Powell Co. founders to be honored

Jewish Vocational Service to salute two generations of family

Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, November 11, 2009

LOS ANGELES — In recognition of their many years of community service, L. Powell Co. founder Larry Powell, his wife, Joyce, and their son and daughter-in-law Rick and Debbie Powell will be honored during the Jewish Vocational Service's 2010 Gala in January.

The Powells will receive the non-profit group's Lifetime of Service Award during a dinner event dubbed Two Generations Making a Difference, set for Jan. 30 at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif.

In addition to founding the furniture importer in 1968, Larry and Joyce Powell have long supported charities. In 1968 they helped start the Concern Foundation, which supports cancer research. They continue to serve on the board of the organization, which has raised nearly $42 million to date. The Powells also are on the boards of Jewish Family Service and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

Rick Powell, who was president of the Powell Co. from 1985 until it was sold in 1999, followed in his parents' footsteps of activism. In 1981, he co-founded Concern II for Cancer Research, which targets young adults for fund-raising. He joined the board of Jewish Vocational Service in 1989 and due in part to his outreach efforts, the group has gone from helping 12,000 people to double that number. He received a Certificate of Appreciation for Humanitarian Service from President George H.W. Bush in 1990.

Rick Powell is also involved in organizations including City of Hope, Concern Foundation and the Mitchell E. Gordon Fund for California Special Olympics. Debbie Powell is co-founder of WoMentoring Leadership Network, which helps women in crisis or transition, and also works with other groups dedicated to helping women.

Money raised through ticket sales and sponsorships of the gala will go to Jewish Vocational Service, which has seen a sharp increase in demand for its career services and workplace development during the economic downturn. For more information, visit www.jvsla.org.