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Dallas Market Center Announces Two Winners For The Next Big Give
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On February 14, 2013, Dallas Market Center announced the two winners for The
Next Big Give, the third annual national search for specialty retailers that make a
difference in their communities through volunteering, raising funds or donating
goods. The winners are: Journeys of Life, a gifts and accessories store in Pittsburgh,
PA; and Leon & Lulu, a furniture, gifts and accessories store in Clawson, MI.
Journeys of Life owner Jean Haller and her store have participated in countless
efforts benefiting the community for more than 20 years. In 2011, a fire destroyed
Journeys' entire inventory. The community rallied and helped reopen the store
through vendors sending product, neighbors pricing merchandise and volunteers
coming to help bring Journeys back to life. Although the store and its contents were
declared a total loss, Jean approached the insurance company and gave the
customers the opportunity to purchase the almost destroyed treasures at a reduced
rate with all proceeds benefiting charities. In one week, the Fire Fund earnings were
$3,500; each day benefited a different local charity. The Fire Fund sales continue
with more than $8,000 raised to date.((
"Giving back to the community has always been at the forefront of our store's
calling," says Haller. "It's because of the community where I live and work that
Journeys grew to be the service-oriented business that it is. Neither the community
nor I was ready to see Journeys disappear. That is evident from the support that
brought the store back from the ashes."
(( Leon & Lulu owner Mary Liz Curtin holds true to a community-focused marketing
plan in her furniture, gifts and accessories store, which includes more than 60
charity events annually. One of them includes the store hosting local artists and
crafts people for a two-day market to introduce the community to a range of
exceptional handcrafted items made in Michigan. The event benefits Cass
Community Social Services, a Detroit agency committed to fighting poverty and
creating opportunities by providing food, medical, mental health, vocational, youth
and homeless services. Other events throughout the year promote literacy, donating
blood, diabetes and breast cancer research.((
"Any business can support the local community," says Curtin. "Whether it is a gift
of product, providing space for a fundraiser, donating a percentage of sales or just
writing a check all of us can make a difference. We have a commitment to our
community and to help others; our strategy has been the perfect blend for us. We've
found new customers through our charity outreach while helping many groups both
large and small through our events program."
After receiving dozens of applications from across the U.S., the entries were
narrowed down to 10 finalists and two winners were selected by a panel of industry
experts and Dallas Market Center representatives. Retailers either nominated
themselves or were nominated by a manufacturer, a sales representative, buyer or
customer. ((
The winners will receive a complimentary trip to the March 21-24, 2013 Market in
Dallas including round-trip airfare and two nights hotel stay. While at Market, The
Next Big Give winners will be recognized during The Inspired Event on Thursday,
March 21. ((For more information on the contest, visit dallasmarketcenter.com/give.
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| 15-Feb-13 |
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