AT THE MARKET – Women in the Home Industries Today kicks off its 2008 “Support the Future” campaign this week here, seeking donations for the organization’s Scholarship Foundation.

The Four Hands showroom has been established as the primary donation site where donors may ask for Rene Crosby, national sales manager for importer and vice president of scholarship on this year’s WithIt board of directors. The showroom is located at Union Square, spaces E-201 and P-201.

“It’s important for our industry as a whole to pave the way for upcoming talent to keep the home furnishings industry fresh and vibrant,” said Crosby. “I’m thrilled to be part of that and grateful to be a part of such a unique and relevant organization.”

Founded in 1997, WithIt is an international organization dedicated to the support and development of female professionals in the home industries. WithIt operates as a not-for-profit organization and also manages a foundation for scholarships.

The organization has set a fundraising goal of $100,000 for the Scholarship Foundation by 2009. Several donation levels are available to individual and companies, from Sustainer at $50, to Endowment for contributions exceeding $5,000.

Scholarships are awarded annually to student candidates in home furnishings following a rigorous application process. All scholarship contributions are tax-deductible. Donors will receive an “I Support the Future” sticker to wear on their market badge.

“We’d like to thank the industry and Four Hands for supporting WithIt over the past 10 years,” said Sara Lyke, WithIt’s executive director. “We’re all working together to improve the long-term outlook for home furnishings.”

Four Hands is an active WithIt supporter. More than 80% of the company’s staff is female.

For additional information, visit www.withit.org.