Ryan Expositions, producer of world-class invitational regional furniture, art and décor markets, has endorsed Help1Up as their charity of choice.

Help1Up, facilitated by the non-profit National Furniture Bank Association (NFBA), collects furniture from industry and the general public, then gives it directly to children and families in need. Mothers and kids escaping domestic violence, victims of natural disasters, and working families living below the poverty line are typical recipients of the donated items.

Roy Basukian, president of Ryan Expositions, said he’s proud to support Help1Up. “Our philosophy at Ryan is to produce outstanding events, and at the same time be good corporate citizens,” said Basukian. “Help1Up is the only charitable organization in the country which is focused on providing furniture to families in need. It was an easy decision for us to put our full support behind their efforts. Their track record and credentials are impeccable.”

The endorsement was made following a comprehensive review by Ryan Expositions of Help1Up. Further measures from Ryan include donating 5% of net proceeds from exhibitors that come aboard in a show of support for Help1Up; advertisement in Ryan publications and brochures; free exhibit space; speaking engagements; and other benefits.

“The endorsement and support of Ryan Expositions is an incredible development for Help1Up,” said NFBA executive director Don Lawrence. “Their dedication to the industry and their willingness to give back to less fortunate children and families is an example we hope others will follow.”

Ryan Expositions is welcoming exhibitors and attendees to learn about how Help1Up also protects the environment by keeping over a million perfectly useable items out of landfills and incinerators each year. Help1Up will present a program at Ryan Exposition events in Tucson AZ, Knoxville TN, Hampton VA and San Diego CA.

About Ryan Expositions:

Ryan Expositions regional markets create a unique trading platform where exhibitors can meet directly with buyers, decision makers and professionals. Ryan Expositions regional markets are flexible, dynamic and user-friendly. They are the keys to building partnerships that work. You pick the markets, we bring you the buyers. Learn more at www.RyanExpo.com.

About the National Furniture Bank Association (NFBA):

With a mission to open new furniture banks and to expand the service capacity of existing furniture banks, the NFBA is the non-profit association of furniture banks. Furniture banks in America serve over 125,000 families by providing more than one million home furnishings items. No child in America should have to sleep on the floor. Together we can all make a difference.

Help1Up is the “Charity of Choice” of the National Home Furnishing Association (NHFA), and is endorsed by AHFA - American Home Furnishings Alliance; AH&LA - American Hotel & Lodging Association; BIFMA - Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturer’s Association International; CFMA - California Furniture Manufacturers Association; FAI - Futon Association International; HFIA - Home Furnishings Independents Association; IDS - Interior Design Society; IHFRA - International Home Furnishings Representatives Association; NARDA - North American Retail Dealers Association; UFA - Unfinished Furniture Association; WHFA - Western Home Furnishings Association; and WithIt - Women in the Home Industries Today.