by FARMINGDALE, N.Y. — Four home furnishings retailers — in association with the Greater Metropolitan Furnishings Association — raised more than $210,000 to benefit the Dean Michael Clarizio Cancer Foundation, according to Artie Eisenberg, owner of all four stores and coordinator of this event.
Eisenberg, who owns Seigerman’s Furniture, Design Center, One Ten Home Furnishings and The Showplace in Farmingdale, New York, said the Nov. 9 event also featured keynote speaker Julius Erving, better known by the nickname Dr. J, an American former professional basketball player.
Erving helped legitimize the American Basketball Association, and he was the best-known player in that league when it merged into the National Basketball Association after the 1975-76 season.
Dr J spoke about winning and losing, life’s often unexpected challenges, and the need to persevere in order to overcome adversity.
The DMCCF, Eisenberg explained, provides cash grants to families who need direct financial support as they cope with cancer-related expenses, especially those related to childhood cancer.
Underscoring a proven track record, during the past 18 years, the DMCCF Foundation has raised more than $2.1 million given to 445 families.
The event, held at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury, New York, attracted more than 400 attendees, including many leaders from the home furnishings sector who came to hear Dr. J speak and to honor furniture representative Chris Clarizio as the first winner of the GMFA “Heroes” Award for outstanding charitable accomplishments.
Harris Kirsch, GMFA president, presented Clarizo with the award to a standing ovation. Clarizo, who founded DMCCF, gave $5,000 checks and a trip to Disney World to five “DMCCF Heroes” and their families.
For more information on the association, the foundation or where to donate, visit www.gm-fa.com or www.DMCCF.org
All the events Chris Clarizio runs in honor of his brother are fantastic and raises tons of money to help cancer patients. This event I hear was the best of the best!!!