Renewing Commitment to Tile Partners for Humanity, Coverings 2006 Extends Donations
Throughout Gulf States

The tile industry will be putting a smile on the faces of hundreds of families in need of housing throughout the storm-damaged Gulf Coast region. That’s because Coverings, the premier tile and stone expo, and its 1,200 exhibitors will be donating truckloads of unused tile and stone to Tile Partners for Humanity [TPFH], a non-profit organization. Through its partnership with Habitat for Humanity, TPFH helps rebuild homes by supplying tile and stone materials as well as providing adhesives, tools, cleaners, sealants and installation training for volunteers and homeowners. Contributions of tile, stone and related materials will be made at the conclusion of Coverings 2006, April 4-7, in Orlando, FL.

“Proudly, this marks the third year that Coverings has teamed with Tile Partners for Humanity,” said Tamara Christian, Coverings show director and president, National Trade Productions. “Historically, our exhibitors have generously contributed, demonstrating their support for the local Orlando community and giving back to it in a meaningful way. When a trade show the size and scope of Coverings touches down in a community, a bond is forged, compelling us to acknowledge our gratitude and our sense of civic responsibility. The tons and tons of tile, marble, stone and installation materials we donate has a permanence and value that resonate long after the show is over.”

According to Ally Fertitta, executive director, TPFH, the renewed alliance with Coverings is especially critical in this hurricane-harried year. Donations from the 2006 show will, for the first time, benefit families beyond the Orlando area.

“The response of exhibitors last year was phenomenal,” she said, “and we are so grateful to Coverings for the eight trailer loads which were donated to Habitat for Humanity in Orlando. Our plans for this year are two-fold. Once again, we will be gathering all tile, stone and related materials that exhibitors wish to donate and direct it to the local Habitat chapter. And new this year, in light of the devastating hurricanes across the Gulf Coast, we also will dedicate a portion of what’s collected and labor to help build and renovate homes in these communities, as well.”

Coverings 2006 is sponsored by ASCER (Spain’s Ceramic Tile Manufacturers Association); Assopiastrelle (Association of Italian Ceramic Tile and Refractories Manufacturers); TCNA (Tile Council of North America); CTDA (Ceramic Tile Distributors Association) and NTCA (National Tile Contractors Association).

Co-sponsors include the Marble Institute of America; American Institute of Architects (Orlando Chapter); The American Society of Interior Designers (Florida North, Florida South and Florida West Coast); International Interior Design Association (Florida Chapter); the Terrazzo Tile and Marble Association of Canada; the Tile Contractors’ Association of America; and the Tile Heritage Foundation.

About Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity International, based in Americus, GA, is an ecumenical Christian ministry that welcomes to its work all people dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. Since 1976, Habitat has built more than 200,000 houses in nearly 100 countries, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than one million people. For more information, visit www.habitat.org.

About Tile Partners for Humanity
Tile Partners for Humanity is supported by funding and donations from within the tile industry. Its board of directors is comprised of representatives from leading industry organizations, including the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation, Ceramic Tile Institute of America, the Ceramic Tile Distributors Association, National Tile Contractors Association, Tile Council of North America, Tile Heritage Foundation and the Tile Doctor.com. For more information, or to make a donation, contact 770-416-0200, email at ally@tpfh.com, or visit www.tpfh.com.

For more information on attending or exhibiting at Coverings, please visit www.coverings.com or contact NTP at 703-683-8500.