Palecek Gives Back: Helping Hands Assist Globally After Natural Disasters…Charities Benefit, Too

Our BiOH® Polyols business believes that while making the journey toward products that leave a smaller environmental footprint is a worthwhile goal, it’s also important to assess the overall societal impact a company makes. That’s why we’re including an article in each issue dedicated to companies in the home furnishings and bedding industries who are making a social impact. Our spotlight this issue is on Richmond, Calif.-based Palecek.

As a family owned business that has been designing and manufacturing distinctive furniture, accessories and lighting for more than 30 years, Palecek knows a thing or two about global responsibility. This northern California manufacturer chooses primarily sustainable sources to create its stylish designs and has made giving back—locally and globally—a part of its corporate mission.

When victims of Indonesia’s 2004 Tsunami needed assistance, Palecek was there with humanitarian aid through direct donations, a Red Cross relief fund, and company matching for employee contributions. With the guidance of business associates in Indonesia, the company was able to give necessary supplies to a community of people whose village on Sumatra’s Northwest coast had been completely destroyed during the tsunami. Witnessing first-hand the devastation in the community, Allan Palecek, owner and president of Palecek, and his son Andrew, visited the village shortly after the tsunami to ensure its residents were receiving the help they needed. They also met with local organizers to set up an ongoing program for assistance that continues to this day. Vowing to continue donations to communities directly affected by the tsunami, Palecek said, “It is the least we can do to help them put their lives back together.”

Closer to home, Palecek has supported Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Ivan relief efforts by partnering with the American Red Cross and coordinating donations from employees. The company also donated furnishings to victims of the devastating northern California wildfires of 2008 and makes donations that support the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

During the 2008 holiday season, Palecek partnered with N.C.-based Cutters Productions to help furnish a “Dream Home” that was used to raise money for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure® breast cancer foundation. Proceeds from the ticket sales for guided tours and events held at the “Dream Home” were donated to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Charlotte, N.C. affiliate. At the end of the show, a home furnishings sale of all donated items was held with proceeds benefiting the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation as well.