The Floor Covering Industry Foundation (FCIF) is running its “Helping My Fellow Man”’ campaign this fall with hopes to raise additional funds for families in the floor covering industry who are experiencing life altering illnesses, catastrophic injuries, and other severe medical disabilities. In the past year, the organization has doubled its grants to families, and it is seeking an additional $150,000 to help reach their goal of $600,000 for 2018.

Companies who make a pledge at the $500 and above level by October 31 will be recognized in Floor Trends, along with other media, in fourth quarter publications.

Additional giving levels are as follows:

• $1,000 – Genesis
• $2,000 – Bronze
• $5,000 – Silver
• $10,000 – Gold
• $25,000 – Platinum
• $50,000 - Diamond

Retailers, manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, and associations are all invited to participate in the “Helping My Fellow Man” campaign. The Floor Covering Industry Foundation is funded by the industry to help current flooring employees and retirees. Grants are awarded based on need for expenses such as medical care, medications, medical supplies, and other necessities as food, shelter, and utilities.

Chartered in 1981 by industry leaders such as Larry Nagle, Bob Shaw, Harry Saul, Walter Guinan, and Al Wahnon, the organization is now headquartered in Dalton, Ga. The Foundation board of directors is comprised of leaders across the country. Howard Brodsky of CCA Global Partners, serves as the chairman of the board and Larry Nagle of N.L. Nagle, Inc., is the current vice-chair. Keith Campbell of Mannington Mills serves as treasurer and Tim Baucom from Shaw Industries serves a corporate secretary.

Your gift will help families all over the country who have unexpected medical battles. Behind every grant is a story of crisis and perseverance—of a real person struggling through a difficult time.

Meet James. At age 48, James Marx, a single father of two teenage girls, had a severe heart attack that left him in the hospital for days and scrambling to make ends meet. Overnight he accumulated $13,000 in medical bills, even with a discount from the hospital. Marx is a veteran of the flooring industry, where he has dedicated 26 years of service. Currently employed at The Rug Market in Rochester, N.Y., he was thankful that the owner told him about FCIF. He received a medical grant that helped him over this unexpected obstacle.

“The grant has truly taken the burden off my financial situation,” Marx said. “I can afford to get health insurance and pay off medical bills. I am so grateful.” Now he is back doing the work he loves and providing for his daughters.

Join the cause and give today!

Visit www.fcif.org to make a pledge and help your fellow man.