Votes are in for the Art Van Million Dollar Charity Challenge

WARREN, Mich., Nov. 3, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- With nearly 100,000 votes cast, Art Van Furniture is proud to announce today the winner of the 2010 Art Van Million Dollar Charity Challenge Bonus Award.  Grace Centers of Hope was one of the 50 Michigan charities awarded grants this year, ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 and was the top vote getter in the bonus competition, when it ended on election night, capturing the additional 25,000 dollars.

"We're thrilled for Grace Centers of Hope, but equally excited all 50 charities mobilized their supporters and gained exceptional exposure for their causes," said Art Van Elslander, founder and chairman of Art Van Furniture.  Grace Centers of Hope offers support and shelter for hundreds of homeless and disadvantaged people in Southeast Michigan.

"Our supporters rallied for this contest," said Pastor Kent Clark of Grace Centers of Hope. "We are so grateful to Art Van and everything the company does for our state and charitable organizations like Grace Centers of Hope. We are extremely appreciative."  

The goal of the bonus grant was to create a greater awareness of the enormous work each of our 50 charities provide. "We believe our campaign worked. Many of our charities received additional recognition," said Van Elslander.  "In one case, Paws For A Cause had a freeway billboard donated encouraging the public to vote."  The website, artvancharitychallenge.com, will remain open to take donations and to help support and promote the 50 Charity Challenge organizations.  

The  50 recipients of the  2010 Art Van Million Dollar Charity Challenge  were announced in October and are all Michigan-based nonprofits focused on children, health and human services programs. The grants were designed as challenge gifts in order to encourage others to donate and maximize fundraising opportunities .

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, Mich.

SOURCE Art Van Furniture

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