597-square-foot Craftsman style home, with five bedrooms, 4½ bathrooms and a three-car garage. The house, which overlooks a nature conservancy area, is fully furnished with Wrangler Home pieces.
"The Madison home represents a unique opportunity to present the Wrangler Home collection in a setting that reflects the lifestyle of our target consumer," said George Weldon, Wrangler's director of licensing and brand development.
