Serta Simmons Bedding Sets New GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ Title To Raise Awareness For Pancreatic Cancer Research

ATLANTA, May 14, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- This morning, 256 people took the average morning chore to the next level by setting the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ achievement for the greatest number of people making beds simultaneously at a single venue.  

The momentous event was sponsored by Atlanta-based Serta Simmons Bedding, LLC ("SSB") to raise awareness for the Seena Magowitz Foundation and its support for pancreatic cancer research focused on early diagnosis.

"Thanks to the help of our friends in the industry, today, we made history for a purpose," said Gary Fazio, CEO of Serta Simmons Bedding. "We hope this achievement serves to spotlight and celebrate the mission and message of the Seena Magowitz Foundation and its tremendous efforts to raise awareness and funds for pancreatic cancer research, as well as the bedding industry's unwavering support of the cause. While a lot of us compete on the retail floor, it was amazing to see such unification and shared commitment to one cause."

256 people broke into teams of four to make 70 beds all together in approximately 15 minutes. This is the first time such a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title has been set. The event took place during the Furniture Today Bedding Conference at the Omni Orlando Resort at Championsgate. 

"Serta Simmons Bedding has been hugely instrumental in helping the Seena Magowitz Foundation advance the fight against pancreatic cancer by finding unique ways to expose new audiences to our lifesaving mission," said Roger Magowitz, founder and chairman of the Seena Magowitz Foundation. "This GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS attempt is a refreshing opportunity to bring people together for some lighthearted fun while shedding light on this horrific disease."

Atlanta-based Simmons and fellow SSB subsidiary Serta, Inc. ("Serta"), based in Hoffman Estates, Ill., each donated 35 twin-size mattresses, foundations and bed frames for the event. The Alabama-based bed linens manufacturer DreamFit donated sheets, pillow cases, pillows, duvet covers and inserts. Throw blankets were donated by Springs Creative, a textile manufacturer based in South Carolina. 

Once given the official start signal, teams were required to separately and correctly dress their mattresses with a collection of bedding, including: first the fitted sheet, then the flat sheet, followed by the properly stuffed duvet with cover, two pillows with pillow cases, completed with the throw.

"Every GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS attempt is a unique, fun occasion that memorializes a significant achievement. Participants in this successful record attempt at the most people making beds most importantly have raised awareness and monies that will positively impact research into an awful disease," said Philip Robertson, GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS adjudicator. 

SSB is a leading sponsor of the 2015 Furniture Today Bedding Conference, specifically an afternoon of strategic planning breakout sessions lead by Porsche Consulting. SSB, Serta and Simmons are also major sponsors of the 2015 Seena Magowitz Golf Challenge at the Omni Orlando Resort at Championsgate on May 14-15, where Fazio will present the Foundation with a check for funds raised through a fundraising contest between Serta and Simmons.

About Serta Simmons Bedding 
Serta Simmons Bedding, LLC ("SSB") owns and manages two of the largest bedding brands in the mattress industry –National Bedding Company L.L.C. (the largest licensee and majority shareholder of Serta, Inc.) and Simmons Bedding Company, LLC. SSB is based in Atlanta and operates 36 manufacturing plants in the United States, five in Canada and one in Puerto Rico. Its subsidiary, National Bedding Company L.L.C., is based in suburban Chicago and markets a broad range of products under the Serta® brand, including Perfect Sleeper®, iComfort®, iSeries®, Sertapedic® and a portfolio of licensed products. In addition to National Bedding Company L.L.C., Serta, Inc. has five other independent licensees in the United States and one in Canada that manufacture and market Serta-branded products. SSB's other subsidiary, Simmons Bedding Company, LLC, is based in Atlanta and markets a broad range of products including Beautyrest®, Beautyrest Black® and BeautySleep®. Both companies also serve as key suppliers of beds to many of the world's leading hotel groups and resort properties.

About the Seena Magowitz Foundation 
The Seena Magowitz Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to advancing the awareness and eventual prevention and cure of pancreatic cancer. The Foundation is dedicated to funding top medical institutions on the leading edge of translational pancreatic cancer research committed to the rapid development and delivery of new treatments and the ultimate goal of eradicating this deadly killer. For more information, visit www.seenamagowitzfoundation.org.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes forward-looking statements that reflect our current views about future events. The forward-looking statements in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release and are expressed in good faith. However, these forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Simmons's expectations, including, but not limited to, operational pressures, including our ability to launch new products on a timely basis, the success of our new products and costs related thereto; our product liability, intellectual property and other litigation claims; and strategic decisions, including potential acquisitions and personnel realignments. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, either to reflect new developments or for any other reason.

For more information: 
Christina Schrempp  
[email protected] 
404.835.4521

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150514/216158  

SOURCE Serta Simmons Bedding