The Furniture Shoppe and The Patio Shop kicked off its third annual holiday fundraising event with the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, Chattanooga Chapter. The Fowler Brothers’ companies began their “Pass It Forward” campaign to benefit Toys For Tots at The Furniture Shoppe Stickley Truckload Preview Party on Thursday. The 2014 local Marine coordinator, SSgt. Greg Clemens, 1st Sgt. Steven Battista and Capt. Chris Cotton attended the launch to share the Toys For Tots mission of collecting and distributing new, unwrapped toys to needy children in the Chattanooga area.
Carter Fowler, fifth-generation manager of The Furniture Shoppe and The Patio Shop, explains why the Marine Toys For Tots was chosen for the company's holiday events, saying, “A family tradition around the Fowler holiday table is the re-telling of a story about my grandfather, Calvin Fowler. In 1949, the holidays were approaching and the children in a small schoolhouse on Signal Mountain were not expecting a visit from Santa, or any toys that year. 22-year-old Catherine Chapman Pacheco, sole principal-teacher of grades 1-8, had an audacious idea to approach my grandfather, owner of a local furniture store, Fowler Brothers Furniture. Ms. Pacheco had heard of his benevolence and took a chance that there was hope for Christmas that year. On a cold, rainy day, a soaking-wet Catherine explained the bleak economic plight of the Sawyer families to the stoic man behind the big desk. My grandfather rescued Christmas that year with a surprise visit from Santa with gifts for every single student ... and even their brothers and sisters at home who were too young to attend school.”
Carter Fowler named the event “Pass It Forward” to carry on his grandfather's legacy in the holiday season. A portion of sales at The Furniture Shoppe and The Patio Shop will be donated to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation through Dec. 20. The only stipulation is that 100 percent of the donations stay in the Chattanooga area to help local families. In addition, Toys for Tots would appreciate donations of $1 or more, or a new, unwrapped toy. Just drop them off at collection boxes located in both The Furniture Shoppe and The Patio Shop.
A family tradition since 1885, the Fowler Brothers Co. stores are designed for the enjoyment of those who love their home. The Furniture Shoppe and The Patio Shop offer indoor and outdoor furniture of classic beauty, quality construction and exceptional values to meet almost every budget. Customers can Special Order or purchase in-stock furniture and accessories at guaranteed lowest prices.
For more information, please contact the store at 423 493-7630 or visit www.thefurnitureshoppe.net.