May 14, 2012

Umbra To Receive Industry Achievement Award

Gift for Life, the gift, stationery and home decor industries’ leading charitable organization, announced today that Umbra and its co-founders Les Mandelbaum and Paul Rowan will be honored with the Gift For Life Industry Achievement Award during the Gifts & Decorative Accessories 60th Annual Retailer Excellence Awards, taking place on Sunday, August 19, 2012, in New York City.

Umbra began in 1979 with a single design of printed paper window shades. Umbra’s products have since become design icons and remain best-sellers in the marketplace. The curvaceous GARBINO Can sits in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art and many other Umbra designs have received international design recognition. Umbra’s commitment to design integrity has made it one of the most prolific producers in the marketplace. Their products are available at over 35,000 retailers, in over 100 countries. UMBRA’s award winning design team – over 30 men and women from all around the world – create products for every room in the home. The company maintains its reputation by staying true to Les and Paul’s original philosophy – that everyday objects can be a source of pleasure when reinvented to combine function with modern technology, stylish design, and wit.

“Les and Paul’s dedication to design excellence and decades of product stewardship make them worthy recipients of this honor,” said Leslie Nathan-Street, chair of the Gift for Life board. “We are proud to present the Industry Achievement Honor to a visionary company and founders who continue to challenge and excite the industry.”

“More than three decades ago a simple idea grew into a company with lots of creative minds, compelling products and support from thoughtful customers,” said Les Mandelbaum, co-founder. “On behalf of the entire Umbra family around the world we humbly accept this award.”

Gifts & Decorative Accessories’ Retailer Excellence Awards recognize excellence in retailing and individual achievement. Introduced in 1951, the REA’s are the industry’s most established and prestigious honors awards. During this festive industry gathering, 2012 finalists will be recognized, retail category winners will be announced, special recognition awards will be presented and Gift For Life’s Industry Achievement Award will be presented. Tickets $185 each, including cocktails and dinner, are available through www.giftsanddec.com.

Each year, Gift for Life hosts events throughout the U.S. benefitting DIFFA. The primary mission of Gift for Life and DIFFA is to eradicate the AIDS pandemic in the U.S. Working together, Gift for Life and DIFFA will continue to raise funds for HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and education programs. Follow Gift for Life’s efforts via its free e-newsletter, available at http://www.giftforlife.org/about_gfl/press-releases-and-newsletters.

ABOUT GIFT FOR LIFE
Gift for Life, the gift and home decor industry’s volunteer group raising funds for AIDS assistance and research through DIFFA: Design Industry Foundation Fighting AIDS, was founded in 1992. Since then, Gift for Life has raised nearly $5 million through special events, cause-related marketing, promotions, and from corporate and individual donations. For more information visit www.giftforlife.org

ABOUT DIFFA
DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS is one of the largest funders of HIV/AIDS service and education programs in the U.S. Since its founding in 1984, DIFFA has mobilized the immense resources of the design communities to provide more than $38 million to hundreds of AIDS organizations nationwide. The DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS Web site is available at www.diffa.org