City of Hope Hosts 56th Annual Spirit of Life Gala
Furniture World News Desk on
10/22/2021
City of Hope, a world-renowned independent research and treatment organization for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases, recently hosted its International Home Furnishings Industry (IHFI) Spirit of Life gala at the Grandover resort in Greensboro, North Carolina. Oct. 16 brought out furniture industry family, friends and colleagues from all over the world and was the first City of Hope industry celebration since April 2019.
A much-anticipated celebration, the event honored, Rick Anderson, former CEO and president of Tempur Sealy, Patrick Cory, former CEO and co-Owner of Cory Home Delivery/J.B. Hunt, and Rob Spilman Jr., chairman and CEO of Bassett Furniture. The premier event raised nearly $1.5 million. Since the groups’ inception and over a half a century later, the furniture industry has raised nearly $100 million.
It was an evening filled with moving tributes and acceptance speeches as each of the night’s honorees took to the stage. Robert Stone, president and CEO of City of Hope, treated guests to an update on the progress the research and treatment institution has made since the last time he spoke to the group. His inspiring remarks centered around three essential elements that are propelling City of Hope forward: transformation, access and innovation.
IHFI National Board Chair Chuck Reilly (AICO) and Kevin O’Connor (Samson Marketing) co-led the evening’s program with appearances from Steve Rusing (TempurSealy), Chris Delisa (Universal Furniture/Samson Marketing), Jeb Bassett and Bruce Coehner (Bassett Furniture).
For more information, visit CityofHope.org/ihfi.
About City of Hope
City of Hope is an independent biomedical research and treatment center for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases. Founded in 1913, City of Hope is a leader in bone marrow transplantation and immunotherapy such as CAR T cell therapy. City of Hope’s translational research and personalized treatment protocols advance care throughout the world. Human synthetic insulin, monoclonal antibodies, and numerous breakthrough cancer drugs are based on technology developed at the institution. Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) became a part of City of Hope in 2016. AccessHopeTM, a wholly owned subsidiary, was launched in 2019, dedicated to serving employers and their health care partners by providing access to City of Hope’s exceptional cancer expertise. A National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center and a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, City of Hope is ranked among the nation’s “Best Hospitals” in cancer by U.S. News & World Report. Its main campus is located near Los Angeles, with additional locations throughout Southern California and in Arizona. For more information about City of Hope, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or Instagram.