Graham's Lighting Unveils Christmas Windows at Fourth Designer Showcase Windows Event

Proceeds Benefit The Salvation Army

MEMPHIS, Tennessee, November 9, 2009 – Graham’s Lighting is sharing the Christmas spirit of giving and goodwill on Friday, November 13, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the unveiling of its Christmas-themed Designer Showcase Windows. The Showcase Windows are designed by Cindy McCord and a portion of the proceeds from sales during the event will benefit The Salvation Army.

Graham’s Lighting Designer Showcase Windows is an ongoing program created to bring design professionals together to raise money for Safety Net Collaborative agencies – non-profits that focus on meeting the basic human needs of those most affected by the current economic situation. The Christmas window is the fourth Showcase Windows. MIFA, Memphis Union Mission and the Church Health Center have all been window recipients. Designers are given autonomy to design the window display and room however they like.

The Friday night reception is open to the public and is free of charge. Guests can enjoy a Christmas feast at the Sugar Plum table and a visit from Santa. Anyone attending the reception may ask for a rain-check, which will allow them to return another day during the two-month run of the Christmas Windows and still have a portion of their purchase go to The Salvation Army.

“The Salvation Army is the perfect partner for the Christmas windows because this is a very important time of year for them,” said Bob Myers, Graham’s Lighting. “Our first three Showcase Windows received great support from the community and received rave reviews. A lot of people are eagerly awaiting this Christmas window.”

During the Christmas season, The Salvation Army is well-known for its bell-ringers and Angel Tree program. The bell-ringers raise money as part of the Red Kettle Campaign so The Salvation Army can shelter the homeless and feed the hungry year-round. The Angel Tree program provides underprivileged children and seniors with gifts for Christmas. During the event, guests can learn more about the many ways The Salvation Army serves the local community and sign up to send honorarium Christmas cards to friends and family.

“We are very excited to be the beneficiary of Graham’s Lighting’s Christmas Designer Showcase Windows,” said Major Mark Woodcock, Area Commander, The Salvation Army. “The money raised through this event will be used to fund our programs year-round so we can continue to minister to those in our community who need our help.”

McCord earned her design degree from the University of Mississippi. She worked for Holiday Inn Corporation, and designed Holiday Inns, Hampton Inns and Crowne Plazas, as well as its corporate headquarters. She started Cindy McCord Design Inc in 1993, specializing in both residential and commercial projects. She has handled projects throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

Graham’s introduced the Designer Showcase Windows in May of this year. By late spring, all the windows for 2009 had been booked and 2010 is rapidly filling up. Designers who are interested in participating can phone Bob Myers at 901-274-6780 or email bob@grahamslighting.com.

“We had great success with our first three windows. Momentum seems to be growing with each window change, which allows us to expand the program and continue to raise money and increase visibility for these important organizations,” said Myers.

About The Designer Showcase Windows
Graham’s Lighting’s Designer Showcase Windows is a variation on a similar program in New York. Graham’s Lighting has taken the idea one step further in an effort to give back to the Memphis community by raising visibility and proceeds for local charities.

About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army Memphis began its work in the city on October 18, 1900. Since then, the organization has fought hunger, homelessness, addiction, poverty, abuse, and suffering caused by disaster. At the center of The Salvation Army’s work in Memphis is a common belief that all people can make positive changes. The Salvation Army believes in the healing power of compassion, love, dignity and respect, and use these principles to guide our actions and words.

The Salvation Army values the transforming power of God and the salvation that comes from knowing Christ as our personal savior. The Salvation Army believes that enduring change comes from holistic ministry to the mind, body and spirit.

In 2008, The Salvation Army Memphis helped more than 20,700 people, provided more than 67,000 nights of lodging, and served 209,462 meals and snacks. For more information on our work, visit www.salvationarmymemphis.org.

CONTACT:
Bob Myers
Graham's Lighting Fixtures
(901) 274-6780

Elizabeth Duncan
The Salvation Army
(901) 260-9130