by LIVINGSTON, N.J. The Greater Metropolitan Furnishings Association (GMFA) will hold a Charity Awards Dinner benefiting the Dean Michael Clarizio Cancer Foundation (DMCCF) on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
The event at Crystal Plaza (www.crystalplaza.com) in Livingston, N.J. will bring together members of the home furnishings industry to recognize outstanding leadership while raising funds to assist children and families dealing with the financial challenges associated with a cancer diagnosis.
The evening will feature Special Award Presentations honoring three individuals and organizations whose contributions extend beyond their businesses to the broader furniture industry and their communities.
The honorees will include Churchill Furniture, recipient of the Retailer of the Year Award; Tuvya Greisman and Moshe Melamed, owners of Modway Furniture, who will receive the inaugural Shneur Hirsch Distinguished Leadership Award; and Rabbi Yosef Plotkin, director of Chabad-Lubavitch of Greensboro, who will receive Special Recognition for his service to the furniture industry.
“GMFA has always believed that the furniture industry is more than the products we sell—it is a community of people who care about one another,” said Harris Kirsch, president of GMFA. “This dinner is an opportunity to celebrate that spirit of giving while helping children and families who are facing one of life’s most difficult challenges. At the same time, it allows our industry to recognize people who have demonstrated leadership, generosity and commitment to others.”
Churchill Furniture Named Retailer of the Year
Churchill Furniture will receive GMFA’s Retailer of the Year Award. The company has a long history in the furniture industry and today operates as part of Churchill Living, providing furnished apartments, furniture rental and related services. Churchill traces its furniture roots to 1958, when it was established as a furniture rental company. The Kahan family acquired the company in 1982, and Yudel “Joel” Kahan became president in 1996.
Kahan, who serves as Churchill’s CEO, said the company is honored to be recognized by an organization representing the furniture industry.
“We are deeply honored to receive the Retailer of the Year Award from GMFA,” said Yudel Kahan, CEO of Churchill Furniture. “Churchill has always been built around the belief that furniture is ultimately about people—helping individuals and families create comfortable places to live, work and gather. To be recognized by our colleagues in the industry is especially meaningful, and it is an honor to share the evening with Tuvya Greisman and Moshe Melamed of Modway and Rabbi Yosef Plotkin, whose contributions to our industry and their communities are an inspiration.”
Inaugural Shneur Hirsch Distinguished Leadership Award
The inaugural Shneur Hirsch Distinguished Leadership Award will be presented to Tuvya Greisman and Moshe Melamed, owners of Modway Furniture.
The award honors the legacy of Shneur Zalman Hirsch, a co-founder and vice president of Modway who died in 2020 at the age of 39. Hirsch played a central role in the company’s product development and was known for his warmth, generosity and genuine concern for others.
Greisman serves as Modway’s CEO, while Melamed serves as COO. Modway has developed into a global furniture operation with employees and partners on three continents.
The new award recognizes leadership that reflects the qualities associated with Hirsch’s legacy—entrepreneurship, service, generosity and a commitment to the people who make up the furniture industry.
Rabbi Yosef Plotkin to Receive Special Recognition
GMFA will also present Special Recognition to Rabbi Yosef Plotkin, director and co-director of Chabad-Lubavitch of Greensboro, for his longstanding service to the furniture industry and the hundreds of Jewish professionals who participate in the High Point furniture market.
Rabbi Plotkin and his wife, Hindy, have played an important role in providing Jewish services to furniture professionals attending High Point Market. Chabad has provided prayer services, kosher food, hospitality and other resources for Jewish market participants.
“This recognition is especially meaningful because it comes from GMFA, an important furniture industry association,” said Rabbi Yosef Plotkin. “It’s an organization that provides companies and members of the home furnishings community with opportunities to do good through its support of DMCCF. I greatly appreciate the recognition and, even more, the spirit behind this evening event.”
Supporting Families Facing Cancer
The Charity Awards Dinner is part of GMFA’s ongoing charitable mission. GMFA has partnered with the Dean Michael Clarizio Cancer Foundation, directing proceeds from its activities toward families dealing with cancer.
Dean Michael Clarizio founded the DMCCF during his own battle with cancer in 2005. The 501(c)(3) organization is operated by family members and volunteers and provides financial assistance intended to help families cope with expenses that can accompany a cancer diagnosis and treatment.
GMFA has emphasized that its charitable activities are designed to put money directly into the hands of families who need assistance. The association’s charitable mission states that profits from GMFA dues and events are donated to families of children and adults who have cancer through DMCCF.
The November 4 dinner will provide GMFA members, furniture manufacturers, retailers, suppliers and other industry professionals with an opportunity to celebrate the honorees while supporting DMCCF’s mission.
Additional Information: Additional information regarding the dinner, registration and sponsorship opportunities is available at https://www.dmccfheroes.com/gmfa-gala or by contacting GMFA at info@gm-fa.com.
