AMERICAN LEATHER, the Dallas-based leather furniture manufacturer announced that it recently became a sponsor of the Ground Zero Museum Workshop in New York, and donated the Albert sectional to the exhibit that gives light to the events of 9-11.
The Ground Zero Museum Workshop in New York City features images and artifacts from the Ground Zero “recovery period.” Rated as the “5th Most Popular Attraction” in New York City by TripAdvisor.com, this five-star museum has daily tours in 4 languages that educates visitors about the special stories that took place inside Ground Zero. Founded and designed by Gary Marlon Suson, the official photographer at Ground Zero for the Uniformed Firefighters Association, the museum is non-profit which also raises funds for breast cancer research, and for the FDNY firefighter Joe Graffagnino Children's Fund.Mr. Suson contacted American Leather seeking a price accommodation of a new, white leather sectional for the museum, having that the museum's finances were limited. “It was quite a nice surprise when Bruce Birnbach, president of American Leather, offered to donate the entire three-piece sectional to us as a gift,” says Suson, and Honorary Battalion Chief in the FDNY. “We took the money we had put aside for the sectional, and donated it to the children of firefighter Joe Graffagnino, who died in the 2007 Deutsche Bank Fire at Ground Zero.”
“Mr. Suson's portrayal of 9-11 in the Ground Zero Museum shows incredible strength, hard work, and dedication in recognizing so many families impacted by such a traumatic event in history,” says Bruce Birnbach. “American Leather was delighted to be a part of such a historical depiction of the Ground Zero events.”
Suson spent 7 months at Ground Zero documenting every aspect of the recovery unsalaried and authored the Barnes & Noble Photography book, Requiem: Images of Ground Zero. The museum collection, dubbed Rare Photos by the New York Times, is located in the Meatpacking District of Manhattan. “We like our guests to feel physically comfortable in the museum since 9-11 was such an emotionally traumatic event, and having the beautiful Albert sectional helps us achieve this goal,” states Suson.
About American Leather: Founded in 1990, AMERICAN LEATHER is a manufacturer of custom upholstered premium leather furniture, and is recognized as one of the leaders of high quality, custom designed and innovative leather furniture. Its fabric division, au (American Upholstery) was founded in 2003 with the purpose of tapping into the enormous fabric upholstery furniture market, while focusing on the durability and longevity of producing made-to-order furniture that meets the lifestyle demands of today's busy consumer. Please visit www.americanleather.com for more information.