Art Van Furniture Challenges Other Businesses to Step Up

WARREN, Mich., Nov. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- For Art Van Furniture, giving back means more than just writing a check.  Always thinking of fun and unique ways to help the less fortunate, Michigan's largest furniture retailer will invest over $100,000 by giving its 2500 associates two hours of company paid time to do volunteer work for the Million Dollar Charity Challenge partner of the associate's choice.

Taking it a step further, Art Van Furniture, known for its generous philanthropy, is challenging other local businesses to offer the same deal to their employees, allowing them to be paid to volunteer for charity.  

"This is a perfect example of how one person can make a difference," says Art Van Elslander, chairman and founder of Art Van Furniture.  "Each associate will pick the charity they will do the work for from our list of 150 Million Dollar Charity Challenge winners.  Our challenge winners win again."

The program will take place from November 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011.

Art Van Furniture is now challenging other businesses to do the same. "Just imagine the impact this will have on our community if other businesses join us in this endeavor," comments Art Van Furniture CEO, Kim Yost.  "It's all about people joining together to help those in need.  You can't lose like that."

The Million Dollar Charity Challenge is a program presented by Art Van Furniture that awards challenge grants from $5,000 to $50,000 to support Michigan-based nonprofit organizations that focus on children, health and human services programs. Within the last three years, 150 Michigan charities have been awarded a total of $3 million dollars.

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 five freestanding Art Van PureSleep bedding stores in Canton, Troy, Rochester Hills, Brighton, and Ann Arbor, Michigan. Founded in 1959, the company is family-owned and headquartered in Warren, Mich. Check out artvan.com for more information.

SOURCE Art Van Furniture