Summer is in full swing, but it’s not too early to start thinking about the fall. While the Presidential election will be the fall focus for many, there is another important event I want you all to be aware of that will take place about a month before in New York.
I am referring to what will go down as the industry event of the year: The Floor Covering Industry Foundation’s “Gala in Gotham.” It’s a black-tie affair and sure to be an incredible evening if the last three galas are any indication. Those three were also held in New York at the famed Rainbow Room, Waldorf Astoria and Cipriani’s. These events attract a veritable “who’s who” of the flooring industry, past and present. This year’s rendition will be held at the iconic Gotham Hall in midtown Manhattan, steps from landmarks like the Empire State Building and Madison Square Garden and a stone’s throw from Central Park.
The Gala in Gotham is a great opportunity to catch up with friends, old and new. It’s also a great opportunity to support an important cause. Proceeds from the benefit go toward furthering the mission of FCIF, which is to help families get back on their feet when battling catastrophic injuries, severe disabilities or other life-altering medical crises. Founded in 1981 by industry leaders, the 501(c)3 charitable non-profit helps those who have worked in the floor covering industry by providing direct grants for medical care and other basic needs. The organization annually helps more than 100 families. Like the Screen Actor’s Guild Foundation and Major League Baseballs’ BAT (Baseball Assistance Team), FCIF is one of the few organizations that exist for an industry to “take care of its own.”
To qualify, recipients must have at least five years of service to the flooring community and demonstrate financial need. Grants can be used to foot the bill for medical care—everything from testing and prescriptions to hospitalization and medical equipment—or to pay for basic needs such as food, shelter and utilities. Due to the generosity of individuals and corporations in the industry, FCIF is able to meet the requests of each family that meets its qualifications.
The last FCIF Gala was held in 2021 and raised more than $260,000. There were about 250 people in the house.
Roger Marcus, one of this year’s honorees along with Dan Frierson, did a phenomenal job at planning the last three galas and making them first-class evenings. So good that I would let him plan my next wedding, which has about the same chance of happening as Kate Upton showing up on my doorstep tonight. Anyway, Roger has passed the planning baton to yours truly, and while he is a tough act to follow, I, along with the Gala committee, am doing everything to ensure this year’s benefit is equally special. From the iconic venue to the 10-piece band to the food to the camaraderie, it surely will be a night not to be missed.
Right now the goal is to get 300 people, at least. Luckily but not surprisingly, tickets are selling fast for this year’s event. We have about 20 tables already purchased and a bunch of individual tickets sold. I’d like you to visit fcif.org/ gala2024 to get all the information you need. There are Platinum (two tables), Gold (two tables) and Silver (one table) sponsorships available or individual tickets may be bought. Currently, Informa, the owners and operators of TISE, is the sole Platinum sponsor. CCA Global Partners, The Dixie Group and Stanton are the Gold sponsors. We need more. We have about 220 people committed at this point, and the venue can comfortably hold 400, so there is plenty of room for more. Of course, if you can’t make it, any and all donations will be accepted.
Aside from supporting an amazing cause, as I mentioned before, Marcus and Frierson are this year’s honorees. Their contributions have made a lasting impact on the flooring industry for nearly six decades—Frierson with Dixie and Marcus with American Biltrite. Both have been staunch supporters of FCIF.
