Art Van Awards $1 Million to 50 Charities in 50 Hours and Last $25,000 Still up for Grabs!

WARREN, Mich., Oct. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Art Van Furniture awarded almost $1 million to 50 Charities in 50 hours during 5 events around the state this week in the second year of the Art Van Million Dollar Charity Challenge.  There is $25,000 still to be awarded.  

So, what will happen to the final $25,000?  "We're inviting the people of Michigan to decide on the final prize," said Art Van Elslander, founder and chairman of Art Van Furniture.  "We received nearly 600 applications for these grants, and have selected 50 worthy organizations.  We want everyone in Michigan to be able to participate in this – to learn about the great work these organizations are doing, and help us award the final donation."

The grants were designed as challenge gifts in order to encourage others to donate and maximize fundraising opportunities.  Art Van established a website for the public to get to know the participating charities, to vote, comment and even donate on their own to these groups.  The recipients are all Michigan-based nonprofits focused on children, health and human services programs.

"I am so proud of the results we are achieving with this program -- not alone because of what we gave, but how that act of giving inspired others." Van Elslander continued "Last year, our 50 winners were able to raise over $4 million from this program, and we're hoping that this year's recipients are even more successful."  

The public can help decide by voting online at www.artvan.com.  Voting begins today and runs through October 30, 2010.  Allowing people to vote for one of the 50 charities will raise awareness about the services each of the 50 agencies provide.

The 2009 Art Van Million Dollar Charity recipients were not left behind. All 50 winners from last year received an additional $5,000 this year.  "We wanted to offer our continued support to our charity partners so that they can continue their great work," said Gary Van Elslander, Art Van President.

The complete list of the 50 grant recipients along with photos and press information can be found at  www.artvanmedia.com

2010 ART VAN CHARITY CHALLENGE RECIPIENTS

About Art Van Furniture

Art Van Furniture is Michigan's largest furniture retailer and America's largest independent furniture retailer. The company operates 34 stores in 33 communities throughout Michigan, a full service e-commerce website, plus three freestanding Art Van PureSleep bedding stores in Canton, Troy and Rochester Hills, Michigan. Founded in 1959, the company is family-owned and headquartered in Warren, Michigan.

SOURCE Art Van Furniture

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