Tempur-Pedic donates $500,000 for pancreatic cancer research

Retailers raise money with sale of special Teddy Bears
David Perry — Furniture Today

 Mark Sarvary, left, Tempur-Pedic, presents a check for $500,000 to Roger Magowitz, Mattress Discounters, Virginia Beach, Va., and Pam Marquardt, Julie Fleshman, Brian Doremus and Jason Kuhn, all of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. Tempur-Pedic’s bear mascot was also on hand for the presentation. 

LAS VEGAS — Those cuddly Tempur-Pedic Teddy Bears showed their heart here as the memory foam leader made a $500,000 donation to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.

Retailers supported the cause with the sale of a special version of the My Tempur-Pedic Teddy Bears last year. Tempur-Pedic officials announced the gift during the company’s market party here.

“We at Tempur-Pedic have been truly inspired by the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, the survivors we’ve met and the unbelievable support we’ve received from our participating retailers and consumers,” said Rick Anderson, president of Tempur-Pedic North America. “The money raised will help us get one step closer to finding a cure, and we are pleased to continue supporting this cause in 2010.”

A new limited-edition Teddy Bear will be offered this year, and Tempur-Pedic officials are hoping for another strong year of support for pancreatic cancer research.

Roger Magowitz, president of Virginia Beach, Va.-based Mattress Discounters, a major fund-raiser for pancreatic cancer research, was on hand for the check presentation.

Tempur-Pedic is a major supporter of the Seena Magowitz Golf Classic, the industry-supported fund-raiser held every December. That event was started by Magowitz and by fellow retailer Ray Bojanowski.

“Tempur-Pedic really stepped up to the plate in a major way with its fund-raising efforts,” Magowitz said. “This gift will help make a difference in our collective fight to conquer pancreatic cancer. We salute Tempur-Pedic for its inspiring work on this important issue.”

The donation to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network will help that group continue to fund research on pancreatic cancer, the fourth-leading cause of cancer death in the United States.

“Support from corporate champions like Tempur-Pedic is critical to our mission of advancing research, supporting patients and creating hope for those affected by pancreatic cancer, and this will help us to fund innovative research into early detection methods and effective treatment options currently lacking for patients,” said Julie Fleshman, president and CEO of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.

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