Greater Metropolitan Furnishings Association’s 2021 Outing Raises $81,000 to Benefit Children Fighting Cancer
Furniture World News Desk on
7/14/2021
Images above include Roy Hester - Planned Furniture Promotions, John Garg - Jennifer Furniture, Jordan Greenberg - Apropos, Tony Bellarosa - GMFA Executive Director and Chris Clarizio presenting a $5,000 "Hero" grant donated by Ken Luthy of Suburban Furniture at the GMFA golf outing.
The Greater Metropolitan Furniture Association announced that it recently partnered with the Dean Michael Clarizio Cancer Foundation (DMCCF) to conduct its annual golf outing on June 15, 2021.
The sold-out event was held at the Crystal Springs Resort in Hamburg, N.J., a four-star hotel, golf, spa, pool and culinary resort. The change in venue this year allowed many furniture retailers, representatives, manufacturers and industry suppliers attending the outing to bring their families for a two-day mini vacation to enjoy the amenities. All proceeds from GMFA events are given to families fighting cancer. Six families received checks of $5,000 from the money raised at this event.
“The DMCCF is grateful to the GMFA and its generous supporters,” said Chris Clarizio, founder of the Dean Michael Clarizio Cancer Foundation and a long-time GMFA board member. “We are confident that so many more Heroes fighting cancer will be assisted through the GMFA. Over the years, due to the generosity of so many, the DMCCF has donated over $1.5 million to 350 families and individuals fighting this terrible disease.”
The outing attracted 140 golfers and 190 people showed up for dinner. More than $81,000 was raised.
Said GMFA executive director Tony Bellarosa, “It is gratifying to see the GMFA membership support and turnout with our new mission statement. It is the first time we have had a complete sellout golf event. The success of this year’s event was a total group effort. I would like to extend special thanks to our sponsors Suburban Furniture (Event Sponsor), Bobs Discount Furniture, Planned Furniture Promotions, LS Direct Marketing, JB Hunt, Zealogics, Seigerman’s Furniture, Jennifer Furniture, Pilgrim Furniture, American Business of School, Value City NJ Furniture, Parkway Auto Body, Frances Foundation, Gotham Consulting, Wheel Well Skates, Adrian Rocco and Parkway Auto Body.”
About GMFA
A not-for-profit organization, formed to promote and protect the interests of home furnishings retailers, representatives, designers, manufacturers, wholesalers and industry suppliers in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. GMFA sponsors networking, social and educational events and provides member services such as health insurance and business discounts. Event proceeds are donated to the Dean Michael Clarizio Cancer Foundation to help children and families pay for cancer related expenses. For more information contact Tony Bellarosa, Executive Director GMFA at (973)226-5218 or ant5013@icloud.com.
About DMCCF
The Dean Michael Clarizio Cancer Foundation was founded by its namesake, Dean, during his personal battle with cancer in 2005. The 501(c)3 non-profit foundation is tirelessly operated by Dean’s family and friends who volunteer their time and talents in an effort to carry out his vision; helping others who face the challenges of cancer with financial, spiritual, and emotional support. Given the changing times and the rising costs of healthcare there are an astounding number of cancer patients in need of financial assistance. To help families in need to mitigate these costs, the DMCCF hosts multiple annual fundraising events with 100 percent of the proceeds going directly to the individuals and families. To date, DMCCF has donated over $1.5 million.