Official Blog of Gallery Furniture's Mattress Mack of Houston, TX

Lending a Helping Hand

A very nice phone call came in Wednesday morning, from a woman named Candice.  She wanted to make sure I knew that two Gallery Furniture employees had been very nice to her Tuesday night.

Candice said she was on her way home from work on the North Freeway when she had a flat tire.  She pulled into a gas station near 1960 to change the tire.  There were a number of men at the station and she asked for some assistance, but no one would help her.

She knows how to change a tire, but Candice says being six months pregnant, she would rather have someone else do the heavy lifting.

With no help being offered, she started to get the spare out of the trunk when a Gallery Furniture delivery truck pulled off the service road and two men got out.  They asked her what they could do to help.

The Gallery crew did more than help, Candice says.  They changed her tire for her, figured out a problem with the jack along the way, and put the bad tire and jack in her trunk.

"These two are the kind of people you want working for you," Candice said this morning.  "They are a credit to you guys and the people you hire."

She identified the pair as B.J. and Germaine.  They are indeed the kind of people who work for Gallery Furniture.  Thank you, Candice, for recognizing them and telling your story.

At Gallery Furniture it's all about the customer, even when the customer isn't a customer  yet.

Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchinson at Gallery Furniture Post Oak

Gallery Furniture was honored to have Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson, R-Texas at the Gallery Furniture Post Oak location for a press conference on the issue of taxation - specifically, the over taxation by the federal government on the hard working men and women (as well as small to medium sized businesses) that is present in America today.  Add to that, her support to remove all marriage penalty taxes and also to show support for government that does not spend, tax & borrow, and her speech was a rousing success today.  Senator Hutchinson is the first and only woman Senator ever elected by the citizens of Texas, and her passion of service for the great state of Texas is matched by her knowledge of the issues and her service in Washington on some of the Senate's most prominent committees.

Gallery Furniture was also proud to have folks like the Greater Houston Women's Chamber of Commerce, The Galleria Area Chamber of Commerce, The Asian Chamber of Commerce, the South Asian Chamber of Commerce, distinguished representatives from the local area and media today to hear Senator Hutchinson speak on issues such as the fact that many in Washington make it hard for people wanting to live the American Dream (especially the young people).

Senator Hutchinson made note that today is a special day in this great country, one that she noted that Republicans dread - that old day of April 15th (tax day).  Sen. Hutchinson made it very clear, and Gallery Furniture agrees, that everything beyond what government must do (such as commerce, defense) should be left in the pocketbooks of those who earned it.  Not earmarked for special interests or used to borrow one's way out of a jam.  Turns out that Sen. Hutchinson opposed the current federal budget with its 1.4 trillion dollars in tax increase, and she felt that the government of the United States would borrow too much, spend too much, and tax entirely too much in an attempt to go against the wiser ideals of letting the private sector do its job and keep money in the hands of its earners. 

Senator Hutchinson made note that as a society we should go against taxation and that we need more tax cuts in a recession, which was what presidents such as Kennedy, Reagan, and Bush did in their terms in office.  To this end, Sen. Hutchinson is a big supporter of the Tea Parties being held around the country today in protestation of taxation, and that this grass roots movement is a great thing.  Gallery Furniture's own Matress Mack will be speaking at one such Tea Party in The Woodlands today.

Gallery Furniture also shares the view of Senator Hutchinson that one of the great advantages of the State of Texas is our lack of a personal income tax - something that gives our great state an advantage over the 42 states that do currently have a state personal income tax. 

Old Traditions Never Die

The honor that a man of service provides is priceless. He goes above and beyond for his loved ones and his country with only one question, “How can I serve?”  And the question one raises - what is all that he stands for when he stands for so much?  Service to our country comes from a long line of tradition, honor, loyalty, and duty - these honorable people spend countless hours away from home and holidays alone.  These men and women often leave peace and comfort behind whilst defending our great nation.  

Beyond this is the fact that the men and women of the armed forces hold on to old traditions such as writing a note to say thanks or as an expression of gratitude for contributions.  Men and women in the service are mindful of the many Americans that pray, give, and shed tears for their safety and well being and the fact that they take time to write thank-you notes says a lot about holding on to solid values.

Every time a cadet or member of the service looks at the medal, uniform, or marches in the name of the United States of America, pride and honor is recognized for their selfless acts. Although all may often think about home and family, the honorable men and woman remain loyal to one another and their country in the face of uncertain circumstances.  That is why Gallery Furniture is a proud contributor to the United States Organization (USO), a non-profit that serves those who serve the land of the free and the home of the brave.

And even in the face of danger, of all that a service member goes through, the fact that they take time to sit down and write a thank-you letter is a warm gesture that resonates with Gallery Furniture.  Living in times that change so swift and seeing many people that compromise integrity in the name for getting things done the easy way, Gallery Furniture is delighted to see that the young men and women of the armed forces are a reminder of what it means to represent honor, duty, loyalty, and tradition.

Brooke Maxey, Gallery Furniture Aggie Intern, above, works at putting together a framed collage of all the thank-you letters received by Gallery Furniture as a token of thanks for the contributions Gallery Furniture has made to the USO.

St Ambrose Catholic School

Everyday Gallery Furniture thrives to make its customers very happy.  This past year Gallery Furniture donated over 35 homes to needy families that deserve a second chance this year.
Gallery Furniture received a letter from Bernadette a friend of one of the Christmas giveaways recipients and expressed her thankfulness that we were able to help her friend in need.

What makes this story special is George Ann was contacted by Bernadette, and told her how St Ambrose Catholic School was helping a family for the Christmas holidays.  And having the big heart Gallery Furniture has, we exceeded the giveaway limit to help this particular family in need. Bernadette couldn't have been happier for the help that was spread to others.

Gallery Furniture SAVES YOU MONEY and is there for a HELPING HAND!!

USO Thank You Letters

 

 

Gallery Furniture believes in giving back to those who give to you.  Thousands of military men and women put their lives on the line every day  for the country they love, the great United States of America.  Gallery Furniture has its own way of giving back to the military with what Gallery Furniture does best - furniture, accessories and decorating!  Mattress Mack recently donated furniture to the USO inside the Denver, CO airport, and will be donating furniture to the over 130 USOs around the world.

Several cadets from the United States Air Force Academy recently spent some time in the Denver USO waiting for flights home for the holiday season. The Cadets were overjoyed by the comfort and hospitality of the USO and were thankful for Mack’s generous donation of furniture and to the Denver USO.  Gallery Furniture received thank-you notes from these cadets and the entire staff here was glad to know that their efforts did not go unnoticed.

“ Your Gift is a testament to the amazing group of people that make up our country” – USAFA Cadet 3^rd Class Jace Caulhios said in his letter.

Items donated to thevarious  USO centers include chairs, TV’s, tables, couches, gaming centers, paint for the walls, and everything else needed to make these soldiers and their families comfortable during their time there.  Many of the USOs that Gallery Furniture are renovating were in some sore shape.  Some had old battered furniture donated from elementary schools years and years ago, some even having furniture from WWII era offices - and time took her toll on these gifts of love, and so Gallery Furniture stepped in to give these USO Centers a face lift.

The USO stations provide a place for soldiers to come and spend their time - so comfort is essential as they wait for their planes during layover or are waiting for a bus or train.  Gallery Furniture is doing everything it can to make a place worthy of the selfless soldiers that visit USO around the world.  Part of Gallery Furniture's commitment is to give a sense of comfort along with continuity - by keeping to certain styles and furniture types in each USO Center (paired with the local flavor of that USO Center), Gallery Furniture plans on making sure that there is a sense of familiarity from center to center so the troops always have a place that feels like home while away from home.  It's part of Gallery Furniture's commitment to giving back - both to the community and to the country.

“The Air Force Academy Cadet Wing and I thank you for your generosity and patriotism.” – USAFA Squadron Commander CS-23

While it is a blessing and an honor to receive these thank-you notes, it should really be all of us in the United States thanking the soldiers for all they do.  If you haven't dropped by the USO web site yet, take a visit at http://www.uso.org TODAY!  God Bless America and God Bless the Troops!

Gallery Furniture helps Another Deserving Family.

Tameka’s family received one of the Gallery Furniture Christmas giveaways.  Tameka along with her four children are very deserving of this gift, because she is a single mother, that has recently taken hour and pay cuts at her job.  Tameka and her four children have unfortunately been evicted from their last two apartments and recently had to witness all their furniture be seized.  The family was only left with two mattresses that laid on the floor.  But her faith is very important to her and through all the hardships she has endured over the past few years, her faith has never faltered.  With her job and four children she still finds time to lead the Charmed Bells Children’s Choir at her church.

  

All her neighbors, friends from church, and the Gallery Furniture crew showed up at her door, singing Christmas carols.  Tameka was completely overwhelmed.  Tears welled up in her eyes as she started to thank everyone involved.  Quickly she shuffled everyone into her apartment and before we knew it, everyone was helping getting the place ready for the new furniture, even the little kids. 

The kids couldn’t hold still.  They were so excited for their new bunk beds.  The oldest daughter, Destinie, told us that she was planning on having a slumber party for her 9th birthday party, but was too embarrassed because they had no furniture.  “I was afraid kids would make fun of me because of my house,” she told intern Janelle Colborne.  Well she doesn’t have to worry about that anymore because they have plenty of beautiful furniture in their home now.  

This family genuinely needed and deserved this furniture and it was a blessing to watch them receive it.  They were so grateful and it truly made our hearts smile to know that they would have a furnished home to celebrate the holidays in.

The Christmas Give-A-Ways at Gallery Furniture

Gallery Furniture has donated rooms full of furniture to houses for over twenty years. Every Christmas season, thousands of people send letters nominating people needing furniture.

During the month of December, Gallery Furniture's Special Events Crew delivers furniture to the needy and deserving families with plenty of smiles and Christmas cheer.

One of the families chosen was the home of Wanda Fuller.  Wanda is a single forty year old woman who has inherited four children from her sister who died of cancer.  Gallery Furniture was eager to help Wanda in making sure that her house had enough furniture for her and her four new residents.

The delivery crew arrived around 3:30 p.m. to surprise the Fuller family.  Wanda opened the door to a small crowd singing "We wish you a Merry Christmas.  Her eyes filled with tears quickly as she saw the delivery truck pull in near her home.  The children ran down quickly when they heard Wanda.

Georgia Anne instructed the children to put on coats and hats before running outside to see their new furniture.  One of the girls ran around telling all of her family members and friends that their new chocolate sleeper sofa pulled out to be a sofa bed.

Wanda was as excited as the kids about receiving the new furniture.

"This is all such a blessing," she said, "I am going to bring a pillow and sleep on this tonight". Wanda and the children gave all of the Gallery Furniture Christmas Giveaway crew big hugs and kisses as they left. This truly was a Christmas to remember for the Fuller family.

United Service Organizations

Gallery Furniture supports the USO, there is no doubt about that.  Especially since Gallery Furniture is noted as a Worldwide Strategic Partner of the USO.  Though Gallery Furniture is often asked "Okay guys, so who are these USO guys and what do they do that is so important?"  Gallery Furniture welcomes this question as opportunity to educate the local community of one of the major pillars of giving Gallery Furniture is involved with.

Americans supports the troops through the United Service Organizations (USO).  The USO has been the bridge between the American public and the U.S. military since before the United States entered World War II.  Their goal is to provide a "home away from home" to service men and women around the world.  They are a Congressionally chartered, private nonprofit organization that relies on the generosity of individuals and corporations to support their efforts. 

The mission of the USO is to provide morale, welfare and recreational services to men and women in uniform, and to represent the American people by extending a touch of home to the military.  Examples of their support are Operation USO Care Package, Operation Enduring Care, and Mobile USO Programs  

 

The USO Operation Care Packages consists of personalized messages of support from donors, prepaid international phone card, snacks, playing cards, reading material, and hygienic kits.  Operation Enduring Care helps meet the recovery needs of injured service members and their families, and supports medical personnel who care for the wounded. The Mobile USO Programs are mobile homes designed to provide a “home away from home”. The vehicles offer a comfortable place where service men and women can relax and connect online with family and friends during their downtime. 

By supporting the USO, Americans show their appreciation and express their gratitude to the men and women who defend us.  The USO delivers its programs and services to 1.4 million active duty service members and 1.2 million National Guard and Reserves and their families.  Gallery Furniture has aided the USO through Hurricane Ike relief and looks forward to serving our men and women defending us by remodeling the 130 centers located worldwide.

How does Gallery Furniture fit in?

Gallery Furniture is a Wordlwide Strategic Partner - part of Gallery Furniture's commitment to renovate, remodel, and refurnish the over 130 centers worldwide is a cohesive commitment across all of Gallery Furniture's staff.  From decorators to furniture movers to the world class Gallery Furniture Delivery Team to the marketing and advertising division to the various vendors Gallery Furniture does business with have all pulled together for the troops.  The USO - that's how Gallery Furniture supports the troops.
 

Continental Flys Higher with a New TV!

This past Tuesday we Gallery Furniture had a very special visitor drop by. Kip Komidor from Continental Airlines stopped in to replace a TV that Gallery had donated 8 years prior, after their original had been stolen on Christmas Eve.  Actually, Gallery donated all of the furniture for the Continental crew’s lounge back in 2000, and they were so satisfied with the pieces that there was never a question where to visit to replace the TV.  “The pilots are very appreciative of the furniture and have really enjoyed taking quick naps on the relaxing oversized sofas,” Komidor tells Gallery Furniture. 

After 8 years of flawless service, the TV finally bit the dust. Looking to buy a new one for the crew’s lounge, Komidor headed right over to Gallery Furniture. Once he introduced himself and told his story, Mack was adamant about donating a TV to replace the one that recently broke. A new Mitsubishi 60” DLP TV will be installed in their crew’s lounge shortly. Gallery Furniture truly appreciates the pilots and has built a strong relationship with Continental Airlines. We are always happy to see Continental Employees shopping in Houston’s number one furniture store!

Turning Her Life Around

For the 25th year, Gallery Furniture is providing new furniture to 33 families in the Houston area during this holiday season.  These families were chosen by a judging committee from thousands of letters Gallery Furniture received this year.  This is the story of one of those families.

Teri Bowman’s story is not like other people’s stories; four years ago she was incarcerated. Upon getting out of jail, she was homeless with only a box full of her things and $50 to her name. She was very strong willed and determined to regain her life, and she worked hard to be able to rent the current home she is living in and regain custody of her 4 children.

But what makes her story so special is that she accidentally saw her nomination email for the Gallery Furniture Giveaways. She immediately wrote to Gallery Furniture thanking them for the opportunity, but felt that it was unfair that she saw the email and that she was not worthy of the opportunity. The judges respected her honesty and made the decision to furnish her home regardless.

Terri was very surprised to the Gallery Furniture trucks pull up to unload a house full of furniture for her! “Last night my son told me that he was praying for a bed. Prayers really do come true.” Terri said as the delivery of beds was being brought into the house.