Mohawk Cushions the Fight

Since 2001, Mohawk has contributed more than $6.1 million to Susan G. Komen through corporate donation programs such as Specify for a Cure, according to the company.

This year’s efforts were personal for Mohawk’s senior director of national accounts Kelly Oberschlake, a breast cancer survivor. “I have always been proud to work for a company that sponsors Susan G. Komen, but I never imagined the sponsorship would actually impact myself and my family,” she told FCW. “Earlier this year, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Susan G. Komen has been an amazing, supportive foundation for me! I am so grateful for the support Susan G. Komen gives me and am amazed that my company is a lead sponsor. Go Mohawk!”

This year, Mohawk is not only donating more than 5,000 SmartCushion pads to comfort walkers and crew members, but it is also teaming up with retail partners in each city to host a celebratory lunch to mark the halfway point — the completion of 30 miles, which is a huge feat for the walkers.

This is the fourth year that Mohawk has provided soft, durable and eco-friendly SmartCushion for the three-day, 60-mile walk in all seven participating locations: Michigan, Twin Cities in Minnesota, New England, Seattle, Philadelphia, Dallas/Ft. Worth and San Diego. Cushions are placed under sleeping bags at night and are available for seating at lunchtime. 

Additionally, Mohawk will donate bright pink carpet for “Mohawk Mile,” a path leading walkers to the finish line each day. Commercial brand Mohawk Group will also be supplying pink and gray carpet tile rugs created using its Pop Icon and Taped Off styles for the hospitality areas at each 3-Day camp.

“At this year’s events, our goal is to provide an elevated brand experience and spread awareness of Mohawk’s commitment to Komen,” said Karen Mendelsohn, Mohawk’s senior vice president of marketing. “As our lunch signage says, ‘More Celebratory Moments are Made on Mohawk,’ and we are excited to celebrate with these dedicated walkers. From the opening ceremony to the halfway point to crossing the finish line to camp, we want the walkers to know that Mohawk is along for the journey.”

One of Mohawk’s behind-the-scenes roles at the 3-Day events is cleaning up the used SmartCushion pads. According to the company, SmartCushion from each 3-Day is recycled into new padding through ReCover, Mohawk’s recycling program. Since its inception in 2006, ReCover has diverted more than 100 million pounds of carpet and cushion from landfills. 

Throughout September, FCW has been sharing Mohawk’s commitment to breast cancer research and its support of the Susan G Komen 3-Day Walks across the country. As we entered Breast Cancer Awareness month, here is a look at the company’s support. 

Boston 
Mohawk Flooring served as the official flooring partner of the Susan G. Komen 3-Day here. A portion of the proceeds from all SmartCushion sales go to the Susan G. Komen Foundation to further breast cancer research.

Mohawk’s Kelly Oberschlake, a breast cancer survivor, delivered an inspiring opening speech in Boston and discussed what Mohawk’s involvement with Susan G. Komen means to her. 

The local Mohawk sales team and retail partner, National Carpet, was on-hand during the lunch events to pass out SmartCushion padding for walkers to rest on.

After 3 days and 60 miles completed, Mohawk Flooring was at the closing ceremonies to congratulate all the Susan G. Komen 3-Day walkers as they cross the Mohawk pink carpet finish line.

Seattle 
It was all smiles in Seattle as team members from Mohawk Group and Durkan supported walkers in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day and cheered them on as they crossed the company’s pretty-in-pink finish line. 

The event was especially meaningful for Di Anna Borders, director of design segment (healthcare, senior living and education) at Mohawk Group, who was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year. 

“It’s extremely important for businesses like Mohawk to give back to the community and to society in a way that is very meaningful and positive,” Borders said. “Breast cancer affects both men and women so it’s vital that Susan G. Komen can go out there with dollars from different programs and cause marketing partnerships to help educate the population and create awareness about the disease. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2019 and recently did my first 3-Day walk. For me, participating in this event was really just a celebration, more than anything, of coming out on the other side triumphant.”

Additionally, Mohawk Group donated a pink-hued Off the Wall style carpet tile rug and Durkan donated “pinked out” precision dye injection (PDI) bound area rugs to the hospitality lounge at the 3-Day camp. 

Both divisions also kicked off the fundraiser with a special showroom event for the local design community. For every order of program-eligible styles that meet minimum guidelines, Mohawk Group and Durkan said they make a donation on behalf of its customers and employees.

Other initiatives  
Mohawk also held a fundraising event for the Susan G. Komen Foundation with an exclusive t-shirt series featuring artwork by one of the company’s creative professionals. All profits from the sale are being donated to Susan G. Komen. Including an illustration designed by Sarah Tuttle, the shirts encourage everyone to fight for a cure, fight for greater access to care and fight for family, friends and colleagues who are undergoing treatment.