City of Hope, one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the United States and ranked among the nation’s top five cancer centers by U.S. News & World Report, and its International Home Furnishings Industry group (IHFI) have announced the two leaders in the furniture industry named as the 2025 Spirit of Life Awards honorees.
Jay Schottenstein, chairman of American Signature Furniture and Value City Furniture, and Dr. Man Li Wong, founder, Chairman and CEO of Manwah Holdings, were formally introduced as this year’s honorees on October 24 during the recent High Point Market. The annual Spirit of Life Awards Dinner will be held on Sunday, April 27, 2025, in Greensboro, NC, during the spring High Point Market.
The partnership between IHFI and City of Hope has played a valuable role in cancer research discovery and broadened access to leading-edge care. The Spirit of Life award is City of Hope’s highest honor, given to industry leaders who exemplify the ideals and values that have guided City of Hope for over a century – compassion, service, integrity, curiosity, excellence and collaboration.
Schottenstein has played an instrumental role in the furniture industry through his visionary leadership in American Signature Furniture/Value City Furniture, one of the country's largest privately owned furniture retailers. 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 record heights. Today, ASI/VCF operates more than 120 stores across the Midwest, Southeast and East Coast. Schottenstein, his wife Jeanie and their children, Joey and Lindsay, Jonathan (president of ASI/VCF) and Nicole, and Jeffrey and Ariella are deeply involved in numerous community health, social service and educational philanthropic efforts in the United States, Israel and worldwide. The Schottenstein family’s charitable efforts have earned them worldwide recognition from organizations including The Mesorah Heritage Foundation, American Red Cross, and JDRF (now Breakthrough TD1) to name a few. Schottenstein was recently inducted into the prestigious World Retail Hall of Fame at a ceremony held in Paris, France.
Dr. Wong founded Manwah Holdings in 1992 and serves as the chairman and CEO of the global leader in the furniture industry. Wong has overseen its growth from a small operation into one of the largest upholstery manufacturers in the world, with major 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, has become a household name for reclining furniture. Wong is known for his philanthropic efforts in Hong Kong, particularly charitable activities supporting education and health care. His commitment to social responsibility is aligned with the core values of Manwah, which emphasizes giving back to the communities where it operates.
To support or register for this City of Hope event, visit CityofHope.org/IHFI-Gala. For more information, contact Loren Boyko at 626-222-9764, or send an email to IHFIevents@coh.org.
