Schafer, Yaraghi and Weinstein Honored At Greater Metropolitan Furnishings Association Dinner Dance

Furniture World News Desk on 12/2/2014

Pictured left to right: Will Schafer, Michael Yaraghi, Todd Weinstein


Three industry leaders, Will Schafer the President of Ashley Furniture HomeStore of Central New Jersey, Michael Yaraghi the Founder of Safavieh Home Furnishings (the retail division of Safavieh), and Todd Weinstein, bedgear’s Northeast Sales Manager who also works with Metro Guardian and the Whalen Companies, were recently honored at a formal dinner and dance hosted by The Greater Metropolitan Furnishings Association (GMFA) at the Pallasadium in Northern New Jersey.

Roughly 250 furniture retailers, representatives and industry suppliers were on hand to celebrate. A commemorative journal that includes full information on the awards and honorees can be viewed (pdf file) at http://bit.ly/1B9vdoB.

Michael Yaraghi was presented with the Jerry Gans Memorial Award given in recognition of, “An individual who has distinguished himself/herself with deeds and service in the home furnishings industry.”

Todd Weinstein received GFMA’s Representative of the Year Award, honoring him for the attributes of excellence, caring, and service to people and organizations in the home furnishings industry as well as the broader community.

Will Schafer was honored with the Howard Liveright Award for his outstanding contributions to the home furnishings industry, leadership, guidance, and consideration of other people, civic and charitable activities.

Finally, incoming GFMA President Andy Gans made a presentation to outgoing President Pat Cory of Cory Home Delivery. Signed by the entire GMFA board, it included the inscription, “Your Leadership And Humanity Bring Teamwork, That Makes The Dream Work, To Our Association of Furniture Representatives, Retailers, Manufacturers and Suppliers. With Gratitude.”

Desert and dancing followed the awards ceremony.


About GMFA: The Greater Metropolitan Furnishings Association is a not-for-profit organization designed to foster, promote and protect the interests of retailers, representatives, designers, manufacturers, and service related industries in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. An affiliate of the representatives’ association IHFRA, GMFA works to foster a spirit of mutual respect and esteem among members in the home furnishings industry, hosts networking and social events, educational seminars, provides valuable discounts and is a voice for industry interests on national, regional and local levels. For more information contact Alan Granetz, Executive Director, MFA, (908) 725-3460, email greatermfa@gmail.com.