CHERRY HILL, NJ (February 24, 2005) – Avalon Carpet Tile and Flooring recently donated $50,000 to be shared among three charities in southern New Jersey.

Avalon Carpet Tile and Flooring instituted a voluntarydonation plan for its employees at the start of 2004, with donations to be accumulated throughout the year through automatic payroll deductions. Avalon Carpet Tile and Flooring then greed to match, dollar-per-dollar, the donations its employees generously contributed. Together, Avalon Carpet Tile and Flooring and its employees raised $50,000 last year.

“We are absolutely thrilled to present our check for $50,000 to these three worthy organizations that do such wonderful work to better the lives of the people who live and work in our communities,” said Scott Wheeler, executive vice president, Avalon Carpet Tile and Flooring.

Employees were able to choose where their individual contributions were allocated among three charities the company staff collectively selected at the start of the fundraising campaign: American Cancer Society; American Heart Association; and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

“We are always proud of – and value greatly – our associates, and their ongoing generosity continues to inspire Avalon to match their contributions. I am thrilled to see what 2005 has in store for us – I hope we raise even more this year,” said Maryanne Adams, executive vice president, Avalon Carpet Tile and Flooring.

Wheeler, Adams and Tom Isaacs, chief financial officer, Avalon Carpet Tile and Flooring, presented representatives from the three charities with their respective checks at a brief ceremony at Avalon Carpet Tile and Flooring’s Cherry Hill headquarters on February 2.

“Through their employee giving campaign, Avalon Carpet Tile and Flooring has provided the Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Jersey with invaluable financial  support to help us fulfill our mission,” said Paul Huegel, president and CEO, Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Jersey. “The funds will be used to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions here in New Jersey and more specifically for children that reside in the very communities Avalon Carpet Tile and Flooring serves."

The American Cancer Society’s goal is to prevent cancer, save lives, and diminish suffering from cancer. The America Heart Association’s mission is to reduce disability and death from cardiovascular diseases and stroke and the Make-A-Wish Foundation grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions.

PHOTO CAPTION:
Back Row (from left): Paul Huegel, president & CEO, Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Jersey; Michael W. Oakes, director of development, Make-A-Wish Foundation of South Jersey; Scott Wheeler, executive vice president, Avalon Carpet Tile and Flooring; and Tom Isaacs, chief financial officer, Avalon Carpet Tile and Flooring.

Front Row (from left): Roseann Weber, M.S., L.R.C., director, corporate relations, American Cancer Society; Michele Toy, senior director, income development, American Cancer Society; Karla Stein, vice president, major gifts, American Heart Association; and Maryanne Adams, executive vice president, Avalon Carpet Tile and Flooring.

Avalon Carpet Tile and Flooring, recognized as a national leader in the flooring industry, is one of the largest flooring retailers in the United States, with twelve design center locations in the Tri-State area. Avalon Carpet Tile and Flooring is the largest direct importer of ceramic tile in the Delaware Valley, with a comprehensive $5 million inventory. Avalon Carpet Tile and Flooring carries a depth of product among all flooring categories, including carpet, area rugs, hardwood, laminate, tile, marble, stone and vinyl flooring, as well as window treatments. For additional information regarding Avalon Carpet Tile and Flooring, and a history of the company visit www.avaloncarpettile.com.