Meet&CoRIPLEY, Miss. — In a heartwarming community event, Ashley Furniture Industries, alongside its Hope to Dream initiative and the Boys & Girls Clubs of North Mississippi, provided 100 children in Ripley with brand-new beds during the Sweet Dreams Summer Fest.
Held at the local Boys & Girls Club, the event featured a festive atmosphere filled with games, summer activities, and a shared meal. The evening’s highlight came when each child learned they would be going home with their own complete bed set—mattress, frame, bedding, and pillow included.
Ashley team members from nearby facilities volunteered at the event, helping to make the celebration memorable.
Earnie Gates, senior director of upholstery at Ashley, emphasized the company’s local commitment, saying that as one of the largest employers in the region, Ashley is dedicated to supporting its community. He noted that through Hope to Dream, the company is not just offering beds, but also contributing to the well-being and future of local families. The collaboration with the Boys & Girls Clubs, he added, enables Ashley to directly support the neighborhoods where its employees live and work.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of North Mississippi played a key role in identifying children in need and facilitating the event. Since its launch, Hope to Dream has provided over 180,000 children with beds. The program is funded in part by proceeds from mattress sales at participating Ashley stores.
