Neighbor News
Goodwill Manasota celebrates 'Goodwill Week' with jobs fair, rug auction and partnerships
Annual observance celebrates Goodwill's contributions to the community, mission of changing lives through the power of work
From May 4-10, Goodwill Manasota will observe the annual “Goodwill Week.” Goodwills across the United States will offer hold job fairs, host community programs and hold special events to honor supporters, among numerous other activities. “Goodwill Week” is used as a time to thank donors, shoppers and supporters who have made positive contributions that help carry out the organization’s mission of changing lives through the power of work.
As a kick-off to Goodwill Week, Goodwill Manasota held its Ambassador Recognition Luncheon, recognizing those who make a commitment to share the mission of Goodwill with the greater community by volunteering at events, speaking on the organization’s behalf, creating new fundraisers, and introducing their friends, family and colleagues to Goodwill.
Goodwill Manasota and the Bradenton Marauders are partnering to reward those who donate and shop at Goodwill, while honoring veterans during the May 18th Marauders vs. Fort Myers Miracle game at McKechnie Field in Bradenton (1611 9th Street W.). From May 1-17, any community member who donates or shops at Goodwill in Sarasota or Manatee Goodwill locations will receive free tickets to the game while supplies last.
Uber and Goodwills are teaming up nationwide for #Uberspringcleaning. On Saturday, May 2, from 11am until 5pm, users of the Uber app can enter the word “spring” and an Uber driver will come to their house and pick up donations for Goodwill.
From May 2 to May 9, Goodwill will auction a donated rug through eBay’s charitable site with a starting bid of $4,000. The rug was valued at approximately $8,000, and will be on display at the new retail store at 8750 State Road 70 East, in Lakewood Ranch. For more information and instructions on bidding, visit experiencegoodwill.org.
On Wednesday, May 6, from 9am - 1pm, Goodwill Manasota will host a job fair at its Corporate Campus (2705 51st Ave. E., Bradenton). Approximately 40 employers in a variety of sectors are expected to attend, looking for candidates to fill empty positions. This event is being offered through Goodwill’s Job Connection, a free employment service for community members seeking jobs – or better jobs.
Goodwill uses the proceeds from the sale of donated goods to fund training and employment programs to help individuals get back to work. In 2014, Goodwill Manasota served more than 16,000 people, placed 680 people in jobs and assisted 520 veterans as they reintegrated back into the civilian workforce. Goodwill Manasota’s economic impact back to the community is worth $81.3 million. Goodwill is one of the pioneers of the reduce-reuse-recycle movement and this past year diverted 39 million pounds out of the landfill.
“When community members donate their unwanted items, or buy clothing and furniture, they are directly creating jobs and changing lives through the power of work,” said Goodwill Manasota president and CEO Bob Rosinsky. “We are only able to provide services for individuals with disabilities and veterans because of the generosity of our community. During Goodwill Week, we seek to celebrate our successes while honoring our community for making our work possible.”
For more information on Goodwill Week, visit experiencegoodwill.org or call (941) 355-2721, ext. 104.
PHOTO ID: Goodwill Manasota team member Jemina Marticorena
About Goodwill Manasota
Goodwill Manasota is an industry-leading, 501(c)(3), not-for-profit organization that changes lives through the power of work. With the sales of donated goods and philanthropic donations, Goodwill is able to assist people with disabilities and other barriers to employment by providing job skills training and employment opportunities. In 2014, Goodwill Manasota served more than 16,000 people, placed 680 people in jobs and assisted 520 veterans as they reintegrated back into the civilian workforce. Goodwill Manasota’s economic impact back to the community is worth $81.3 million. Goodwill is one of the pioneers of the reduce-reuse-recycle movement and this past year diverted 39 million pounds out of the landfill. We accomplish our mission through a network of Good Neighbor Centers in Sarasota, Manatee, Hardee and DeSoto counties and our Mission Development Services (MDS) around North America. Goodwill Manasota is accountable to a local Board of Directors. Goodwill Manasota in essence belongs to this community, and is not owned by any individual or company. For more information, visit www.experiencegoodwill.org.
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