The National Home Furnishings Industry raised more than $1.6 million during its 2007 Spirit of Life® campaign, which culminated with a gala dinner in High Point, N.C., on Oct. 3.

More than 700 members of the National Home Furnishings Industry group and guests honored John Disa, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Wickes Furniture, and Kevin O’Connor, president and CEO of Samson Marketing, with The Spirit of Life Award at the dinner, which also featured the group’s fourth annual “American Furniture Idol” competition.

The industry group’s year-long campaign included regional events such as the West Coast Golf and Tennis Tournament in Coto de Caza, Calif., the Hike for Hope in High Point and the Midwest Dinner Cruise in Chicago.

During the days preceding the dinner, local North Carolina representatives celebrated City of Hope and supported the home furnishings group’s work; High Point Mayor Becky Smothers presented the key to the city to Sharon White, associate vice president of development.

“We are very excited to support City of Hope and their groundbreaking research and treatment programs in cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases,” said Kimberly Wray, vice president of marketing for the High Point Market Authority. Market members designated Oct. 3 as “City of Hope Day,” creating events to benefit the institution. The twice-yearly market is dubbed the world’s largest furnishings industry trade show.

Several companies and buildings set aside dedicated areas to collect donations and pledges for City of Hope during the market and held receptions in honor of the institution.

“We are really excited about this first-time collaboration,” said White. “It represents the tenacious personality of the home furnishings industry. We applaud Keith Koenig of City Furniture, and a National Home Furnishings Industry executive board member, for his idea to bring City of Hope’s annual celebration to High Point so all High Point Market attendees could easily participate.”