FCIF has been so generous in helping us meet Lukas’ needs and secure an adaptive bike so he can continue riding with his friends.
– PEGGY, LUKAS’ MOM
2025 Report to the Industry
Charlie Dilks
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
The FCIF continues to provide meaningful assistance to those in need across the floor covering industry. Throughout 2025, our board continued its long-standing compassionate approach to grant distribution, remaining committed to delivering support where it is needed most. We are also expanding awareness efforts to ensure more industry families know help is available. Once again, our fund raising goals were met as donations large and small were received from industry manufacturers, distributors, technology providers, as well as individuals. In addition, the Alan Greenberg Golf Tournament, organized by CCA Global Partners for the benefit of the FCIF, was again a soldout event! During 2025, we expanded the FCIF Board of Directors to 33 members. Our board and its committees have been actively engaged in strengthening and enhancing the work of the Foundation, and we are grateful for their continued leadership, participation, and commitment. In 2026, we will focus on further increasing the Foundation’s reach and visibility. While fundraising remains a priority, ensuring that those in need receive timely assistance remains at the heart of everything we do. Please help us spread the word.
Andrea Blackbourn
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
This year, the Floor Covering Industry Foundation provided critical financial assistance to 41 families facing life-altering illnesses, injuries, and disabilities, bringing the total number of families served to more than 1,440 since 2003. Many of those we served were battling cancer, orthopedic conditions, and neurological disorders, often while unable to work and struggling to cover basic expenses. Through the generosity of our supporters, FCIF funded essential needs including medical care, rent and mortgage payments, and utilities, helping families remain in their homes and continue treatment.
Beyond financial support, we continue to provide compassionate case management by connecting grantees to support groups, nonprofit resources, hospital assistance programs, and budgeting tools, along with a caring voice on the other end of the phone when it is needed most. Our 2025 operational revenue reached $870,000, driven by a record-breaking annual campaign and sustained, long-standing support from WFCA and the CCA Global Partners golf event. Every dollar reflects this industry’s commitment to take care of its own. This is the power of our community–showing up with compassion, acting with purpose, and ensuring no one faces hardship alone.
FCIF’s Mission
The Floor Covering Industry Foundation helps families get back on their feet when battling catastrophic injuries, severe disabilities, or other life-altering illnesses. The 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit assists those who have worked in the floor covering industry by providing direct grants for medical care and other basic needs.
History of FCIF
In 1980, the President of the Carpet & Rug Institute had been traveling for business and suffered a debilitating stroke. Leaders in the flooring industry wanted a way to help provide for him and his young bride who were new to Dalton, Georgia and just getting started. From this spark of compassion, the Floor Covering Industry Foundation was knit.
The Floor Covering Industry Foundation was chartered in 1981 in Washington D.C., and the Foundation has found homes in Chicago, Illinois and then Anaheim, California, before making the journey back to the East Coast in 2016 to its current home in the Carpet Capital of the World - Dalton, Georgia.
“I received a grant from the FCIF. I was debilitated by a brain stem stroke that forever knocked my entire life off its axis. FCIF helps with my medical bills and its support makes it possible for me to live at home with my family...No words can tell you what that means to my quality of life and personal dignity.”
- Mr. Eldredge, FCIF’s 1st recipient, as published in Floor Covering News, Feb. 20, 2015
FOUNDING BOARD MEMBERS - 1981
Bill Alt
Olin Corporation
James L. Benson
Customweave Carpets, Inc.
*Emmett L. Dineen
The Merchandise Mart
W. John Dixon
Columbus Mills, Inc.
T. R. Fischel
Badische Corporation
Burton M. Gold
Stratton Industries, Inc.
C. R. Goulet
Bigelow-Sanford, Inc.
*Walter B. Guinan
President of Karastan
Alfred S. Gussin
Wwg Industries, Inc.
*Irv Harvey
Galaxy Carpet Mills, Inc.
John W. Himes
E. L. Du Pont
Jimmy W. Hodge
Amoco Fabrics Company
*Jordan Issackedes
General Felt Industries, Inc.
Richard J. Kelly
American Enka Company
Thomas V. King
The Merchandise Mart
David L. Kolb
Mohasco Corporation
Francis X. Larkin
Karastan Rug Mills
J. B. Maffett
World Carpets, Inc.
F. E. Masland III
C. H. Masland & Sons
Dean B. Mckinney
Carson Pirie Scott & Company
Ulrich Meyer Carpetland USA
N. Laurence Nagle
Burlington Industries, Inc.
Harry F. Pearson
Congoleum Corporation
Haig Pedian
Pedian Rug Company
Thomas B. Price
J. P. Stevens & Co., Inc.
*Howard A. Reed
Floor Covering Weekly
Harry I. Saul
Queen Carpet Corp
Edward T. Schell
Hoechst Fibers Industries
* Daniel J. Schoen
Kaufman Carpets Company, Inc.
*Robert E. Shaw
Shaw Industries, Inc.
Peter R. Spirer
Horizon Industries
Richard A. Stabile
Coronet Industries, Inc.
James C. Swink
Monsanto Textiles Company
*Albert Wahnon
Floor Covering Weekly
H. Arthur Williams
Mannington Mills, Inc
General Counsel
Sheldon I London
Executive Secretary
Mariann B. Gregory
*executive committee
As you can see, the organization has at its roots the same leadership that ignited the floor covering industry. The motive for the creation of the non-profit? To provide a way for individuals and companies to provide direct financial assistance to individuals in the industry who were experiencing catastrophic illness, injuries, or living with lifealtering disabilities. The mission remains the same today.
What We Do
providing comfort and care
FCIF provides financial assistance for those in the industry who are battling a life-altering disability, injury, or illness. Our grants cover a variety of medical expenses and basic needs, such as housing, utilities, and food.
Our Impact
In 2025, FCIF provided grants to 41 families. Over 1,440 families have counted on FCIF in their time of need since 2003. Across the country, FCIF provides financial assistance grants to floor covering industry workers and their family members who are battling life-altering illnesses, injuries, and disabilities.
41 grants in 2025
1,441 grants since 2003
Meet Viridiana GRANTEE
Viridiana, a Georgia resident and a dedicated flooring professional with 11 years in the industry, suffered a lifealtering stroke in June 2024 that left her with severe memory and speech challenges. As her husband stepped away from work to become her fulltime caregiver, medical bills and household expenses quickly became overwhelming. An FCIF grant provided vital support, allowing Viridiana to focus on recovery.
“I want to say THANK YOU to the board and the donors of FCIF. God bless each and every one of you,” shared Christian, Viridiana’s husband.
Meet Susan GRANTEE
Susan, a Florida-based business owner specializing in flooring installation and restoration, dedicated eight years to the industry. After being diagnosed with Grade 2 breast cancer and osteoporosis, she made the difficult decision to step away from work to focus on her treatment and declining bone health. During this challenging time, an FCIF grant helped cover her mortgage payments, allowing her family to stay in their home and easing financial stress when it mattered most.
“FCIF saved our home multiple times while I was battling breast cancer,” Susan shared. “You gave us hope, joy, and peace of mind when we needed it most.”
Meet Luis GRANTEE
Luis, a twisting operator from Georgia with 18 years in the flooring industry, endured years of serious medical challenges. His journey began with prostate cancer, followed by multiple surgeries and a disabling spinal condition. As his physical limitations worsened, he was no longer able to work. During this incredibly difficult time, an FCIF grant provided critical support for medical and housing expenses.
“I am very grateful to FCIF, they are doing very important work for the community. Thank you, God bless you,” shared Luis.
FCIF has been so generous in helping us meet Lukas’ needs and secure a safe, appropriate adaptive bike so he can continue riding with his friends and pushing forward.
- PEGGY, LUKAS’ MOM
Meet Lukas GRANTEE
Born with spina bifida and hydrocephalus, Lukas faced serious medical challenges from the very beginning of his life. These conditions affect mobility and require ongoing medical care. He underwent his first surgery just 25 hours after he was born.
Since that moment, Lukas’ life has been marked by extraordinary resilience. Over the years, he has undergone more than 13 surgeries and continues to face ongoing therapies and daily medical challenges with courage and determination.
For 26 years, Lukas’ father has dedicated his career to the flooring industry as a predictive reliability technician in Georgia, working hard to support his family while helping Lukas navigate his medical journey. Through the support of the Floor Covering Industry Foundation, their family received a grant to help cover essential monthly utilities and provide Lukas with a custom adaptive bike. With his adaptive bike, Lukas can safely ride with his friends and experience not just greater mobility, but independence and confidence.
Meet Mario GRANTEE
Mario, a flooring installer from Louisiana, dedicated 35 years to his craft. In 2023, he was diagnosed with Grade 3 large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma in his left lung, forcing him to step away from work and focus on treatment. As medical bills and everyday expenses quickly became overwhelming, an FCIF grant helped cover rent, utilities, insurance, medical care, food, and transportation, providing much-needed relief during a very difficult time.
“The grant truly saved our livelihood,” Mario shared. “Thanks to the FCIF, my wife and I were able to pay our bills, put food on the table, and have a place to lay our heads.”
Meet Sheila GRANTEE
Sheila, a utility relief associate from Georgia with 15 years in the flooring industry, faced a devastating series of health crises in 2024. She underwent lung cancer surgery, suffered a heart attack, and is now navigating kidney failure requiring ongoing dialysis. As medical bills quickly piled up, everyday expenses became overwhelming. An FCIF grant provided vital support, helping cover her mortgage, utilities, and essential medical care during an incredibly difficult time.
“This grant has saved my home and my car and has given me peace of mind. I am so grateful. Thank you from the bottom of my heart,” shared Sheila.
This grant has provided our family with stability at a time when our lives were completely turned upside down.
- FELICIA, LANDON’S MOM
Meet Landon GRANTEE
After 19 years in the flooring industry, Shane and his wife Felicia faced a devastating challenge when their 14-year-old son, Landon, was diagnosed with leukemia and later suffered a hemorrhagic stroke that left him in a coma for nine days. As Felicia left work to care for him during months of intensive recovery, the family faced serious emotional and financial strain.
Thanks to the generosity of donors, FCIF stepped in to help cover critical needs like their mortgage, utilities, and medical expenses. This support has allowed Landon to continue therapies that are improving his mobility and speech while the family focuses on his recovery and the hope for a brighter future.
By the Numbers
2025 GRANTEE STATS
GRANT RECIPIENTS comorbidities included
APPLICATIONS BY
SECTOR
* most grantees receive funding for more than one expense item. Funding beyond medical care is based on individual need.
$870,000 TOTAL
$901,000 $1,101,000 $847,000 $1,108,000 $774,000 $736,000 $601,000 $473,000 $509,000
Max Holland BOARD MEMBER FEI Group
My commitment to the FCIF began early in my career, but it truly took shape after witnessing the passion of leaders like Keith Campbell and my late friend and mentor, Dave Ghesling. Serving on the Board since 2021 has been a profound honor. The FCIF plays a critical role in supporting industry families during their most challenging moments, and I’m inspired by our efforts to expand awareness and reach. I encourage anyone who cares about people and our industry to get involved.
Lisa Browning BOARD MEMBER
The Floor Covering Industry Foundation is a powerful reminder that our industry is more than business, it’s a community. FCIF brings compassion, stability, and hope to flooring families.
National Floorcovering Alliance
Raymond Mancini BOARD MEMBER
UCX
I am so proud of the organization, whose sole purpose is to help flooring people in need. It is a great way of giving back to the floor covering community in which I have been associated for 25+ years. The board members are all longtime flooring people, and I am so grateful to be working with them to help the organization be successful. It is truly inspiring to see so many people giving back to the flooring industry, in which we all made a career. The commitment is very rewarding.
For over 25 years, the floor covering industry has supported my friends, my family, and me through every stage of my career—including building and selling our family business. Supporting FCIF feels like the perfect way to give back to an industry that has given so much to me, and to help ensure others in this community receive the care and support they need.
Carole Cross
BOARD MEMBER
FCIF On the Road
From local retailer visits to industry stages, the FCIF team traveled nationwide building relationships and raising awareness—sharing the Foundation’s mission at key events including the NAFCD + NBMDA Convention in Chicago, the CCA Global Partners Convention in Denver, and The International Surface Event (tise) in Las Vegas.
Charlie Dilks Inducted into WFCA Hall of Fame
FCIF BOARD CHAIR
With a remarkable 47 years in flooring, Charlie Dilks continues to leave an indelible mark on every facet of the flooring industry. He began by managing a 60-store retail chain in Canada before moving on to key leadership roles at Shaw Industries. In 1997, Dilks joined CCA Global Partners, where he now serves as Chief Product Officer. His collaborative work with major U.S. and international suppliers has led to innovative product lines and strategic programs that empower independent dealers in today’s competitive market. Dilks’ impact extends well beyond business. An early supporter of the Tunnel to Towers (T2T) Foundation, he mobilized Carpet One Floor & Home stores nationwide to host local run/walk events raising essential funds for injured veterans and first responders.
As co-founder of the Alan Greenberg Memorial Golf Tournament—a tradition spanning over 20 years—Dilks has united industry leaders to support the Floor Covering Industry Foundation (FCIF). Now serving as Chairman of the FCIF Board and having recently acted as Master of Ceremonies for the FCIF Gala in New York City, his leadership has helped raise millions of dollars for flooring professionals facing critical challenges.
Charlie’s steadfast commitment to helping others defines him as both a colleague and leader. His integrity, fairness, and tireless advocacy for retailers are precisely what our Hall of Fame celebrates.
- LARRY NAGLE, PRESIDENT OF N.L. NAGLE, INC.
Alan Greenberg
Memorial
GOLF TOURNAMENT
The annual golf tournament, hosted by CCA Global Partners, is traditionally held in September at the beautiful Barnsley Gardens, located 60 miles north of Atlanta, GA in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
HIGHLIGHTS
$140,000 RAISED IN 2025
Sept. 16 2026 SAVE THE DATE
You are invited to play on a team, become a sponsor, advertise at the event, or make a donation. We look forward to seeing you this fall to tee up for the FCIF.
A
LEGACY GIVING OPPORTUNITY THROUGH FCIF
To meet growing demand and ensure long-term stability, FCIF is launching The Forever Fund — a permanently restricted endowment designed to provide predictable, lasting support for generations to come. The Forever Fund strengthens FCIF with a more traditional foundation model, building long-term resources through major and legacy gifts rather than relying solely on annual giving.
The Forever Fund endowment will:
• Provide reliable, sustainable funding for families in crisis
• Protect the mission through economic and industry changes
• Ensure immediate help when it is needed most
• Offer meaningful legacy opportunities for industry leaders
THANK YOU to the following for making planned and endowed gifts:
William A. Gold Endowment
Laurence & Robin Nagle
Charitable Remainder Trust
Alan Greenberg Memorial Fund
Shaw Industries
What Your Dollars Will Fund
$100 gift
Provides transportation to life-sustaining medical appointments for an individual undergoing treatment for advanced lung cancer.
$500 gift
Provides one month of feeding tube supplies and specialized nutritional formula not fully covered by insurance for a child diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy.
$1,000 gift
Funds medical equipment for an individual living with Parkinson’s Disease.
$2,500 gift
Stabilizes housing and utilities for one month for a family caring for an individual recovering from severe spinal cord injury.
$5,000 gift
Supports short-term in-home caregiving services for an individual with ALS.
$10,000 gift
Funds medical travel and temporary lodging for an individual receiving specialized treatment for a rare autoimmune disease.
All gifts are tax deductible, as no goods or services will be provided in exchange for your gift. Your donation is greatly appreciated.
FCIF Gala History
FCIF has celebrated leadership in the flooring industry and in philanthropy since the beginning. These leaders have been recognized by their peers through FCIF banquets, awards, and galas.
Joe Maffett, President and Chief Operating Officer of World Carpets, Inc.
Irv Harvey, Cofounder of Galaxy
John A. McConnel, Jr., President of J.P. Stevens
M.B. Seretan, Chairman of Coronet
C.R. (Ruddy) Goulet, Chairman of the Board and CEO of BigelowSanford, Inc.
Chris Davis, CEO of the WFCA
Howard Brodsky, Co-Founder, Chairman & CEO of CCA Global Partners
Dan Frierson, Chairman & CEO of Dixie Group
Founder & Chairman of Stanton Carpet
Roger Marcus, Chairman & CEO of American Biltrite
Al Wahnon, Founder of Floor Covering News
Bud Seretean, Former chairman of Coronet Industries
Peter Spirer, Former chairman of Horizon Industries
Larry Nagle, Former executive v.p. of Burlington Industries and president of Color Tile Howard Brodsky & Alan Greenberg, Co-chairmen of CCA Global
Annual Donors
$75,000+
CCA Global Partners
Engineered Floors
Floor Covering Weekly*
Mohawk Industries
Shaw Industries
$50,000-$74,999
Floor Covering News*
Mannington Mills
World Floor Covering Association
$25,000-$49,999
Floor Focus / FloorDaily*
Shelby Peeples Family Fund
tise - Informa Exhibitions
$15,000-$24,999
AHF Products
All Surfaces
Dossche Family Foundation
Resilient Floor Covering Institute
Roppe Holding Company
$10,000-$14,999
Abbey Carpet Company
Brian Caress
Cali Floors
Carole Cross & Aramus Cross
FEI Group
James C. Gould - Bitker Gould
Family Charitable Foundation
Helen And Harry Saul Foundation
Herregan Distributors, Inc.
Karndean Designflooring
Stanton Carpet Corporation
The Odette Foundation
Mary Helen & Will Young
$5,000-$9,999
Ralph Boe
Carpenter Co.
Congoleum
Charlie Dilks
Emser Tile
Emily & Don Finkell
Healthier Choice
ProInstaller Magazine*
Teresa and Paul Murfin
National Floorcovering Alliance
NEFCA
The Dixie Group / Dixie Home
UCX
$2,500-$4,999
Branded Records
Brooks T. Mancini Jr.
and Kerstin M. Mancini
Flooring Specialist from CFI*
NAFCD
Margie & Sam O’Krent
Premier Flooring Retailer*
Patrick Warren
Southwind Floors
$1,000-$2,499
Acierno & Company, LLC
Andrea Blackbourn
Carl Bouckaert
Carpet One Floor & Home
Asheville & Hickory
John Church
Jonathan Cohen
David’s Abbey Carpet & Floors
DeHaan Tile & Floor Covering
Erramuzpe Family Partnership
Franklin Floors
Geoffrey Gordon
Susan Hadinger
Scott Humphrey
Matthew Kahny
Cynthia & James Lesslie
Mathews & Parlo Carpet
MP Global Products
Natus Corp. DBA
Hamernicks Decorating
Sarah & Wendell Prescott
Amy Rush-Imber
Sid’s Carpet Barn
The Weiss Family Fund
Michel Vermette
Terry Wheat
Totally Floored by Flooring America
Wheeler Giving Fund
Kaye Whitener
$500-$999
Adleta Corporation
Jessica Arscott
Atlanta Flooring Design
Brentwood Flooring America
Lisa Browning
C3 Connect, LLC
Carpet Fair, INC DBA
Next Day Floors
Lewis Davis
Denver Carpet & Flooring
Jeff Golden
GP Flooring Solutions
Max Holland
Jeff & Marianne Johnson
David Kraeling
Northwest Trends of Spokane
Roy Lomas Carpets & Hardwoods
Randall & Brooke Sheehe
Signature Flooring
Kathleen Spohn
Robert Webb
* Thank you to our media partners for in-kind advertising.
Thank you for your donations!
2026 Board of Directors
Charlie Dilks
CHAIRMAN
CCA Global Partners
Scott Humphrey
VICE CHAIRMAN
World Floor Covering Association
Kennedy Frierson
TREASURER
The Dixie Group
Sam O’Krent
NOMINATIONS
COMMITTEE CHAIR
O’Krent Floors
CORPORATE SECRETARY
Dossche Holding Company Zack Zehner
GRANT DISTRIBUTION CHAIR
Mannington Mills Will Young
FUND DEVELOPMENT CHAIR
Engineered Floors
Jonathan Cohen
EXEC. COMMITTEE AT LARGE
Stanton Carpet
board of directors, cont.
Ralph Boe
Lisa Browning, National Floorcovering Alliance
Brian Caress, Industry Volunteer
Carole Cross, SamplesApp
Brent Emore, AHF Products
Steve Feldman, Floor Covering News
Emily Finkell, EF Floors & Design
Amie Gilmore, Informa / The International Surface Event
Jeff Golden, JG Media Group / ProInstaller
Geoff Gordon, FUSE Alliance
Ralph Grogan, Taylor Adhesives
Kemp Harr, Floor Focus Magazine
Max Holland, FEI Group
Kevin Jablon, Spartan Surfaces
Doug Jackson, Cali Floors
Raymond Mancini, Jr., UCX
Paul Murfin, Consultant - Floor Covering Industry
Bryan Peeples, Textile Management Associates
Ed Perrin, Karndean Designflooring
Russ Rogg, Shaw Industries
Amy Rush-Imber, Floor Covering Weekly
Michel Vermette, AFS Group
Patrick Warren, Daltile
Bob Weiss, All Surfaces
Bill Wilson, Abbey Carpet Co.
Andrea Blackbourn, FCIF Executive Director, ex-officio
board members emeriti
Howard Brodsky, CCA Global Partners
Keith Campbell, Mannington Mills
Larry Nagle, N.L. Nagle, Inc.
Philip Gutierrez, Abbey Carpet Co.
Mission
The Floor Covering Industry Foundation helps families get back on their feet when battling catastrophic injuries, severe disabilities, or other life-altering medical crises.
The 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit assists those who have worked in the floor covering industry by providing direct grants for medical care and other basic needs.
855
855.330.1183
FCIF Board of Directors at The International Surface Event (tise) in January 2026, Las Vegas.