Z Gallerie and the Zeiden Family Receive Shining Star Award From Pancreatic Cancer Action Network

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) honored Z Gallerie, America's premier lifestyle home furnishing and accessory retailer, and founders Joe Zeiden, Carole Malfatti and Mike Zeiden with its Shining Star Award, given to a volunteer or organization who demonstrates outstanding commitment, leadership and compassion for the lives and spirits of individuals and families dealing with pancreatic cancer. The award was presented to Z Gallerie and its founders on Nov. 13th during PanCAN's "An Evening with the Stars" celebrity gala for pancreatic cancer. PanCAN is the first, national patient-based advocacy organization for the pancreatic cancer community, including patients, families, medical researchers and physicians.

"Z Gallerie has been an incredible friend to PanCAN," said Julie Fleshman, president and CEO of PanCAN. "For the second year in a row, the Zeiden family has held special shopping nights to benefit our organization. When we launched Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month this November, they helped make it a memorable and notable occasion with a presentation and gathering at their beautiful Sherman Oaks store. They have been extremely generous with their money, time and support. This is a family that truly gives back to the community."

In addition to its generous donations to PanCAN, Z Gallerie helps create greater awareness throughout the country about the devastating effects of pancreatic cancer. PanCAN volunteers from around the country participated in the shopping event by providing information about PanCAN to customers. Shirley Zeiden, mother of the Z Gallerie founders, passed away as a result of the disease in 2002.

About Z Gallerie

Founded by Joe Zeiden, Carole Malfatti and Mike Zeiden in 1979, Z Gallerie began as a small poster shop in Sherman Oaks, Calif. The siblings operated the store by day and framed posters by night in the garage of their parents' home in Van Nuys, Calif. Much has changed since 1979, however; the siblings, with the help and dedication of over 1,000 employees, retain a family culture and remain a privately owned company. Z Gallerie currently has 59 retail locations in 17 states and is headquartered in the Los Angeles area. Additional buying offices are located in Berkeley, Calif.

About PanCAN

PanCAN is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1999 by surviving family members of individuals who died of pancreatic cancer. The organization works to focus national attention on the need to find a cure for pancreatic cancer, and provides public and professional education embracing the urgent need for more research, effective treatments, prevention programs and early detection methods. Visit www.pancan.org to obtain more information, e-mail info@pancan.org, or call 1-877-272-6226.