
The Common Thread for the Cure Foundation’s Longtime Treasurer, Patty Younts, Retires

One of the founding members of The Common Thread for the Cure Foundation, Patty Younts, is retiring from the organization after serving as our treasurer for 25 years.
Grateful for her many years of dedicated service, Jane Barea, foundation president, said, “When we began the foundation, Patty volunteered to take on the challenging treasurer position, while still maintaining her full-time position as an interior designer. Not only did Patty have to account for the income received, but she also had to ensure we were financially able to provide over $2 million in grants to over 480 survivors in the design and furnishings industry. Even as she faced her own battles with breast cancer, Patty continued to work to keep the foundation fiscally sound. I am proud to have served with her.”
As the Foundation celebrates Patty’s many contributions, we are looking toward the future and have begun a search for a qualified individual to serve as treasurer. This volunteer leadership role will oversee the organization’s financial stewardship, support sound fiscal management, and contribute to its long-term strategic vision. Candidates should have an accounting degree or comparable financial management experience. This position does not require tax preparation. For more information, contact accounting@commonthreadforthecure.org.

Celebrating the People Who Made Our Golf Tournament a Success
Thank you to the sponsors, the volunteers, and the players who supported the 23rd Annual Golf Tournament this past April in Lake Lure, NC. Because of your support, we will be able to provide stress relief to at least 13 individuals in our industry who are battling breast cancer. This level of relief could not happen without each of you. I remain grateful to you for your continuous support, as I know you share the mission of supporting survivors.
A special expression of gratitude must go to the Tournament and Foundation Sponsors as their support makes a significant difference in the success of the event.
Arcadia/Encore
Crypton
Friend of the Foundation-Anonymous
Hickory Chair
Integra Inc.
Lexington Home Brands
Mayer Fabrics
Michael F Luther & Associates
OFS Brands
Paul Brayton Designs
Valley Forge Fabrics
Yontz Painting
Artopex
Flower Magazine
Good’s Home Furnishings
Hooker Furnishings Corporation
La-Z-Boy Healthcare/Knu Comfort
MRG Southwest, Inc.
Michael and Maureen Mekjian
Momentum Textiles and Wallcovering
Universal Furniture/Baker Furniture
Versteel
To the Hole Sponsors, the Team Sponsors, the Beverage Cart and Beverage Hole Sponsors, and the Dinner Sponsors, thank you! You are an important part of providing a celebratory event that honors survivors. I look forward to seeing everyone again next year on April 30, 2027, in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina. Contact janebarea19@gmail.com for information on sponsorships or team bookings.
With sincere gratitude,
Jane Barea, President
Recognizing Our Board of Directors
Many thanks to the following members of our leadership team. These committed individuals bring extensive experience and passion to our mission, and we thank them for their service.
Rob Mayer, Chairman
Mayer Fabric
Jane Barea, President
Pink Salt, LLC
Dee Wyrick, Vice President
Momentum Textiles
Linda Higgins, Secretary
LHiggins Design
Pam Mathias, Assistant Secretary
Versteel
Mike Blessinger, Director
Indiana Furniture
Laura Carlson, Director
My Resource Library
Susan Claus, Director
Ghent
Laura Holland, Director
Hickory Chair
Sasha Ikovic, Director
AHF Products, Crossville, Inc.
Evan Lagueruela, Director
Trinity Furniture
Jan Ort, Director
Trendsetter Home Decor Group
Kelly Ponder, Director
Crypton
Adam Stemle, Director
La-Z-Boy® Healthcare | Knú Comfort®
Mark Stuckey, Director
Retired Furniture Executive
Lindsey Waldrep, Director
Caesarstone
Lesley Zitone-Olson, Director
Momentum Textiles
Expanding Impact: The Common Thread for the Cure Reaches 43 States with Recent Idaho Grant
With the recent addition of Idaho, The Common Thread for the Cure has awarded grants in 43 states, Canada, and Mexico. Leaving only seven states yet to receive support, this milestone highlights the organization’s growing impact and commitment to supporting those in need across the country.

Casino Night: An Evening of Fun. A Lasting Impact
A winning event for a worthy cause, Casino Night, held on April 9 in Tampa, Florida, helped raise funds to support those in our industry who are facing breast cancer.

New Jersey Gala Celebrates 25 Years of Impact
Celebrating 25 years of making a difference, the Anniversary Gala took place on April 14 in Union, New Jersey. It was an evening of remembrance and support for those impacted by breast cancer.
Upcoming Events
2026 is in full swing! Don’t miss the following upcoming events!
Rosé and Resilience
October 1
Wildwood Family Farms – 7970 Snow Ave. SE, Alto, MI
NYC Woven Together
October 21
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Grand Brasserie at 89 East 42nd Street, New York, NY in Grand Central Terminal
4th Annual Glamping for the Cause
October 16-18
Santa Barbara, CA
Interior Design Society (IDS) Industry Charity Event
November 11
5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Florida Design Works, 29 N Pineapple Ave., Sarasota, FL
24th Annual Golf Tournament
April 30, 2027
Lake Lure, NC
Click here to check out our events page to register or purchase tickets.
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On behalf of our Board of Directors, our volunteers, and those survivors we will help because of you, we thank you.
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