HOUSTON, Feb. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Houston's premier furniture retailer, Gallery Furniture, along with iHeart Media, are sending eight Houstonians to The Big Game in Minneapolis on Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018. Gallery Furniture and iHeart Media solicited nominations of Houstonians that went above and beyond, exemplifying unparalleled character and service throughout the days and weeks following the devastating strike of Hurricane Harvey in August 2017.
"Thousands of Houstonians suffered tremendous trauma during Hurricane Harvey, and so many Houstonians felt the responsibility to help out their fellow neighbor. It was incredible," states Jim "Mattress Mack" McIngvale. "Texans are resilient. Tragedy struck, yet so many people went out on boats to rescue complete strangers, raised money, opened their homes; they did what they could in the face of complete devastation, and that is what makes Texas strong."
Each winner went above and beyond when Texas was hit with the destruction from Hurricane Harvey. Details below give a snapshot of the efforts put forth during the disaster and recovery of the contest winners:
- Robert Crow began his mission by saving nearly 100 people and 30 animals. Crow used his personal boat to rescue several families from the floodwaters – some included doctors rescued from their own homes and then escorted to the hospital to relieve their colleagues and ensure the safety of patients.
- Charlie Diggs was nominated numerous times by different people for his dedication and rescue efforts. Diggs also coordinated Texas Flood Jam, a benefit that raised close to $80,000 that was dispersed to 80 people in need. GoFundMe accounts were also put together by Diggs, one raising nearly $3,000 to go toward buying a new trailer home for a couple who lost everything.
- Steve Holtz, captain at the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office, worked more than 16-hour days back-to-back for more than two weeks, and was nominated by his daughter. Holtz led boat rescues and made sure citizens were aware of evacuation orders until the city was able to enter recovery mode.
- George Huntoon, former United States Marine, managed water rescues and worked tirelessly to help others. He started water rescues the day the floodwaters rushed in and only stopped when he had to evacuate his own family. Once Huntoon ensured their safety, he continued his rescues on the west side of Houston.
Jim "Mattress Mack" McIngvale is treating the four winners to the ultimate Big Game experience. Each winner was gifted two tickets on the 30-yard line, access to the NFL Experience, concert backstage passes, exclusive patio on the field pre/post-game and all expenses paid.
McIngvale, CEO and owner of Gallery Furniture, has practiced "giving back" many times before. Last fall, McIngvale surprised more than 20 first responders and 20 lucky winners with tickets to Game 6 of the World Series.
For more information on Gallery Furniture or Mattress Mack, visit www.galleryfurniture.com.
About Gallery Furniture
Since 1981, Gallery Furniture has grown from a neighborhood store to the largest furniture retailer per square foot in America by putting the customer first, living up to the promise to "Save You Money" and delivering quality furniture, mattresses and home electronics TODAY. With three locations in Houston, Gallery Furniture features a wide selection of the best names in the industry, like Tempur-Pedic, Stearns & Foster, Sealy Posturepedic, Mayo, United Leather, American Leather, Lane, Broyhill and more. Committed to offering customers the best service and an entertaining family atmosphere, Gallery Furniture is more than a store, it's made in America.
SOURCE Gallery Furniture
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