LOS ANGELES — City of Hope is aiming to attract fresh energy and ideas with a new group called Young Executive

Supporters, or YES, to take part in fundraising efforts for the medical research and treatment center.

City of Hope’s Home Furnishings Industry Chapter will expand its executive board with the establishment of YES.

An inaugural event for the new group will take place Jan. 31 at the Las Vegas Market. Sponsored by the World Market Center, it’s set for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the WMC’s new Building B.

YES will back the senior board’s efforts on behalf of City of Hope, which specializes in cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. There’s no cutoff age for YES, although the focus is to involve people under 40.

“We are very excited about YES and the opportunity to present the incredible accomplishments of City of Hope to the young executives in the industry,” said Renee Loper of Aspenhome, who will chair the group’s steering committee. “YES is a not-to-be-missed opportunity for a new generation of furniture professionals to unite and give back by supporting a great cause.”

The committee will meet during the Vegas market to map out a calendar and agenda, according to Jena Hall of Aspenhome, co-president of the Home Furnishings Industry Chapter National Executive Board for City of Hope.

Roger Murray of Simmons Bedding, the other co-president, said the board believes that many younger retailers and manufacturers want to get involved, but view the current group as of their parents’ generation. “It is vital that we build more awareness with our next generation of leadership,” he said.

City of Hope’s National Home Furnishings Industry Chapter, created more than 40 years ago, has raised more than $36 million for the charity.

The YES steering committee includes Loper; Andrew Koenig of City Furniture, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Stephanie Lena of Aspenhome; Dana Pretner Andrew of World Market Center; Joel Wecker and Megan Wecker, both of Sea Products/Skyline; and Jason Young of Simmons Bedding. Executive Board member Mark Abrams of Wynwood Furniture is the official liaison to the steering committee.

The committee has met several times and is reaching out to young executives or sole proprietors who may wish to become involved. Anyone interested may e-mail his or her name, title, company and contact information to City of Hope’s Michael Sandler at msandler@coh.org.