July 2026 Furniture Bank Newsletter
The Flip Is On!
A drop-leaf table transformed into a game table. End tables are reimagined as a sleek midcentury home bar. A French Provincial desk turned into stunning nightstands.
Those are just a few of the creative ideas we’re hearing from participants in the 2nd Annual Furniture Flip Challenge!
Now the big question is: Which piece will celebrity judge Hilary Farr choose as Best in Show?
There’s still plenty of time to enter. Whether you’re a seasoned furniture flipper or trying it for the first time, your creativity can make a difference.
Not a flipper? You can still help by spreading the word to your family, friends, and social circle.
Every piece flipped is one less item headed to a landfill. It’s a chance to give furniture new life, new purpose, and ultimately help a family in need.
The Furniture Bank of Metro Detroit turns donated furniture into hope, dignity, and stability for families in need. Thank you for helping us make houses feel like home.
Tickets Are Now on Sale for the Furniture Flip!
Join us for the Furniture Flip and experience an unforgettable night where creativity, design, and community come together to help furnish homes for families in need.
Your $200 General Admission ticket includes:
- A delicious dinner
- Drinks throughout the evening
- The opportunity to bid on one-of-a-kind, beautifully transformed furniture pieces created by talented local designers, artists, and makers
- An inspiring program celebrating the power of a furnished home
Looking for an elevated experience? VIP Tickets are $350 and include exclusive access to a private reception with internationally renowned designer and celebrity judge Hilary Farr before the event.
Don’t miss this incredible evening of creativity, philanthropy, and unforgettable furniture transformations.
From the President
Building the Team
Over the past two years, I have been focused on what I call the “Four B’s” of organizational growth: Brand, Board, Budget, and Building. I am proud to report that the Furniture Bank of Metro Detroit has made tremendous progress in all four areas.
Today, we have a stronger brand, a more engaged board, improved financial stability, and a beautiful new facility that positions us for future growth.
Now it’s time to focus on the fifth B: Building the Team.
Recently, we welcomed Allison Gowan as our new Director of Development. Allison will lead our efforts to increase fundraising, furniture donations, and volunteer engagement, ensuring we have the resources needed to serve more families.
We have also reorganized our leadership structure to place greater emphasis on client services and operational excellence. Salina Ali has joined us as Director of Client, Data and Partnerships. Salina will focus on strengthening client services, expanding community partnerships, and helping us better understand the long-term impact of our work. She will challenge us to ask important questions and find smarter, faster, and better ways to serve families in need.
At the same time, longtime team member Tim Waldron, Director of Operations, will concentrate his talents on warehouse inventory management and logistics, ensuring we continue to deliver furniture efficiently and effectively.
The Furniture Bank has never been stronger, and with the right people in the right roles, we are building an organization that will serve even more families for years to come.
Diane Charles,
President & CEO
Sponsor Spotlight:
Furniture Bank of Metro Detroit is proud to welcome Enterprise Mobility back as a sponsor of the 2nd Annual Furniture Flip Challenge. Their support helps us raise critical funds to furnish homes for families in need.
Behind that recognizable brand is a third-generation, family-owned company that has grown into a global transportation leader operating in more than 90 countries and territories while staying true to its people-first values.
Enterprise Mobility, owned by the Taylor family, is also known for its commitment to giving back. Through its charitable foundation and community programs, the company has donated more than $500 million worldwide and is investing millions more to support children, families, education, and career development. Enterprise also provides support for disaster relief, military families, environmental initiatives, and local nonprofits.
We are especially grateful to Jennifer Lawatsch, Group Human Resources Manager for Enterprise Mobility in Michigan and a member of our Board of Directors. Jennifer’s leadership, generosity, and passion for our mission help strengthen the impact we make every day.
Thank you, Enterprise Mobility, for helping us build stronger homes and stronger communities.
Something BIG Is Launching August 2!
Get ready! We’re taking on the
and we need our Furniture Bank family behind us!
From August 2 through August 23, Rocket Mortgage is challenging nonprofits to raise as much money as possible. Every dollar you donate stays with the Furniture Bank to help families in need. Plus, the organization that raises the most during the challenge will have the opportunity to win a grand prize of at least $25,000 to furnish even more homes.
Here’s how you can help:
- Donate beginning August 2.
- Share our posts on social media.
- Encourage your friends and family to support our mission.
Mark your calendar and help us make every dollar count. Together, we can turn a few weeks of giving into a lasting impact for families across Metro Detroit.
The countdown is on!
A Home Can Change Everything
“I am like a kid in a candy store. I was pleasantly surprised at the selection and condition of items. Receiving a huge house of furniture is a huge weight lifted off my back and now I’m able to move onto the next thing.”
Emoni Montgomery
Single mother to a 1-year-old daughter
Wayne County
