City of Hope to honor Disa, O'Connor
By Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, July 16, 2007
High Point — John Disa of Wickes Furniture and Kevin O'Connor of Samson Marketing will be honored as recipients of City of Hope's Spirit of Life Award at a dinner here Oct. 3, during the High Point Market.
The Home Furnishings Industry division of City of Hope, a California-based medical and research center, announced the choice of Disa and O'Connor as honorees in recognition of their outstanding commitment to philanthropy.
More than 700 industry members are expected to attend the High Point event, to be held in the Showplace tent.
"I believe strongly in City of Hope and its mission of scientific discovery," said Disa, president and CEO of Top 100 store Wickes. "The dedication of City of Hope's physicians and scientists mirrors that of our industry members, who share City of Hope's commitment to improving the lives of patients with serious diseases. I am proud to be a part of such a tenacious group."
"I'm honored to be able to help lead this effort in support of the innovative research programs at City of Hope," added O'Connor, president and CEO of Samson Marketing, parent company of importers and manufacturers Universal, Legacy Classic and Craftmaster. "The campaign and dinner will celebrate the hard work and dedication of the physicians and scientists at City of Hope, who are redefining the future of medicine."
The Spirit of Life Award is presented annually to individuals who have made notable contributions to their community and profession and have influenced the direction of their industry.
Created more than 40 years ago by a group of industry leaders who wanted to help fund the search for a cure for cancer and other life-threatening illnesses, the City of Hope's Home Furnishings division has grown to include representatives from all facets of the industry. It has raised more than $40 million for City of Hope.
The annual Spirit of Life Award Dinner will again feature the industry's most talented — or exceptionally brave — performers as the fourth annual "American Furniture Idol" returns as the highlight of the gala. Competitors will belt out their favorite tunes in front of hundreds of their peers and a panel of judges.
Prospective crooners can contact City of Hope. To sign up, or for more information about the City of Hope's Home Furnishings Industry and Spirit of Life Award, contact Monique Miranda at (800) 272-2310 or at mmiranda@coh.org.
