Rock radio station WPLR's morning team Chaz & AJ took their show on the road to Jordan's Furniture in New Haven, Long Wharf and raised $109, 852 in cash and toys for five local children's charities. The live broadcast and toy drive took place from 5:30am to 10am on Friday December 15th in the IT Ropes Course area of the retail store. Admission was one unwrapped toy or a cash donation. Hundreds of guests showed up to support the cause.

The event featured comedians, politicians such as Senator Chris Murphy and Senator Richard Blumenthal, local mayors, Channel 3 meteorologist Scot Haney, and a live performance by Grand Funk Railroad's Mark Farner. Says Chaz "There are no words that properly express the gratitude I feel towards our tribe for helping so many kids this holiday season." Eliot Tatelman, Jordan's President and CEO, added "We are honored to host this great event with this great partner WPLR! We've never had so many enthusiastic people at our store this early in the day…all to support local kids. Fantastic!".

All toys from the event were distributed to the charities directly after the live broadcast. Benefiting organizations include the McGivney Community Center of Bridgeport, Boys and Girls Village of Milford, Center for Human Services of Stratford, Rite-Way-4-Kids of New Haven and Boys and Girls Club of Lower Naugatuck Valley.

The Jordan's Furniture J-Team elves delivery over 550 wrapped holiday gifts to area Head Start Programs to help make the holidays brighter for lots of local children. During December of 2017, the Jordan's Furniture J-Team family helped other families within seven (7) different communities where there are Jordan's store locations. It was all part of the Jordan's Furniture 2017 Head Start Holiday Gift Program. Over 550 wrapped holiday gifts were delivered to the schools a week before Christmas, donated by the company's employees. Participating staff members chose a name and then purchased and wrapped a gift to donate to the school. When thanked for the delivering gifts to the school, one Jordan's driver said: "It was the highlight of my year. I wish I could do this full time!"

Jordan's Furniture has partnered with area Head Start programs during the holiday seasons since 2009, with all donated gifts directly benefiting the children and the families within the schools. Head Start programs promote school readiness of children ages birth to five from low-income families by supporting their development in a comprehensive way. The programs within Head Start support early learning, health, and family well-being. Jordan's Furniture is proud to make the holidays brighter for these very special children.

Despite a snowy weekend, hundreds of guests attended the Genesis Foundation’s holiday event on Sunday morning December 10th. There were lots of smiling faces and happy revelers at the Enchanted Village inside Jordan’s Furniture in Avon early that morning. The event was for families with Down Syndrome children. The excited guests gathered to enjoy the iconic village display, indoors ice skating, face painting, breakfast, games, gifts, and a special visit from Santa. They also experienced Polar Express 4D The Ride, The Laser LITE Holiday Spectacular show, delicious Jordan Marsh blueberry muffins, and an indoor snowstorm! Each child was given a specific gift and had a photo taken with Santa Claus. The Genesis Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising funds for the specialized care and treatment of New England-area children born with birth defects, genetic diseases and intellectual disabilities. Jordan’s Furniture has been a long-time supporter of the Genesis Foundation and of the work by the late Dr. Murray Feingold, founder of the organization. (Photo credit: Steve Lipofsky)

Families enjoy a private viewing of The Enchanted Village at Jordan’s Furniture in Avon Celebrating 2017 National Adoption Day

Jordan's Furniture in Avon hosted a private, invitation-only viewing on Sunday morning, November 19th from 9am to 11am of the historic "Enchanted Village" holiday display for families who adopted children from state foster care in 2017.

In honor of National Adoption Day, Jordan's Furniture welcomed over 500 guests from these special families to tour the Enchanted Village.

In addition to the iconic Enchanted Village display, guests were treated to a light breakfast, the Polar Express 4D Ride, the Holiday Laser LITE Show, Santa, and the indoor skating rink called Enchanted Ice.

The 8,000-square-foot Enchanted Village attraction includes dozens of mechanized figurines and animals in a traditional New England holiday scene. Originally displayed at the Jordan Marsh department store, the Enchanted Village hadn't been open to the public since 2006 until Jordan's Furniture re-launched the fully restored display in 2009 and added to the experience with new attractions.

For over 20 years, Jordan's Furniture has partnered with the Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange (MARE) and the Massachusetts Department of Children & Families (DCF) to help find permanent families for children in foster care. Jordan's Furniture has hosted adoption events to educate the public about adoption from foster care and facilitate matches between prospective adoptive parents and children in need of adoption. This "Enchanted" event is to thank the families who have stepped forward to give children in state care a loving, nurturing home. To date, over 410 children have found adoptive families through the Jordan's initiatives.

"We are thrilled to continue our support of the adoption community," says Eliot Tatelman, President and CEO of Jordan's Furniture. "We meet so many wonderful children and families through our initiatives. Celebrating the families, especially during National Adoption Month, is what it is all about."

MARE is a private, non-profit organization, founded in 1957 to find "a permanent place to call HOME" for children and teens in foster care, including sibling groups and children who are traditionally harder to place.

For more information on adopting a child or teen from foster care, please visit http://www.MAREinc.org or call MARE at 617-54-ADOPT (617-542-3678).

Jordan’s Furniture is proud to partner with Project Bread and their Holiday Spoons Program, for the 17th year. The Holiday Spoons Program provides an opportunity for children in schools to learn about the issue of hunger and how their efforts can help those in-need. Students decorate spoons in return for donations. And this year, Jordan’s Furniture will match every dollar raised, up to $10,000! This partnership doubles the students’ efforts to help others who are underserved. Plus, students can enter-to-win tickets to the Sunbrella IMAX Theater at Jordan’s Furniture by mailing or emailing photos of the decorated spoons to Project Bread. So this year, the holidays will be brighter, due to the support of many local students and Jordan’s Furniture. For more information about how schools can get involved, visit www.projectbread.org/donate_spoons.

from October 16-January 7, 2018 at all Jordan’s Furniture, Anton’s Cleaners and Enterprise Bank locations

Plus size and infant coats especially needed to fulfill one mission: 
“Anyone who needs a coat will have one.”

In hard economic times and frigid New England weather, a warm coat isn’t a luxury… it is a necessity. In our very own community, there are thousands of individuals who will go without a warm winter coat this winter. 

“For over two decades, Caring Partners has had one mission: anyone who needs a coat, will have one,” said Arthur Anton Jr., COO of Anton’s Cleaners and founder of the program. “Enabling nearly 1000 truly caring local partners -- schools, companies, clubs, and nonprofits -- collaborate each year to collect, clean and distribute 50,000 winter coats so seamlessly is nothing short of a miracle, and we are proud this program gives back directly to the communities we serve.”

The 23rd annual Coats for Kids coat drive sponsored by Anton’s Cleaners, Jordan’s Furniture and Enterprise Bank kicks off October 16th and runs through January 7, 2018 to help babies, kids and adults who otherwise wouldn't be able to keep themselves warm. In 2018, the organization hopes to reach a milestone: one million coats collected and distributed since the program began in 1995. 

Although winter officially starts on December 21st, school children are already feeling a dip in temperatures as the Farmer’s Almanac predicts the Northeast to be “cold and snowy” this winter. Since coats are a necessity for both adults and kids, all donated coats are cleaned free of charge by Anton’s Cleaners and distributed through distribution partners made up of major local nonprofit and social service agencies such as Massachusetts Community Action Programs, Salvation Army, Middlesex Human Service Agency, Women’s Lunch Place, BU Medical Center Outreach Van Project, Wish Project, Community Giving Tree, Mental Health Association of Greater Lowell, Strafford County Community Action, Catholic Charities, and many more.

Coats for Kids accepts warm winter coats that are gently used, good quality, and all sizes (especially XL and infant/pre-K sizes). The drive does not accept coats with rips, tears, broken zippers, or permanent stains, nor can we accept sweatshirts, vests and spring coats. Coats are accepted through January 7th at all 43 Anton's Cleaners, six Jordan's Furniture stores plus their Taunton DC, and 23 Enterprise Bank branches. 

“Due to the generosity of our wonderful customers, we collect thousands and thousands of like-new coats at our stores each year for this great program," says Eliot Tatelman, Jordan's Furniture President and CEO. "We continue our sustained attention to the cause and we maintain this long-standing partnership with Coats For Kids because it supports families that are right in our back yard." Tatelman concludes, "It is important that our community outreach is impactful to in-need adults and kids in our neighborhoods. Jordan’s partnership with Caring Partners’ Coats For Kids does just that."

Coats for Kids is New England's largest coat drive, with more than 250 school groups making up one half of all collections in 2016. Local public, parochial and independent schools experience the rewards of community service and get incentivized through the School Rewards Program™ offering great prizes to the schools who collect the most coats per capita – leveling the playing field so everyone has a chance to win. See website for registration form and details: http://antons.com/cfk/get-involved/register-your-school/. 

"It has been a pleasure to support Caring Partners' year-round in their Coats for Kids and Belle of the Ball programs," said Jack Clancy, CEO of Enterprise Bank. "Financial hardship can create a difficult series of choices, including prioritizing food and winter outerwear. Coats for Kids ensures that anyone who needs a warm winter coat will have one, a mission we fully support. Our Enterprise Bank branches are ready to receive your drop offs and are proud to support this worthy cause."

Partners for the 2017-2018 Coats for Kids drive include Anton's Cleaners, Jordan's Furniture, Enterprise Bank, WickedLocal, Kiss 108FM, Boston 25 Cares, Jam'n 94.5, and 101.7 The Bull.

For more information, visit contact Stephanie Littlefield, Anton’s Cleaners Community Relations, at 978-851-3721 x15 or [email protected].
 
To register your school or company online to participate or donate, or for more information, visit http://antons.com/cfk.

(Reading, MA) – Jordan's Furniture hosted The 2017 Adoption Option on Sunday, October 1, 8:30-11:00am at their Reading, MA store, for anyone who has ever thought about adopting a child or sibling group from foster care. Over 600 guests gathered for the cause…families, children in foster care and social workers.

Jordan's Furniture hosted the event in collaboration with the Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange (MARE) and the Massachusetts Department of Children & Families (DCF) to help find permanent families for children in state foster care. Adults and families who are interested in learning more about adoption were invited to this free, public, informational event.

"In this day and age of technology, it is still essential to run events where adults and children have face time together", say Eliot Tatelman, President and CEO of Jordan's Furniture. "Our Adoption Option creates a fun and inviting atmosphere where these connections happen. We continue to support the adoption and foster care communities because we see so many positive outcomes and successful matches from our efforts," Tatelman concludes.

Adults new to the idea of adopting a child from foster care attended an Orientation in the IMAX Theater to learn about the adoption process and about the morning's agenda. They also had the chance to meet with social workers and with experienced adoptive parents for private conversations. Additionally, they met and interacted with waiting children and their social workers in an informal, fun setting.

Prospective adoptive parents who have already begun the adoption process met Massachusetts's waiting children and their social workers. They, too, talked with experienced adoptive families and enjoyed family entertainment, games, refreshments, and activities designed to encourage interaction with waiting children.

"Adoption Parties are MARE's most successful tool in placing children," said MARE's Executive Director Lisa Funaro. "We are delighted to partner with Jordan's Furniture to increase recruitment opportunities for children in foster care. These children want what most of us take for granted - the chance to blossom in a permanent, loving family."

In Massachusetts, nearly 2,800 children currently in foster care have the goal of adoption, and more than 800 of those children have no relative or other potential adopter. Nationwide, there are over 112,000 children in foster care in need of adoption. Older, school-aged children, sibling groups, children of color and/or children with special needs tend to wait the longest for families.

Prospective adoptive parents can be almost any age (21+); single, partnered, married, LGBTQ-identified; homeowners or renters; experienced parents or new to parenting. Families of various income levels can adopt, as long as they have a stable source of income to support a child. There are no fees to adopt a child from foster care. Financial subsidies may be available, and children adopted from foster care are eligible for a tuition-waiver at Massachusetts state colleges and universities.

MARE is a private, non-profit organization, founded in 1957 to find "a permanent place to call home" for children and teens in foster care, including sibling groups and children who are traditionally harder to place.

Jordan's Furniture is a nationally known six-store furniture retailer. Their innovative combination of entertainment and shopping has turned a local furniture store into a major retailer, drawing customers from all over New England. Philanthropy is a large part of the Jordan's business philosophy. During their 19-year partnership with MARE, Jordan's has generously hosted and financed many information meetings and recruitment events. As a direct result of Jordan's support, more than 400 children have found adoptive homes.

For more information about adoption from foster care, please visit www.MAREinc.org or call MARE at 617-964-MARE (6273).

On a beautiful Fall morning in September, vans full of like-new youth baseball equipment pulled up in front of the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket, all to be donated to the organization’s baseball league and supporting over 400 area youth in-need. The donations were a result of Jordan’s Furniture’s 2017 Rhode Island Double Play Youth Baseball Donation Program, in partnership with the Pawtucket Red Sox. "In this day and age of pay-to-play, there are lots of kids that simply cannot afford to play sports," says Eliot Tatelman, Jordan’s President and CEO. "It just doesn’t seem fair so we started this program to be able to supply the baseball equipment to youth who might not otherwise have the opportunity to play. And we could not ask for a better partner than the Pawtucket Red Sox."

Donated equipment is collected during the entire baseball season at McCoy Stadium in Pawtucket RI during all home games and at the Jordan’s store at the Warwick Mall. There are also incentives throughout the season, such as getting a free GA PawSox ticket when making a donation during specific games. Equipment deliveries are made to the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket throughout the season, so that the kids can use the items as soon as possible.

"It’s life-changing for some of these kids", say Boys & Girls Club Executive Director Jim Hoyt when speaking emotionally about the club’s baseball league. "The experience not only teaches them about teamwork but it is also a huge self-esteem boost, once these kids realize that they are good at playing this sport. The donation made by Jordan’s Furniture allows them to be able to participate. It’s a win for the kids and it’s a win for the community. We are very grateful for the donation and for the partnership."

Jordan’s Rhode Island Double Play Youth Baseball Donation Program starts in April and concludes in September each year.

Jordan’s Donates to Cradles to Crayons’ Annual Ready for School Program.

From June 12 through August 13, all Jordan’s Furniture store locations and the Taunton Distribution Center collected new and like-new clothing and shoes in support of Cradles to Crayons’ Ready for School program—which provides local low-income and homeless children with the essential items needed for a successful school year. Thanks to the generosity of customers, the Jordan’s Furniture donation will help more than 6,000 local children start their school year prepared and dressed for success, from head to toe.  

"I remember the first day of school when I was a kid," says Eliot Tatelman, President/CEO of Jordan’s Furniture. "It is so important to be prepared and with so many kids right here in our communities who are in need, we are thrilled to be able to deliver a truck filled with donations to the Cradles to Crayons’ Giving Factory." He concludes, "The donations from our wonderful customers come at a crucial time of year, when so many ready-for-school items have already been distributed. It means a lot to us that this collaboration with Cradles to Crayons is impactful to the children throughout the state. We are proud to be a partner!" 

"We work with children who are DCF involved and often don't have many items of their own," said Wendy Riley, Children's Services of Roxbury. "Getting a backpack or clothing to start the school year gives some of them a sense of pride and makes them feel that they can be equal to their peers. Kids just do not want to feel different or left out. Cradles to Crayons makes a difference in the lives of the children we serve." Cradles to Crayons is committed to the belief that "Quality=Dignity," ensuring all distributed essentials meet high quality standards so kids will feel comfortable with their peers and can focus on learning. Volunteers at the Cradles to Crayons Giving Factory® in Brighton, MA help sort, inspect, and assemble donations into individually-tailored KidPacks® that go directly to local children ages birth to 12 years old through Cradles to Crayons’ network of 124 Service Partners—agencies such as MSPCC, Horizons for Homeless Children, Head Start Programs and more. This latest donation from Jordan’s Furniture marks the fifth year of this integral partnership, which has helped more than 13,000 children to date. 

"Starting school without the proper clothing, shoes, and other essentials can create social and emotional obstacles for children," said Cradles to Crayons Founder and CEO, Lynn Margherio. "I am deeply grateful to Jordan’s and to their customers for this wonderful partnership which has continued to grow and is such an important source of support for our Ready for School program and for the children we serve."  

For more information about all of Cradles to Crayons’ programs, visit www.cradlestocrayons.org. To find out more about all of Jordan’s Furniture’s philanthropic initiatives, visit www.jordans.com.

2017 Summer Skate Helps Families and Children Connect Through Fun Activities

(Avon, MA) – How many opportunities do you get in life to ice skate in July, especially when you live in New England? 60 families and 70 children are among those who can make such a claim thanks to a unique event hosted by Jordan’s Furniture. The Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange (MARE) brought together waiting children and waiting families on Sunday, July 23, at their Avon, MA store for the purpose of engaging, entertaining and helping to create connections which lead to adoptive placements.

“We are so thankful for our longstanding partnership with Jordan’s Furniture and for the opportunity to help match waiting children to waiting families, in such a fun-filled environment”, said Bridget Chiaruttini, Associate Director for MARE. Indeed, to even a casual observer there was an abundance of fun being shared by all. From ice skating to games, arts and crafts, board games, face painting, balloon animals, temporary tattoos, stilt walker, reindeer games, and rink games there was something for everyone. And that is the point of events such as this one. Helping to make low-pressure, fun-filled connections that lead to lasting relationships is at the heart of MARE’s community work.

Eliot Tatelman, Jordan’s President and CEO, has been committed to the cause of foster care adoption for a long time. “For almost 20 years now, we have utilized our stores for adoption events, due to the fun atmosphere and the high-level entertainment.” Tatelman says “The space allows kids and families to interact and get to know one another. In this day and age of technology, we still need “face time” to make the emotional connections when matches are made.” he concludes.

a baby shower for new military moms

Eliot announced the surprise gift – a new Tempur-Pedic mattress for each new mother!

Jordan's Furniture and Tempur-Pedic sponsored Operation Shower, a baby shower for military new moms whose husbands are overseas. The event, in partnership with the Red Sox Foundation, took place Thursday June 29th in the EMC Club at Fenway Park. Kelli Pedroia, wife of Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia, hosted the special luncheon. "We all feel a shared duty to ensure that these women whose husbands are deployed feel cared for, loved, and celebrated as they await the arrival of their child," said Pedroia.

The new moms and their families enjoyed lunch, many raffles, a huge gift bag, and a special surprise…a free Queen Tempur-Pedic mattress for all new mothers! Eliot made the surprise announcement of the Tempur-Pedic mattress gift at the end of the baby shower.

BOSTON, M.A.—June 13, 2017—Starting today and running through August 13, all Jordan’s Furniture store locations will collect donations of new and gently used clothing and shoes for children ages birth to twelve years old in support of Cradles to Crayons®’ Ready for School program. This marks the 11^th year of Cradles to Crayons’ school preparedness program, which provides local Massachusetts homeless and low-income children with the essential back-to-school supplies and clothing needed to start the year prepared and excited to learn. To kick-off the collection, Jordan’s Furniture in Reading MA will host a Stuff-A-Truck event on Saturday, June 24 from 10am to 12pm. Customers and supporters are urged to bring donations to the store during the event. The Cradles to Crayons/Jordan’s Furniture partnership, now in its sixth year, has supported 12,435 children to date.

“We are so proud to continue our partnership with Cradles to Crayons and to support their Ready for School program,” said Eliot Tatelman, Jordan’s President and CEO. “I remember my first days of school and all of the memories of each one. It is so important for every child to feel worthy. By working with the team at Cradles to Crayons, we hope to do our part in helping area children get ready for school and be prepared to learn. Through the generosity of our wonderful customers, we know that our donation drives have made an impact during the last five years. We hope for the same success this year.”

Cradles to Crayons was founded in 2002 with the mission of providing children from birth to age twelve with the clothes, toys, school supplies, shoes, and other essentials they need to thrive. The organization provides these items free of charge by working through a network of Service Partners like City Connects, Self Help, Boston Public School District, and others to distribute customized KidPacks, containing a week’s worth of clothing and critical items. Cradles to Crayons is a trusted resource to families in need, to the partners who serve those families, and to families, corporations, and individuals looking for ways to make tangible differences in their own communities. Ready for School will serve 70,000 children this year between June 1 and September 30.

“Jordan’s Furniture has been an invaluable supporter of our Ready for School program for the past five years. Their efforts will ensure that thousands of children enter the classroom with clothing they can be proud of and the confidence and excitement that come with feeling prepared. We thank Jordan’s Furniture for spreading awareness and bringing community members together to give back in a meaningful way,” said Cradles to Crayons Founder and CEO, Lynn Margherio. “On behalf of the kids we serve, we would like to thank Jordan’s for their continued dedication to supporting local children in need.”

The two-month donation drive— through August 13—takes place at all store locations in Avon, MA; Reading, MA; Natick, MA; Nashua, NH; New Haven, CT; and Warwick, RI; along with the Jordan’s Distribution Center in East Taunton, MA and strives to provide every child with essentials of the highest quality. Accepted clothing donations (pants, shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, etc. and NEW pajamas, socks, and undergarments) should be like-new or new, with no rips, stains, or tears in Youth sizes 0 to 18/20 and Adult sizes Small and Medium. Shoe donations include sneakers, school shoes, and boots in sizes infant to adult 10.

For more information, visit www.jordans.com or www.cradlestocrayons.org

About Jordan’s Furniture

Jordan’s Furniture is a 6-store retail company that is known for combining entertainment with shopping, creating a customer experience like no other. There are stores in Reading, MA, Natick, MA, Avon, MA, Nashua, NH, Warwick, RI, and New Haven, CT. Each one has its own unique brand of entertainment: IMAX Theaters, indoor adventure ropes courses, laser water shows, an iconic holiday “village,” a city made of jellybeans, full-service restaurants and more. The company is also known for incorporating philanthropy into its business model, with donation programs running year-round that benefit local and regional charities. Jordan’s Furniture, originally a family owned and operated company, is owned by Berkshire Hathaway.

About Cradles to Crayons

Cradles to Crayons is a national nonprofit organization with locations in Boston, Philadelphia, and Chicago that provides children from birth through age 12, living in homeless or low-income situations, with the essential items they need to thrive—at home, at school, and at play. Cradles to Crayons supplies these items free of charge by engaging and connecting communities that have with communities that need, collecting new and like-new children’s items through grassroots community drives and corporate donations. Donations are processed and packaged by volunteers at warehouses called “Giving Factories” and are distributed to children through a collaborative network of social service agencies and school partners. For more information, visit www.cradlestocrayons.org. 

Helps Local Children Find Adoptive Homes 

Taunton, MA - Jordan’s Furniture hosted the 8th Annual WalkRun for Adoption on Sunday, May 21, 2017 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at its Taunton facility. The event benefited the Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange (MARE) in its ongoing mission to find adoptive homes for children and teens waiting in foster care. Over 500 guests participated in the event and raised $80,805 to help find permanent homes for children and youth living in state care. The participants attended to walk, run, and celebrate foster care adoption. Many of the guests were adoptive families and social workers. The event included a 5K run and walk, light lunch, and a Post-Walk Party with music, raffles, and children’s activities.

MARE focuses on children in the custody of the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF) who cannot be reunited with their birth families, including those who are considered more difficult to place – teens, sibling groups, and children with emotional, physical, and intellectual challenges. These children are in need of adoptive families and a place to call home. MARE’s programs recruit families and adults who are interested in adoption from foster care.  Nationwide, there are over 112,000 children waiting in foster care, in need of adoption. In Massachusetts, nearly 2,800 children currently in foster care have the goal of adoption, and more than 800 of those children have no relative or other potential adopter. Older, school-aged children, sibling groups, children of color and/or children with special needs tend to wait the longest for families. 

Eliot Tatelman, President and CEO of Jordan’s Furniture, greeted the WalkRun guests and kicked off the festivities under a balloon arch at the starting line. ”I look forward to the WalkRun each year, when I am able to meet so many wonderful families! Many of them I have already met at one of Jordan’s adoption events, before they were united as a family. I am proud that Jordan’s has been a partner with MARE for 19 years and that we have helped make permanent, loving homes a reality for so many great kids.” 

The family-friendly event kicked off at 10:00 am on May 21st with a 5K race followed by an after party filled with food, music, and activities including kids’ fun races, face painting, balloon artistry, arts and crafts, and a parkour challenge.

“We are so grateful for our relationship with Jordan’s Furniture, along with the support of many groups and donors who participate in this event”, said MARE’s Executive Director Lisa Funaro. “With Jordan’s generosity and assistance, we are able to continue in our 60-year mission to place children and teens from foster care into loving adoptive homes.”

To learn about adoption from foster care, contact MARE at 617-54-ADOPT (542-3678) or visit www.MAREinc.org.

In partnership the Broadway show “Annie”, Jordan’s Furniture continues its support of the Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange (MARE) and adoption from foster care. On-air announcements ran on channel 7, starring Jordan’s President and CEO Eliot Tatelman, urging viewers who have thought about adoption of an older child or sibling group to contact MARE. “Annie” the Musical had a special performance on Friday May 12th at the Boch Wang Theater in Boston, celebrating the Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange (MARE) and adoptive families. Invited families enjoyed a pre-show Meet & Greet with the cast and Eliot introduced the 7pm performance on stage, acknowledging the families and promoting foster care adoption.

Everyone knows the story of the character Annie in the Broadway show, where she looks for a loving home and family. However, there are over 600 children right here in Massachusetts who are also looking for a loving home. If you have ever considered adoption, please visit MAREINC.org and help make the sun come out tomorrow for some great kids!

Donated equipment delivered to Fenway Park for The Red Sox Foundation

TAUNTON, Mass. – Jordan’s Furniture delivered a truck full of baseball and softball equipment to Fenway Park for the Red Sox Foundation’s inner city youth baseball program. Over 25 boxes the size of living room recliners were filled with donated equipment.

Through their Double Play Youth Donation Program, Jordan’s Furniture collected like-new, clean baseball and softball equipment at all store locations to donate to the Red Sox Foundation’s RBI youth baseball league teams.

"In this day and age of pay-to-play, there are thousands of kids that just cannot afford to play sports," said Eliot Tatelman of Jordan’s Furniture. "We think that every youth should be able to enjoy America’s favorite pastime, so we created the Double Play Youth Donation Program. And with the help of the Red Sox Foundation, we are able to reach a lot of inner-city kids in our area."

"We are grateful to partner with community champion Jordan’s Furniture on this terrific equipment drive," said Red Sox Foundation Executive Director Gena Borson. "Through the collection of gently-used equipment, Jordan’s is making summer games possible for many disadvantaged kids."

This is the seventh year that Jordan’s has run the charitable collection program. To see all of Jordan’s charitable programs, visit www.jordans.com.

Over 225 youth earn diplomas and are honored at the 2017 Youth Achievement Celebration 15th year of partnership

Reading, MA – On Sunday, May 7th from 7pm to 9pm, Jordan’s Furniture celebrated youth in foster care who graduated from the Class of 2017. The statewide event took place at the Jordan’s store in Reading, MA. It was hosted by Eliot Tatelman, Jordan’s President and CEO, and DCF Commissioner Linda Spears. The evening included food, entertainment, and an awards program that acknowledged the academic achievements of the graduates. During the program in the IMAX Theater, guests saw a video that highlighted many of the honored youth, heard from guest speakers with inspirational messages and received gifts. Each honored youth received an Adidas sports bag, a Red Sox long-sleeve tee-shirt, a Target store gift card, and IMAX Theater tickets, along with a “certificate of accomplishment”. Guests came from across the Commonwealth to attend. Two full-size buses brought youth from the Western part of the state.

This year marked the 15th anniversary of the annual event, hosted and underwritten by Jordan’s Furniture. Eliot Tatelman and Jordan's Furniture have been sponsoring this achievement celebration for foster youth since 2002, when over 75 celebrants were invited to the IMAX Theater in Natick. In 2007, the event grew and youth from across the state joined in the celebration. The event is now held in Reading to accommodate the number of youth, their foster parents, siblings, and social workers who gather to celebrate their academic achievements each May. Over 225 graduates attended the May 7th event. “This is our 15th year hosting this special event. Each year, it gets bigger and bigger”, says Tatelman. “We are thrilled to continue the tradition of honoring the youth. It is important to acknowledge the academic achievements of these great kids, many who have made it through some adverse conditions”, he says. “It is our way to show our support for them.”

DCF Commissioner Linda Spears was also in attendance. “I am so proud of all of our graduates who have pushed through some very difficult times to finish their education,” said the Commissioner. “Being able to celebrate with peers and the foster parents and social workers who support them in reaching their goals is very special. DCF is grateful to Eliot and his team for their commitment to this wonderful event year after year.”

The evening concluded with a private screening of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 in IMAX 3D for the honored youth and their families.

Event raised over $400,000

Jordan’s Furniture was a primary sponsor in the 2017 Hasbro Children’s Hospital Radiothon that took place on site at the hospital on Thursday April 6th, in partnership with Cumulus Radio. It raised $403,583! There were live broadcasts by radio stations 630 WPRO, 92 PRO FM, Lite Rock 105, and Hot 106. The stations shared stories of children who have been patients at the hospital. They also collected donations from listeners, all benefiting the programs and services of Hasbro Children’s Hospital. Eliot interviewed on all stations, voicing the importance of the event. In addition to the sponsorship, Jordan’s donated the furniture for the Family Sitting Area, where families of the hospital could relax between on-air interviews. One lucky family got to take the furniture home with them! Jordan’s Furniture was proud to be a part of this exciting event and happy to support such a worthy cause, benefiting the local children and families of Rhode Island.

Distribution event at Simmons College in Boston

Customers visiting Jordan’s Furniture stores over the past few months brought not only their desire to shop for furniture but they also brought like-new prom dresses, as part of the Belle of the Ball prom dress collection drive that Jordan’s sponsors every year. The gowns and cocktail dresses were collected throughout February and March at all Jordan’s locations. The result was a whopping 3,446 gowns and cocktail dresses that Jordan’s contributed to the program. “We have been a primary sponsor of the Belle of the Ball Program for many years,” said Eliot Tatelman, President and CEO of Jordan’s Furniture. “To attend the Belle Boutique and meet many of the girls who receive the dresses is very rewarding. They literally shine!”

All donated prom dresses are cleaned free of charge by Antons Cleaners, the MA-based company that founded and runs the Belle of the Ball Program. The distribution event, called the Belle of the Ball Boutique, was held at Simmons College on Saturday April 8th where over 700 teens gathered to try on dresses, shoes, and jewelry to be worn at their upcoming prom. The Belle of the Ball is sponsored by Jordan’s Furniture, Antons Cleaners, and Enterprise Bank.

Jordan’s Furniture in Reading MA was the host site for The 2017 Reading-North Reading Chamber’s Annual Meeting with Governor Charlie Baker as the keynote speaker on Thursday, March 30th from 7:00 – 9:00 AM at the IMAX Theater. The event was open to the public and started with a continental networking breakfast in the IMAX Lobby, followed by a program in the IMAX Theater. Eliot Tatelman, President and CEO of Jordan’s, kicked off the festivities with a “welcome” and opening remarks. As Keynote Speaker, Governor Baker then provided an update on the Commonwealth and provided insights into the evolution of healthcare under the new administration, along with his re-structuring of the Department of Children & Families (DCF). He commended Jordan’s on their support of the children in foster care and their efforts in finding permanent, adoptive homes for them. The morning concluded with photos with the Governor and Eliot.

The Reading-North Reading Chamber of Commerce has over 250 members and provides them with networking, educational and promotional opportunities.

(Photos courtesy of Peg Raciti Photography)

Baseball equipment for inner-city youth

In partnership with the Red Sox Foundation 

Taunton, MA – There may be snow on the ground and cold temperatures in the air but it’s time to think baseball! Specifically youth baseball. Jordan’s Furniture is proud to announce the launch of their 2017 Double Play Youth Baseball Donation Program, a project that will supply like-new baseball/softball equipment to inner-city youth for the upcoming season. In partnership with the Red Sox Foundation’s Reviving Baseball In Inner Cities (RBI) Program, equipment will be distributed to over 2,000 inner-city youth.

Running through April 2^nd, equipment donations can be dropped off at any Jordan’s Furniture location in MA, RI, or NH, including their Taunton Distribution Center. All donations must be in like-new, clean condition. Equipment includes bats (metal only), catcher’s equipment, gloves, cleats (metal and plastic), baseballs (new), and softballs (new).

“This is the seventh year that we are running our youth baseball donation program because we have seen in past seasons that the equipment gets directly in the hands of kids who need it”,  said Eliot Tatelman, President and CEO of Jordan’s Furniture.  “In this day and age of pay-to-play, there are thousands of kids that just cannot afford to play sports.  We are excited to, again, team up with the Red Sox Foundation…the perfect partner!”.

“We are grateful to partner with community champion Jordan’s Furniture on this terrific equipment drive for the seventh year,” said Red Sox Foundation Executive Director Gena Borson. “Through the collection of gently used equipment, Jordan’s is making summer games possible for many kids in RBI and in our community.”

The 2017 Double Play Youth Baseball Donation Program runs through April 2^nd. All information can be found online at www.jordans.com  and at www.redsoxfoundation.org.

Runs through April 1, 2017

Returning partners include Jordan’s Furniture, Antons Cleaners, and Enterprise Bank. Media partners include FOX25, The Bull 101.7, Kiss 108 FM, JAM’N 94.5, and Wicked Local.

Prom season is one of the biggest life events for high school girls, but for students with limited financial resources, prom season can be a source of tremendous stress. Red carpet media coverage and peer pressure over social media can turn prom season into panic. For the 13^th year, Caring Partners’ “Belle of the Ball” prom dress drive transforms high school junior and senior girls through the generosity of donors, sponsors and volunteers, all true Caring Partners helping any girl who needs a prom dress due to financial constraints.

Starting February 6, 2017 and running through April 1, simply drop off your gently worn prom dress to any Jordan’s Furniture, Antons Cleaners or Enterprise Bank location. All good quality, gently worn or new prom dresses and like-new special occasion purses are welcome. Anton’s Cleaners then cleans the donated prom dresses at no charge, and distributes to high school junior and senior girls who could not otherwise afford to attend their school’s prom. Monetary and in-kind donations are also welcome to cover jewelry, makeup and other accessories and prom-related services; visit antons.com/belle to make a financial donation. Caring Partners, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. 

In MA, the program culminates in a day-long “boutique” where deserving girls are invited for a day of personal shopping and pampering – a powerful personal experience. Last year, over nearly 500 girls enjoyed Boutique Day hosted by Simmons College, with dresses displayed in a variety of colors, styles and sizes displayed, all free of charge. In CT, the dresses are distributed via Project Hope and their “Say Yes To The Prom Dress” Program.

According to corporate partner Eliot Tatelman, President and CEO of Jordan’s Furniture, “We are happy to continue our support of Belle of the Ball, and invite our generous customers to bring their dresses and gowns to any one of our stores, and be part of this wonderful program. Attending Belle of the Ball is a highlight for me, as I look forward to seeing these girls’ magical transformations, and huge smiles, each season.” As a Corporate Sponsor of the program, Jordan’s Furniture promotes Belle of the Ball through radio public service announcements, store posters, email blasts, on their website and through social media.

“Belle of the Ball ensures no girl who needs a prom dress goes without one,” said Arthur Anton Jr., COO, Anton’s Cleaners and a founder of Belle of the Ball. “Every high school girl should have the experience of feeling beautiful, inside and out, at their prom. We couldn’t make these dreams come true without a legion of corporate partners, dress donors, and a giant team of loyal volunteers and supporters.”

Over the years, participants of Belle of the Ball have reflected that it was a wonderful experience not because of how they looked in their dress, but because of the positive change in the way they felt about themselves.

Last year, Belle of the Ball collected 6,789 dresses as well as thousands of shoes, purses and makeup items from more than 1,000 individuals from local corporations, nonprofits, retailers, media partners and volunteers. To date, more than 3,500 girls have been outfitted since Belle of the Ball began in 2005.

For more information about Caring Partners’ Belle of the Ball, visit antons.com/belle.

Canal Dock Boathouse, Inc. (CDBi) held a team-oriented, no-experience-necessary sporting event for the New Haven community on Saturday January 21, 2017 at Jordan’s Furniture Long Wharf, New Haven. The Indoor Rowing Relay & Raffle took place from 7:30am to 10am in the “It Adventure Ropes Course” area. CDBHi is a close neighbor of Jordan’s, located about one mile from the future home of the Canal Dock Boathouse on Long Wharf Drive. The Indoor Rowing Relay featured friendly competition among 30 teams organized & sponsored by local companies, community organizations and New Haven schools. Using indoor rowing machines, teams of five (5) participants each raced in relay format. In addition, the races were projected live onto the large wall behind the Water Show fountain in the ropes course area, creating fun for spectators as well.

Awards were presented to the fastest female, male & mixed rowing teams, and other prizes from kayaks to paddle-boards, and gift-certificates to Olympic pin collections, were drawn in the raffle at the conclusion of the event. Also notable, two-time Olympic oarsman and bronze medal winner Charlie Cole, of New Canaan, CT, made an appearance with his medal from the London Olympics in 2012.

Canal Dock Boathouse, Inc. (CDBi) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in New Haven. They operate a community-oriented, waterfront center to support programming of non-motorized boating activities, as well as environmental education programs through a partnership with the University of New Haven. For more information about CDBi, please visit: http://www.canaldock.org or http://www.facebook.com/CanalDock.

Customers donate to “Coats For Kids”, helping area families in-need

Serving as collection points from October through December 2016, all Jordan’s Furniture locations accepted like-new, gently-used winter coats for all ages, as a Corporate Partner and Sponsor of Antons Cleaners’ Coats For Kids Program. Through the generosity of Jordan’s customers, over 6,500 warm winter garments were dropped off during the 3-month collection period. All coats were cleaned free of charge by Antons Cleaners. The donations will be distributed to area families in-need by partners such as The Salvation Army, Mass Coalition for the Homeless, Children’s Friend, MSPCC, Rosie’s Place, Room To Grow, New Reach Inc. and many others, including social service agencies in MA, NH, RI, and CT.

Jordan’s Furniture has been a proud sponsor and partner with Coats For Kids for many years. A radio public-service-campaign aired throughout the market, voiced by Jordan’s President and CEO Eliot Tatelman. To help further publicize the program, Jordan’s displayed posters in all stores, included information on the company’s website, posted messages on social media, and deployed email blasts. “It has always been important for us to give back to the community,” says Tatelman. “By offering our stores as drop-off locations for donations was a no-brainer. Antons Cleaners does a wonderful job with this program and we are proud that our involvement helps to drive thousands and thousands of coats for families right in our neighborhoods.”

Jordan’s also provided many of the prizes for Coats For Kids School Rewards, including a $1200 donation toward after-school or sports programs to the school that collected the most number of coats. Tickets to Jordan’s Sunbrella IMAX Theaters were also donated to winning schools. 

The mission of Coats for Kids is simple, “Anyone who needs a coat will have one.” Since the program’s conception by Antons in 1995, nearly 80,000 coats have been collected and distributed. Coats For Kids is a Caring Partners program and is sponsored by Jordan’s Furniture, Antons Cleaners, and Enterprise Bank.