2nd Hike for Hope set
By Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, March 18, 2007
High Point — Marketgoers and local businesses will hit the pavement here the morning of Sunday, March 25, in the industry's second annual Hike for Hope.
The hour-long event starting at 7:15 a.m., a two-mile walk through downtown High Point, is a fundraiser for City of Hope, a research and treatment center for cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
"The Hike for Hope is a chance for everyone connected to the home furnishings industry to show their support for the City of Hope," said Jena Hall, co-chair of the National Home Furnishings Industry board for the medical center. "Every year, the industry's fundraising efforts for this vital organization are greatly appreciated by the doctors and researchers at City of Hope. But more important, it matters to the patients, whose lives we are helping to save. Unfortunately, cancer touches almost everyone's life in one way or another."
Hike for Hope will start at the High Point Market Transportation Terminal in the 200 block of East Commerce Avenue. Refreshments will be served courtesy of the International Home Furnishings Center.
"We're asking everyone connected to the High Point Market to get involved in this important event," said Kimberley Wray, vice president of marketing at the High Point Market Authority.
"The Hike for Hope is an opportunity for everyone to demonstrate their team spirit and raise funds for an important cause. At the same time, the event is also a unique marketing opportunity, enabling companies to promote their brands on the streets of downtown High Point," she said.
Participants can add their company names to a T-shirt designed by City of Hope for the event, or wear a T-shirt or other apparel sporting logos promoting their companies.
"Last year, Ashley Furniture flooded the streets with hundreds of sales representatives wearing Ashley's signature orange at the inaugural walk," said Wray. "On that morning, the Ashley representatives not only helped to raise $50,000 for COH, they made quite a visual statement about the Ashley brand and their support of one of last year's honorees, Todd Wanek."
This year, Hike for Hope Grand Marshal Jeff Cook, newly named president of Broyhill Furniture Inds., will lead the procession.
Kim Hunter, office manager at Magnussen Home Furnishings, where Cook most recently was president and CEO, said the Magnussen team will be out in force.
"We're challenging our peers at Broyhill to do the same," said Hunter, "and may the most company T-shirts win!"
Ellen Gefen, president of Gefen Productions and Hike for Hope chairwoman, said the event is a great way to kick off market.
"It's a new, fun and affordable way for individuals to support one of the nation's premier cancer centers," she said.
A $50 registration fee serves as a suggested donation to City of Hope.
"This is a suggested amount," said Hall. "Individuals can of course invite others to sponsor them in the walk in order to raise funds, and everyone, whether they choose to walk or not, is invited to make a donation."
Registration forms and T-shirt templates can be downloaded at www.highpointmarket.org/cityofhope. Volunteers from MGM Transport will man the High Point Market Authority information booth on Saturday, March 24, the day before the Hike, to collect donations and registration for the walk.
For information about group registration, contact Gefen at (336) 884-5020 or via e-mail at ellen@thehome.com.
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Second Hike for Hope set for March 25
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