Local Charities Celebrate $50,000 Winnings In Art Van Furniture's Million Dollar Charity Challenge "Bonus Challenge"

WARREN, Mich., May 31, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The race was on for 150 Michigan charities vying for the chance to win part of $50,000 in grants from the 2013 Art Van Million Dollar Charity Challenge "Bonus Challenge." The friendly competition, held May 16 – 30, required each non-profit to secure the most online votes from members of the community.

"It's no secret that organizations that serve as a safety net for families in our community need financial support year round," said Art Van Elslander, founder and chairman of Art Van Furniture. "The best thing about the Bonus Challenge is that it offers a great way for thousands of individuals to get involved with the click of a mouse and help their favorite non-profit in a meaningful way."

All 150 Art Van Million Dollar Charity Challenge recipients, which focus on children, health and human services programs, were qualified to participate and win the "Bonus Challenge". The Art Van Million Dollar Charity Challenge has awarded grants from $5,000 to $50,000 to support 150 Michigan-based children, health and human services programs, donating more than $5 million dollars to statewide charities in five years. Through its challenge component, the program has raised $17.5 million since its inception in 2009 thanks to the power of the Art Van Community & YOU!

About Art Van Furniture

Art Van Furniture is Michigan's largest furniture retailer and America's largest independent furniture retailer. The company operates 35 stores throughout Michigan, a full service e-commerce website, plus nine freestanding Art Van PureSleep bedding stores in Ann Arbor, Brighton, Canton, Kalamazoo, New Hudson, Rochester Hills, Sterling Heights and Troy, Michigan, and Toledo, Ohio. Founded in 1959, the company is family-owned and headquartered in Warren, Michigan. Visit www.artvan.com for more information. 

SOURCE Art Van Furniture