Hanley Wood pledges $500G to FCIF
Article Number : 3575
Article Detail
  
Date 8/22/2008 9:18:20 AM
Written By LGM & Associates Technical Flooring Services
View this article at: //floorbiz.com/BizResources/NPViewArticle.asp?ArticleID=3575
Abstract ANAHEIM, CALIF.— Thanks to a long-term commitment made to the Floor Covering Industry Foundation (FCIF) by Hanley Wood Exhibitions, members of the floor covering industry facing catastrophic illness and financial hardship have been assured of financial assistance well into the future...
Article ANAHEIM, CALIF.— Thanks to a long-term commitment made to the Floor Covering Industry Foundation (FCIF) by Hanley Wood Exhibitions, members of the floor covering industry facing catastrophic illness and financial hardship have been assured of financial assistance well into the future.

The owner of Surfaces entered into an agreement with the World Floor Covering Association (WFCA) from which it purchased the trade show in 2000, guaranteeing a payment of $20,000 annually to FCIF every year through 2033, for a total of $500,000 over the next 25 years. WFCA manages the not-for-profit FCIF pro bono, meaning donor contributions go directly to recipients who need it rather than to overhead expenses or administration.

Hanley Wood is no newcomer to FCIF, which has been assisting members of the industry since its founding in 1980 by the late Walter Guinan, and Al Wahnon, Floor Covering News’ founder, editor and publisher, among others. Since taking ownership of Surfaces, it has supported the organization financially and through various other efforts.

Galen Poss, Hanley Wood’s president, is also a member of FCIF’s board. “We believe very strongly in the work of the FCIF and think this is an appropriate way for our organization to contribute and give back to the floor covering industry.”

Christopher Davis, WFCA’s president and CEO and FCIF’s president, said the Hanley Wood agreement is the largest and longest over-time commitment made to the non-profit in its 28-year history. He noted in addition to the monetary assistance, the agreement includes long-term commitments to provide both complimentary booth space at Surfaces as well as public service advertising space in the Surfaces show directories over the extended time period.

“Hanley Wood’s generosity can be a perfect model for others in the floor covering industry to emulate,” he said. “Hanley Wood has demonstrated its commitment and participation in the floor covering industry in a very meaningful and impactful manner and reinforced its image as an excellent corporate citizen.”

Since its founding, FCIF has provided over $2 million in assistance to those in the floor covering industry requiring help during their time of greatest need. FCIF’s sole purpose is to provide financial assistance to those in the floor covering industry facing catastrophic health issues coupled with financial hardship.

Grants are available to anyone earning their living in the floor covering industry in any capacity for at least five years— from installer all the way up to a mill executive. Assistance is provided confidentially, allowing the recipient to go about his life with dignity and hope. The organization relies entirely upon contributions by manufacturers, distributors, retailers and individuals who believe in “looking after their own in time of need.”

For further information on how to contribute to FCIF, or if you know of someone who needs its services, call 714.634.0302.