EDITOR'S LETTER
By Tanja Kern, Associate Publisher & Editorial Director
FCIF 40th Anniversary Gala
A magical evening: More than 200 leaders in the flooring industry recently gathered to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Floor Covering Industry Foundation at the Rainbow Room at the top of the Rockefeller Plaza in New York City. Photo: FCIF.
October 10, 2021, was a night to remember as the Floor Covering Industry Foundation (FCIF) celebrated its 40th anniversary at a gala in the Rainbow Room at the top of the Rockefeller Plaza in New York City. The event raised over $250,000 to support FCIF’s mission: To get individuals who have worked in the floor covering industry back on their feet when battling catastrophic injuries, severe disabilities, or other life-altering medical crises. To qualify, recipients must have at least five years of service to the flooring community and demonstrate financial need. Grants can be used to foot the bill for medical care—everything from testing and prescriptions to hospitalization and medical equipment—or to pay for basic necessities such as food, shelter, and utilities.
Event Chair Roger Marcus and Board Chair Charlie Dilks hosted the special evening, which featured recognition of three very special honorees: Jeanne Matson, retired president and CEO, Starnet; Dana Teague, vice president of Informa Markets and The International Surface Event (TISE), and Howard Brodsky, chairman and chief executive officer, CCA Global Partners.
In an industry where family values run strong, it should come as no surprise that a relief fund is available to flooring workers who are suffering through a medical crisis.
“Due to the generosity of individuals and corporations in the industry, we are able to meet the requests of each family who meets our qualifications," said FCIF Executive Director Andrea Blackbourn. It speaks volumes that we do not have to keep a waiting list. The 40th Anniversary Gala, along with our annual donations, are a true testament to the caring power of the floor covering industry. I would also like to extend a special thank you to Roger Marcus who planned and led the event. It was a unique evening celebrating the legacy of philanthropy and leadership in flooring.”
To donate to this worthy cause, visit fcif.org.
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Tanja Kern, associate publisher and editorial director of Floor Trends, joined BNP Media in 2016. With more than 20 years of editorial and strategic communications experience in architecture and design, Tanja combines her journalistic acumen with a passion for flooring. She has a master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism.
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