Bernhardt Furniture, one of the largest family-owned furniture companies in the country, will mark its 125th anniversary in 2014 with a year of activities to honor its culture, heritage and a legacy of giving.

“We are all very proud of our long heritage,” says Alex Bernhardt Jr., CEO and president of Bernhardt, Lenoir, N.C. “At this milestone, we reaffirm the company’s founding values of making quality furniture and building a strong community for our employees.” Central to the company’s 125th anniversary celebration is a new Web site, bernhardt125years.com, paying tribute to the company’s cultural legacy and to Bernhardt associates who are making outstanding contributions to improve the lives of people in their local communities.

The Web site will feature 12 individuals--nominated by their peers and chosen by a steering committee--in monthly segments, with the goal to engage and inspire people in the causes of community responsibility and cultural preservation. The company will make a donation to a charitable cause championed by the featured employees. This month features Dawn Barrett who founded "Dress to Impress." For over 15 years, she has organized an army of 70+ community volunteers to dress girls every spring who could not afford a prom gown.