Some underprivileged youngsters got more than a soccer match when they showed up at Exploria Stadium in Orlando this month. Home Furnishings Association member City Furniture teamed up with Orlando City Soccer Club to surprise the children with new twin-size beds and bedding at the first-ever Delivering Hope Pajama Party on Oct. 4.
“This was a great launch for the Delivering Hope program, bringing the kids an evening to remember at Exploria Stadium and the ongoing health benefits of supportive, restful sleep,” said City Furniture President Andrew Koenig. “As our partnership with Orlando City Soccer Club continues growing, the Delivering Hope Pajama Party is already one of our favorite traditions.”
The children enjoyed dinner before burning some energy with activities including a tour of Exploria Stadium. The kids were also signed to a one-day contract with the team.
The rows of beds, each decorated with a purple comforter, were hidden until revealed later that night. The next day, City Furniture delivered the beds to the children’s homes.
Everyday Hero program
Orlando City Soccer Club hosted the event. It expands Top 100 City Furniture’s ongoing community partnership with the Club’s Orlando City Foundation. Opening its first two central Florida stores in recent months, City also sponsors the Everyday Hero program. That program honors a military veteran or former first responder during every Orlando City home match.
Delivering Hope is the latest initiative in City Furniture’s 5% Giving Pledge, through which the retailer donates a minimum of five percent of annual profits to a host of charities throughout Florida. A long-time community steward, City announced a $1 million donation for Covenant House of Florida, benefiting homeless and at-risk youth.
City Furniture operates 19 showrooms from Miami through Vero Beach, and in Fort Myers, Naples, The Villages and Orlando. The company also operates 12 Ashley Furniture showrooms as that brand’s Southeast and Southwest Florida licensee.
