Wayland, New York – Jan. 5, 2014 – Giving back and Gunlocke go hand in hand. This leading contract furniture company’s legacy not only includes producing beautiful wood casegoods, tables and seating, but also a long history of philanthropy and community partnerships, since its inception in 1902. 

Recognized by the United Way of the Southern Tier in upstate New York in 2012 with the Pinnacle Award – the highest recognition possible – for increasing its total campaign by 41 percent, the Wayland, New York-based company continues to demonstrate its commitment to the surrounding community. Most recently, Gunlocke made two significant donations to two local nonprofit organizations: Noyes Health in Dansville, New York, and the EquiCenter in Mendon, New York.

Since donating to build the first Noyes hospital in 1972, Gunlocke has continued to be a good neighbor to the Noyes Health system. As the only healthcare system in Livingston County, Noyes Health serves thousands a year, including many Gunlocke employees. Its emergency room often is the only open door available to those living in this rural area. When it became clear that its busy emergency room was outdated and undersized, Noyes Health turned to the state and its community partners for assistance to raise funds to build a new space, and Gunlocke answered the call.

To support the building of the new Mary Saunders Beiermann Emergency Department, Gunlocke supplied furniture for the waiting and patient rooms and also made a $25,000 donation to assist with expansion efforts. Named for the daughter of lead donors E. Philip and Carole Saunders, this brand new facility expanded the emergency room from just over 3,000 square feet to 10,000 square feet and offers added space and updated technology that has significantly improved the patient experience since its doors opened in June. Gunlocke’s significant donation places the company in the highest circle of donors and, as such, its name will be included on the hospital’s donor wall.

“We are so extremely thankful that Gunlocke has continued its tradition of giving to Noyes Health,” said Cynthia Oswald, Director of the Foundation and Public Relations & Marketing for the healthcare system. “Gunlocke is a leader in our community, and our constituents know and love Gunlocke furniture. We are glad that we could partner with one of our local neighbors to provide improved facilities to better serve the Livingston County area.”

The second donation assists one of the region’s premier centers for therapeutic horsemanship. EquiCenter is a non-profit organization that provides a wide range of therapeutic equestrian activities to foster the personal growth and individual achievement of people with disabilities, at-risk youth, veterans, and their families.

Four years ago, EquiCenter moved its facilities to a former horse farm, expanding its space from 22 acres to 200 acres. The new property includes a large residence, which the center has been slowly converting into space for offices, programs and special events. Through the help of the Gunlocke Company, EquiCenter recently was able to transform part of this space into an elegant board room used for board of directors’ meetings and community events. Gunlocke donated two custom Medley Conference Tables, 12 Austin Executive Swivel Chairs and a credenza for the space, creating a beautiful, inviting atmosphere that will help to draw people to the center, spreading the word about this important facility and the great work it does in the community. The donation is valued at more than $18,000.

“To say Gunlocke has been helpful to us is an understatement,” said Jonathan Friedlander, EquiCenter President & CEO. “Our goal is to create an institute for education and research at the EquiCenter, where we can partner with other local and national organizations on their studies and philanthropic efforts. Gunlocke’s donation has been instrumental in helping us further realize our vision, creating a space that we can use to invite the local community into our facilities for meetings and events, helping us to continue building the bridges we need to make our dream a reality.”

Through donations such as these and future philanthropic efforts, the company remains committed to making a difference in the community where its employees live and work, says Gunlocke President Don Mead.

“We are so proud to offer our support to such impactful, important organizations that are improving the lives of our friends, neighbors and even employees,” he says. “We look forward to continuing our legacy of community involvement and support for many years to come.”

For more information about Gunlocke, contact 1-800-828-6300 or visit www.gunlocke.com. Additional high-resolution images are available here.