Last week, (Thursday, April 25th), I attended the 2013 Discover Goodwill Annual Dinner with my good friend and 719Woman.com fashion contributor Ashley. If you follow our site you know that Goodwill is my favorite nonprofit store to shop at and donate to for several reasons. First of all, I like the prices, selections and staff. But even more than that, I know that every single time I shop or donate to Discover Goodwill, I am helping people in our own community who aren’t looking for a “hand-out” but rather a “helping hand”.
I was born without any physical or mental challenges or handicaps and even though there have been times in my life where there were financial difficulties, I’ve never had to worry about being homeless or hungry. I consider myself blessed. But there are people who face challenges everyday, whether it be because of a handicap or perhaps even the loss of a job or serious illness. It was heartwarming for Ashley and me to attend this dinner and get to meet some of the people who have not only been helped from our donations and shopping trips but who have also overcome economic, physical and mental challenges and thrived!
Ashley and I were amazed at the awesome turnout for this even, over 840 people!
Love this display they created using all donated items!
Here’s how your donations change lives: You donate to Discover Goodwill, Discover Goodwill Sells Your Donations in their Retail Centers, Revenue Earned From Your Donations Provides Job Training, People Find Good Jobs and Become Independent. Nearly 5,800 people were put to work last year thanks to donations!
I decided I’d wear nothing but Discover Goodwill to the dinner, so everything I have on (except for the undergarments and my wedding ring) came from a shopping trip to Goodwill. My entire outfit, including the shoes, belt and jewelry was less than $20!
CONGRATULATIONS AWARD WINNERS….
- JOEL RAMOS-JIMENEZ…Helms Legacy Award Honoree
- TANDY BROWN…Achiever of the Year
- PATTI VASQUEZ…Community Employee of the Year
- ASHLEY ARELLANES…Independence Award Honoree
You can read a bit about these four winners, what they’ve overcome and how they are doing now, very inspirational!
Last year my husband and I took a tour of Possibilities, a highly innovative and first-of-its-kind program and we were blown away at how unique it was (the first of its kind in the United States). Last month I toured it again with Ashley and was just as amazed at what they’ve created as I was the first time!
A few other programs Discover Goodwill offers (here in Colorado Springs)….
- Voyages is an adult day center but unlike any I’ve ever seen. Voyages presents a journey of discovery full of activities and interactions, new and familiar faces, and wonderful places. From the Art Studio and Fitness Center, to weekly outings in Colorado Springs, Voyages delivers a one-of-a-kind experience. Designed for seniors who need regular daytime supervision, Voyages is an adult day center that provides a safe, caring and compassionate environment. The program includes nutritious meals, a fabulous and spacious outdoor patio, reliable transportation, affordable and personalized care, off-site community outings and a caring team which includes Certified Nursing Assistants, an On-call Registered Nurse, a Full-time Activity Director and First Aid and CPR certified team. I toured Voyages too and it’s lovely, comfortable, and the people I saw really seemed to be enjoying themselves and each other.
- Pursuits is a unique transition program for young adults with learning challenges. Designed specifically for transitioning young adults and using a proven, evidence-based curriculum, this robust program prepares young adults for life after high school. In a state-of-the-art facility, well-trained instructors work closely with students to help them develop tools they need to become independent adults.
For more information on Pursuits you can call (719) 381-9484 or email them at Pursuits@DiscoverMyGoodwill.org
It was an uplifting, amazing evening!