Mattress Firm Foundation, a registered 501c(3), today announced that it will be participating in the 2013 #STARTARYOT fundraising challenge in which non-profits compete to raise the most amount of money for an organization of their choice during a five week period. The non-profit that raises the most money will be awarded $75,000 toward their chosen organization.

The #STARTARYOT challenge, hosted by RYOT.org and Crowdrise, runs from August 19 - September 24, 2013. The winning organization will receive $75,000 for their cause, and are eligible to receive up to $10,000 in special prizes each week throughout the duration of the challenge. Mattress Firm Foundation will also award the top donor for each week with a Lux Living Gel pillow valued at $129. In total, RYOT will be giving away $200,000 to participating non-profits.

"We are very excited to be part of such an amazing fundraising opportunity," said Steve Stagner, President and C.E.O of Mattress Firm and President of the Mattress Firm Foundation. "This is a chance for us to raise awareness and funding for the fight against pancreatic cancer."

The Mattress Firm Foundation is dedicated to creating a world free of pancreatic cancer through the support of clinical trials and increasing awareness. Most recently, the Mattress Firm Foundation donated $100,000 dollars to the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), a nonprofit organization aimed at translating genomic discoveries into advances in human health.

"Our employees and customers are very passionate and giving, and the #STARTARYOT challenge is the perfect place to come together to support this worthy cause" said Cole Mark, communications supervisor for Mattress Firm. "Together we can do for pancreatic cancer what Susan G. Komen has done for breast cancer - provide hope."

Pancreatic cancer is hard to detect since the pancreas lives deep inside the belly. In fact, 75% of patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer are already in the final stages and given weeks or months to live. With a 6% survival rate, many wonder how this disease can go undetected. Currently, there isn't a cost effective or reliable method of early detection, which is why funding is so critical.

To learn more about the challenge and how to participate, visit the Mattress Firm Foundation Facebook page www.facebook.com/mattressfirmfoundation.

All donations can be made on the Crowdrise fundraising page at http://www.crowdrise.com/mfrm/fundraiser/mattressfirm.

About Mattress Firm Foundation

Mattress Firm Foundation is a registered 501c(3). As the charitable arm of Houston-based Mattress Firm (NASDAQ: MFRM), a high growth specialty bedding retailer, the foundation has a national focus on raising awareness and funding for pancreatic cancer. The foundation partners with the Translational Genomics Research Institute by supporting the funding for clinical trials and research with the goal of finding a cure in our lifetime.

More information at www.mattressfirm.com

About Mattress Firm

Houston-based Mattress Firm (NASDAQ: MFRM) is a high growth specialty retailer, recognized as one of the nation's largest specialty bedding companies, offering a broad selection of both traditional and specialty mattresses, bedding accessories and related products from leading manufacturers. With more than 1000 stores across 28 states, Mattress Firm has the largest geographic footprint in the United States among mattress specialty retailers. Mattress Firm offers customers comfortable store environments, guarantees on price, comfort and service, and highly-trained sales professionals.

More information at www.mattressfirm.com

About RYOT

RYOT.org is a revolutionary and fast-growing news site that gives every story a related action. It's also a powerful tool for non-profits. By linking breaking news to action, RYOT connects its audience with the best organizations in the field.

More information at www.ryot.org

ICR
Jeff Dorman, 203-682-8324
jeff.dorman@icrinc.com