DALTON GA, October 29, 2009 – For most people, the urge to be charitable strikes about this time of year. However, for hundreds of Beaulieu of America associates, it’s a year-round passion. Eight years ago, a group of community-minded volunteers at this major Dalton-based carpet producer discovered that shelves in the local food bank needed re-stocking. Thanks to their dedication, that’s never been a problem again. Every year, the Beaulieu Cares Committee puts on fund-raising events, from bake sales to raffles to weenie roasts (there have been 19 fund-raisers so far this year) on their own time to raise money to feed the less fortunate in their community.

Carl Bouckaert, one of the owners of Beaulieu, offered to match what was raised after the third year and been actively involved ever since. Every fall, Carl and an entourage of Beaulieu staffers load-up grocery carts for the Red Cross. Beaulieu is unique in its level of support and has tried to encourage and challenge other floor covering companies to pitch-in with their own efforts, but without much success, according to Christina Wright, staff assistant in Beaulieu’s financial services department and treasure of the committee.

The need is greater than ever, with the unemployment rate in the area hovering around 12.4% according to the Dalton Daily Citizen. Last year, the Murray county food bank served approximately 13,000 people and assisted hundreds more through its referral service, thanks to Beaulieu. This year, the Beaulieu Cares Committee will raise over $10,000 – to be matched by Mr. Bouckaert.

Beaulieu of America is the largest carpet-only manufacturer employing 6,000+ in over 30 facilities. Beaulieu operates manufacturing plants throughout Murray and Whitfield counties in north Georgia.

For more information, contact:
Patricia Flavin
Senior VP of Marketing
Beaulieu of America
706-272-7365
patricia.flavin@beaulieugroup.com