Furniture Sharehouse Announces Kate Bialo's Retirement

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. - Oct. 4, 2018 - PRLog -- Since 2007, Furniture Sharehouse has served over 12,600 Westchester residents in need, including 6,035 children, and has helped turn 4,223 housing units into homes — all through the spirit and vision of founder Kate Bialo and the many passionate volunteers she has drawn to the cause.

"I am incredibly proud of what our team of dedicated volunteers has created – a premier organization providing an essential service to thousands of people in need, giving them the basic furniture they need to create a safe and comfortable home, and furnishing them with hope and dignity," said Ms. Bialo.  "For 11 years, Furniture Sharehouse has addressed the 'hidden need' of people who finally manage to obtain housing but are living in empty apartments because they cannot afford even the most essential furniture.  We have become an important part of the continuum of services provided to Westchester's most vulnerable residents."

Ms. Bialo founded the organization when she became aware of a key frustration in the Westchester social service community — furniture that their clients desperately needed kept slipping through their fingers because no one had space to store it temporarily. Ms. Bialo conceived the idea of setting up a "shared warehouse" where donations could be collected and redistributed to agency clients as needed. She has since been honored for her vision, commitment and passionate volunteerism. In 2012, she was selected as one of ten national "Women of Worth" by L'Oreal Paris and Points of Light Foundation in recognition of her volunteer service. In 2013, she was named a New York State "Woman of Distinction" by Senator George Latimer and in 2015 she was named alumna of the year by Leadership Westchester.

In recognition of Ms. Bialo's achievements, the Furniture Sharehouse board has announced that it will honor Ms. Bialo at its Fall gala, "Home for the Holidays", to be held on November 2, 2018.

"Kate Bialo has been the heart and soul and public face of Furniture Sharehouse since founding it over 11 years ago." said Caryl Hahn, Board Chair. "While she will be stepping down as Executive Director next spring, she will remain on the Board to ensure our organization's growth and sustainability," Ms. Hahn added.  In the coming months, the Board will appoint a committee to help fill the executive director position and manage the transition.

Tickets for the Fall gala are on sale at:
https://furnituresharehouse.ejoinme.org/MyEvents/HomefortheHolidaysGala2018/tabid/987469/Default.aspx