The seventh annual Art Van Charity Challenge helped garner more than $2.2 million in donations and grants as 120 nonprofits in the Midwest vied to win a portion of $375,000 in grants from the furniture and mattress retailer, which has headquarters in Warren, Michigan.
Grace Centers of Hope in Pontiac, Michigan, took first place, earning a $75,000 grant after raising $188,858 during the competition.
The participating charities in Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and Ohio competed to raise the most money for their organizations between May 18 and June 22.
Nine other winning charities received grants ranging from $7,500 to $65,000.
“Exceeding this year’s goal of $2 million illustrates the depth of the generosity that exists in people’s hearts,” said Art Van Elslander, founder and chairman of Art Van Furniture.
