The theme of the 2015 National Wood Flooring Association Wood Flooring Expo in St. Louis, April 28–May 1, is “Play it Forward,” reflecting the themes of both sports and service during the show, which will be held on the playing field of the Edward Jones Dome, home to the St. Louis Rams. During the Expo the NWFA will partner with six organizations to give members a slew of opportunities to “Play it Forward.”
Attendees who donate $20 or more to these organizations will be entered in a raffle for a VIP trip for two to Super Bowl 50 in San Francisco (see more details below).
The Gary Sinise Foundation
The Gary Sinise Foundation’s RISE program gives homes to veterans who have lost multiple limbs while serving the country. Gary Sinise, known for his portrayal of Lt. Dan Taylor, who lost his legs while serving in Vietnam, in the movie “Forrest Gump,” will appear at the Expo to discuss RISE’s mission.
Gateway PGA REACH Foundation
The Gateway PGA REACH Foundation improves the lives of disabled veterans and at-risk youth through golf and other sports programs. Its board president (and St. Louis Cardinals legend) Ozzie Smith will be at the Expo to talk about the organization.
Hardwood Federation
The Hardwood Federation lobbies Congress on behalf of the hardwood industry. It and the Hardwood Federation PAC rely on NWFA member donations to operate and safeguard the industry’s interests.
Joshua Chamberlain Society
NWFA members will donate and install wood flooring for St. Louis veteran Joshua Eckhoff on Friday, May 1, through the Joshua Chamberlain Society. Watch the video below to learn more about JCS.
Angels’ Arms
Angels’ Arms provides stable and loving homes for foster children. One key difference between it and other organizations is that it keeps siblings together during the foster process. On May 2, NWFA members will install flooring in Angels’ Arms homes to help promote healthy living spaces for these children.
Expo attendees can volunteer for the Angels’ Arms or Joshua Chamberlain Society community service days when they register for Expo.
The Little Bit Foundation
Continuing the NWFA’s tradition of conducting a children’s book drive at Expo, this year the association has partnered with The Little Bit Foundation to provide free books to children in need. The organization serves 5,000 elementary and middle school students in 17 St. Louis-area schools. Donation bins will be located at the NWFA booth.
NWFA Education & Research Foundation
The NWFA Education & Research Foundation (NERF) funds industry research and scholarships for training wood flooring professionals. Contributions can be made to these funds for as little as $20.
Super Bowl Raffle
Anyone who donates $20 at Expo, or when registering for Expo online, will be entered to win a VIP trip for two to Super Bowl 50, including airfare and hotel. Three entries to the raffle can be had for $50. The donations will be split evenly between the NWFA’s partner organizations. To make a donation at the Expo, attendees should go to the Sports Zone, where their donation grants the attendee access to short lessons from PGA golf pros, photo opportunities with Smith, the chance to kick a field goal, and more.
