City of Hope’s National Home Furnishings Industry group recently capped off a highly successful $1 million fundraising effort with a Spirit of Life® gala in Greensboro.

Colleagues and industry leaders honored Joe Cory Sr., chair and chief executive officer of Cory Home Delivery, as well the Cartledge and Bennett families, owners of Grand Home Furnishings, with The Spirit of Life Award on April 18.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by City of Hope, an organization that speeds research into new therapies for patients with life-threatening diseases,” said Cory.

George Cartledge III, president of Grand Home Furnishings, was enthusiastic about his involvement in the initiative. “City of Hope is an enormous asset to patients everywhere who face a life-threatening disease,” Cartledge said.

At the event, a chronic myelogenous leukemia patient treated at City of Hope shared his personal story to underscore the importance of the institution’s mission, and humorist Jeanne Robertson provided entertainment. Key sponsors were Cory Home Delivery, Grand Home Furnishings, Ashley Furniture Industries, La-Z-Boy, Serta, Simmons Bedding Corp, aspenhome, Casana Furniture, Furniture Brands International, Jena Hall and Sealy.