City of Hope sets fundraising record with back-to-back $1M donations
It is a moment that will be talked about in the home furnishings industry for years to come...
HIGH POINT — In a moment that will be talked about in the home furnishings industry for years to come Dr. Man Li Wong, chairman of Manwah Holdings concluded his speech accepting City of Hope‘s Spirit of Life Award by making a $1 million donation to the organization on behalf of his family. Moments later, fellow recipient Jay Schottenstein concluded his own acceptance speech by announcing the Schottenstein family would match the donation.
The stunning, generous and unexpected announcements brought the packed crowd to its feet in applause after each donation and raised the City of Hope’s fundraising effort for the night to a record $3.7 million.
After hearing updates on the latest City of Hope cancer research, including a video testimonial from industry veteran and cancer survivor Michael Burton (represented by his son at the gala), the 2025 Spirit of Life award winners — Dr. Man Li Wong, founder, chairman and CEO of Manwah Holdings, and Jay Schottenstein, chairman of American Signature Furniture and Value City Furniture — were recognized for their significant contributions to the City of Hope.
Wong founded Manwah Holdings in 1992 and serves as the chairman and CEO of the global leader in the furniture industry, with production facilities in China, Vietnam and other locations. Known for its upholstery products, Manwah has expanded its reach into more than 80 countries, and its flagship brand, Cheers, is known for reclining furniture. Wong is known for his philanthropic efforts in Hong Kong, particularly charitable activities supporting education and health care.
Schottenstein leads American Signature Furniture/Value City Furniture, a leading privately owned furniture retailer. Since succeeding his late father, Jerome, in 1992, as CEO Schottenstein has led ASI/VCF and the family’s other public and private businesses including AEO, DBI/DSW, Schottenstein Property Group, SB360 Capital Partners and others to new heights. Today, ASI/VCF operates more than 120 stores across the Midwest, Southeast and East Coast. Schottenstein, along with his wife and family, is involved in numerous philanthropic efforts in the U.S., Israel and around the world. He recently was inducted into the World Retail Hall of Fame in Paris.
In addition to the approximately $3.7 million raised during the 2025 Spirit of Life gala, additional fundraising events are upcoming, including the annual City of Hope golf tournament and the annual Walk for Hope. For more information, go to https://www.cityofhope.org/
Executive Editor Cindy Hodnett contributed to this story.
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