IHFRA’s Kathy Parks Appointed to NFBA Board

Furniture World News

The National Furniture Bank Association (NFBA), the charitable arm of the home furnishings industry, announced today that Kathy Parks, executive director of International Home Furnishings Representatives Association (IHFRA), has been appointed to the NFBA Board of Directors. Parks joins other well-known home furnishings industry leaders on the NFBA board, including Furniture/Today Magazine editor-in-chief Ray Allegrezza, Home Furnishings International Association (HFIA) president Mary Frye, National Home Furnishings Association (NHFA) executive vice president Steve DeHaan, and Western Home Furnishings Association (WHFA) executive director Sharron Bradley. “Kathy’s acceptance of a seat on the NFBA Board of Directors marks a new era for the organization,” said Tom Polk, NFBA Chairman. “She has been a major supporter of our efforts over the years, and her industry leadership is a valuable addition to the Board.” Parks has served on the NFBA Advisory Board for 18 months. Representing dozens of furniture banks across the country, the NFBA facilitates Help1Up, the home furnishings industry’s free, socially responsible, and environmentally friendly used furniture removal service for the general public. Furniture banks collect used home furnishings from the general public, then donate them to needy families such as survivors of natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina, women and children escaping domestic violence, and working families living below the poverty line. “I am excited to serve on the NFBA Board of Directors” said Parks. “There are many charities which our industry supports, but the NFBA helps tens of thousands of people in need every year, and directly benefits our industry.” Parks has been assigned as the chairwoman of the NFBA’s Sponsorship Subcommittee, charged with increasing industry support of the organization. About the National Furniture Bank Association (NFBA): The NFBA is the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization of the home furnishings industry. Its mission is to increase the service capacity of existing furniture banks, and to open new ones in areas without a furniture bank. No child in America should have to sleep on the floor. Kathy Ireland is the Help1Up Ambassador. About the International Home Furnishings Representatives Association (IHFRA): Founded in 1934, IHFRA’s purpose is to promote the professionalism, productivity and prestige of home furnishings representatives; to promote the furniture industry, and to protect and promote the representatives’ position within the industry. IHFRA is the central hub of communications and programs for home furnishings representatives. Contact: National Furniture Bank Association (NFBA) Don Lawrence/ Executive Director (800) 576-0774 dlawrence@Help1Up.org http://www.help1up.org