Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries

Friday, March 9th will mark the 3rd annual “Dancing with the Stars” Extravaganza in support of the Clermont County Board of Developmental Disabilities being held at the Holiday Inn and Suites in Eastgate. This year’s event however, will feature a brand new starring couple, Leslie McCurley and Jim Krumer. McCurley is the Asst. Director of DD Services for Ohio Valley Goodwill and Jim Krumer is the Superintendent of the Southwest Developmental Center (SODC). This is the first time that the pair have ever participated in a dance competition and training has

been a bit of a challenge. “Dancing is not a normal part of my daily routine and while we’re having fun, it certainly has been a new experience trying to learn the steps,” said McCurley.

The “Dancing with the Stars” event is designed to raise proceeds to benefit The Gift of Time Respite Cooperative, A Program of Clermont DD Empowers Me and the Clermont County Board of Developmental Disabilities. The dancing “stars” train for months ahead of time to prepare for the big event. Tickets are $50 each which includes hors devours, a drink ticket and open dancing. Each star couple will dance one song and compete for the coveted Mirror Ball trophy. Winners of the extravaganza are based on audience votes so register today to come and support our favorite couple. For ticket information, please call (513) 732-5028.

Goodwill’s dancing “star,” Leslie McCurley has been working in partnership with the Clermont County Board of DD and SODC over the past several years in opening the new Ohio Valley Goodwill Eastside Vocational Training Center in Clermont County. The precedent-setting facility is a collaborative agreement between both the Clermont and Hamilton County Boards of DD to offer services to adults with disabilities who reside in both Clermont County and the Eastside of Hamilton County. In addition, the new Goodwill program offers a community-based work training option through its Beechmont store location in Union Township. For a tour of this location, please contact Sharon Hannon, Marketing Specialist, at (513) 771-4800, ext. 6364.

Ohio Valley Goodwill is very excited to have dancer Leslie McCurley featured with Jim Krumer as a new celebrity couple for the 2012 Extravaganza. Please note March 9th on your calendars and plan to support Goodwill’s “star” in her debut for the 3rd annual “Dancing with the Stars” event.

The morning of Saturday, February 25th marked the Grand Re-Opening of Goodwill’s Beechmont retail store which had been closed since late January due to a fire and extensive vandalism. A crowd of eager shoppers awaited the opening of the doors to view

for themselves the transformation of the store interior in just a little over a month since the incident. The Goodwill retail team posed for the official ribbon cutting alongside President and CEO Joe Byrum and Vice President Gail Hana and then, threw open the doors for the excited crowd. Shoppers were greeted with gift bags and balloons and treated to a special 50% clothing and toy sale in honor of the Grand Re-Opening.

Reporters from Channels 5, 12, and 19 along with Community Press reporter Lisa Mauch all came to witness the big celebration. Thousands of loyal customers teemed through the store’s interior delighting in the Spring-themed displays, wider aisles, and newly updated appointments. “Our team worked very, very hard to get the store ready for the Grand Re-Opening today,” said Gail Hana, Vice President. “We are delighted by the community support that we have received throughout this experience,” added Hana.

The Grand Re-Opening proved to be a financial success for the Beechmont store breaking previous opening records for sales and donations. Shoppers were also treated to music and games provided by WGRR during the festivities. Beechmont store manager, Donna Clouse, was touched by all of the hugs and words of congratulations and support that she received during the day from regular shoppers and friends of the Eastside store. “It is really wonderful to have so many people be so supportive of our store and really, of our mission of service to the community,” said Clouse. Both Clouse and Retail Sales Manager Ann Walters were featured on the news footage of the Grand Re-Opening event on all the stations in attendance. Look for video clips of news coverage pieces coming soon to our YouTube channel.

Ohio Valley Goodwill is very grateful to the Greater Cincinnati community for their remarkable generosity and loyalty to its Beechmont store location during this time of rebuilding and renewal. Stop by and see the newly restored Beechmont store today!

The evening of February 23rd marked the 4th annual Fabulous Faux Fur Fundraiser in support of the Community Ambassadors Resource Alliance (CARA), a long-time Goodwill partner organization. CARA’s mission is to raise awareness and funds to enrich the lives of people with disabilities. Held at Donna Salyers Fabulous Furs in Covington, Kentucky, this year’s celebration welcomed more than 40 guests who enjoyed the evening of shopping, conversation and fun which are the signature aspects of the 4th annual event.

Ohio Valley Goodwill has been a sponsor of the Fabulous Faux Fur Fundraiser since its beginnings and currently serves in a leadership role on the CARA Executive committee. Affiliated with Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services (HCDDS), the non-profit organization provides scholarships for individuals with disabilities for life-enriching opportunities that would they would otherwise not be able to access. In its eight year history, CARA has provided dozens of scholarships to individuals served by Hamilton County DD Services and its partner agencies.

“CARA is absolutely thrilled with the enthusiasm and support of our Faux Fur friends for the 2012 fundraising event,” said Sharon Hannon, Goodwill Marketing Specialist and current CARA President. The organization has also been selected as the beneficiary for an upcoming “Ladies Night Out” event in Hyde Park Square coming up on March 15th sponsored by Ms. Cincinnati magazine and several Hyde Park businesses. For more information about CARA and its mission, please visit the website at www.caragroup.org.

Ohio Valley Goodwill is proud to be an on-going sponsor of the Community Ambassadors Resource Alliance and its mission of enriching the lives of people with disabilities.

Ohio Valley Goodwill is delighted to report that just a little more than a month after having to close the doors of its Beechmont store location, the newly renovated store is scheduled to celebrate its Grand Re-Opening on Saturday, February 25th. The weekend celebration will kick-off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 8:45 am followed by a huge party and sale as shoppers get their first look at all of the new store features. The re-vitalized Beechmont store will feature a freshly painted interior, wider aisles, increased shelving, dressing room improvements, re-tiled bathroom floors, more check-out

lanes and numerous other enhancements that will make the customer shopping experience a real pleasure. In addition to the wealth of Easter and Spring-themed merchandize that will be overflowing the shelves, in honor of the Grand Re-Opening, the Beechmont store willl be having a special 50% off clothing and toy sale.

“Ohio Valley Goodwill is thrilled to be re-opening our Beechmont store so quickly after the fire that occurred in January,” said Gail Hana, VP of Retail Operations. “We are grateful to the community for their generous support of donations that enabled us to get the store ready for the Grand Re-Opening,” added Hana. Like all of Ohio Valley Goodwill’s other stores, donated items in the Beechmont store are sold to generate revenue which supports the organizaiton’s employment and training programs for people with disabilities and our nation’s veterans. Annually, Goodwill serves more than 2600 individuals and helps more than 800 to get jobs in the community.Please plan to join us on Saturday, February 25th to celebrate the Grand Re-Opening of the

Beechmont store. For hours and store information, visit our website at www.cincinnatigoodwill.org/shop.

In December, 2011, Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries joined together with other Goodwill organizations across North America to partner with the very successful Dell Reconnect computer recycling program.  The purpose of the program is to help consumers responsibly recycle unwanted computers and divert technology waste from landfills.  The initial Dell Reconnect program started in Texas in 2004, and since then more than 232 million pounds of electronic equipment has been responsibly recycled through Goodwill Industries since the partnership started.

In just a little over two months from the start of the program here in Greater Cincinnati, Ohio Valley Goodwill has collected over 60,000 pounds of donated materials and made its first shipment to Dell Reconnect.  The shipment which was made on February 9th consisted of 24 pallets totaling 35,908 pounds and included 320 monitors, 720 printers and 280 towers. The organization is on track to meet its goal of recycling more than 60,000 pounds of unwanted computer and electronic equipment each month in partnership with the Dell Reconnect program.

“Goodwill couldn’t be more pleased with the initial community response to the official launch of our Dell Reconnect program,” said Bill Martin, Goodwill Industrial Services Manager. The organization is projecting a second load being sent to Dell later this month to total over 32,ooo pounds of electronic material.

The spring season is the most popular time of the year to de-clutter and clean out unwanted items from people’s homes and Ohio Valley Goodwill urges donors to join the organization in its commitment to responsible recycling by donating today! To find out more about the Goodwill/Dell Reconnect partnership, please visit our website at: www.cincinnatigoodwill.org/donate.

L to R: Sharon Hannon, Marketing Specialist with
Leslie McCurley, Asst. Director of DD Services.

Ohio Valley Goodwill was delighted to be an exhibitor for the 8th annual Summer Adventures Expo held at the Tri-County Mall on Saturday, February 11th. The Expo is hosted each year by the Boards of Developmental Disabilities in Hamilton, Butler, Clermont and Warren counties and is designed to provide families with information about options for services for children and young adults. This year’s Expo was held a month earlier than usual in order to help families have enough time to research opportunities for possible summer enrollment for their sons or daughters.

Ohio Valley Goodwill has consistently been a proud sponsor and supporter of the Summer Adventures Expo which welcomes dozens of service provider agencies in a day-long educational outreach event directed to families and individuals with disabilities. “The Expo is really a wonderful opportunity to talk with families about our programs and services and how Goodwill might be an option of interest for their kids,” said Leslie McCurley, Asst. Director of DD Services.

The Summer Adventures Expo was well attended this year and Ohio Valley Goodwill representatives had the chance to talk with dozens of families about how the agency’s programs could be of benefit to their family member. Of particular interest this year was Goodwill’s new programs on both the West and East side of Cincinnati as well as its Recreation and Leisure options and assistance with Activities of Daily Living support.

Ohio Valley Goodwill enjoys the opportunity to participate in community outreach events on an on-going basis throughout the year and the Expo is always one of the highlights of the year.

Ohio Valley Goodwill along with seven other partner organizations, were delighted to kick-off the first in a series of educational outreach seminars as part of the 1st Annual Transition Boot Camp on Tuesday, February 7th. The four part series is designed to provide vital information to families and  transition students who are preparing to leave school life for the adult world. The first night session welcomed a standing room only audience of interested families, individuals and professionals who enthusiastically welcomed the opportunity to learn more about the transition process. Held in the Conference Center of the Children’s DDBP Building, Boot Camp organizers and presenters were pleased by the overwhelming enthusasiam of the session participants.

The 1st Annual Transition Boot Camp concept was developed under the leadership of the Down Syndrome Association and welcomed the partnership of Ohio Valley Goodwill as well as co-sponsors the Autism Society, Marjorie Book, State Support Team 13, Cincinnati Children’s, UCP, Spina Bifida Association and Stepping Stones Center. Session participants received a Boot Camp notebook with sections devoted to the 4 different seminars. Topics include preparing for graduation and life after high school; work and volunteer opportunities; moving out and in the final session, creating and maintaining meaningful relationships. The sessions being held on February 21, March 6 and March 20th will all feature a Provider Fair in conjunction with the session presentations.

For more information about the 1st Annual Transition Boot Camp or to register, please go http://dsagc.donordrive.com/event/2012TransitionBootCamp . Seating is very limited so register today!

Ohio Valley Goodwill is proud to be a co-sponsor of this very important community outreach event and looks forward to the three remaining sessions.

Ohio Valley Goodwill is excited to announce that plans for the 2012 Goodwill Celebrity Golf Outing are well underway and this year’s event will be even more exciting than last year’s gala 95th Anniversary Celebration! Being held at the beautiful Glenview Golf Club on Thursday, June 14th, the 2012 outing will feature a brand new title sponsor, Hubbard Interactive, a new grill station lunch sponsor, Village Pantry Catering as well as large cash prize for the spectactular helicopter ball drop which will take place at the end of play. The best part is that all of Goodwill’s friends have an opportunity to support this year’s outing just by purchasing a golf ball for only $5.00! You can purchase as many golf balls as you like for your chance to win a $2000 grand prize! You can buy your golf ball on-line by clicking here or to get your reservation in early for this year’s outing.

Ohio Valley Goodwill is grateful to our 2012 Title Sponsor, Hubbard Interactive ,  Presenting Sponsors MVD Communications and US Bank, Lunch Sponsor, Village Pantry Catering, Dinner Sponsor, Lother’s Catering, Beverage Sponsor, Palmer Leasing, Cart Sponsor, Rumpke, Signage Sponsor, Holthaus Signs and Graphic Design Sponsor, Wilz Design for their support of this year’s Golf Outing. While sponsorship opportunities are going quickly, there are a number of sponsorship options still available for this year’s event. Click here for a list of sponsorships available and accompanying recognition opportunties. Honorary Chairman, Joe Walter, will once again be reprising his role as host for this year’s event. Proceeds from the 2012 Golf Outing will benefit Ohio Valley Goodwill and the thousands of individuals with disabilities the organization serves.

Join Ohio Valley Goodwill in looking forward to warmer temperatures and summertime celebrations with our many friends during the occasion of the 2012 Golf Outing. Remember to support Goodwill by purchasing your $5.00 golf ball TODAY and your chance to win a $2000 cash prize during our spectacular Helicopter Ball Drop! Register on-line today to reserve your spot for this year’s event. For more information about the 2012 Goodwill Celebrity Golf Outing, contact Sharon Hannon, Marketing Specialist, at shannon@cincigoodwill.org or (513) 771-4800, ext. 6364.

See you at Glenview on Thursday, June 14th! Watch for video updates about the 2012 Goodwill Celebrity Golf Outing in the coming weeks!

Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries is pleased to announce that it has opened a new Attended Donation Center located at 4691 Alexandria Pike in Cold Spring, Kentucky. Hours of operation will be Monday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm and Sunday from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.  For the convenience of donors, the drive-thru center will be staffed with an attendant who will assist contributors with their donations and offer them a receipt.

Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries is always in need of clean, usable clothing, household items including small electric appliances and kitchen items, seasonal items, sporting goods, shoes, furniture, computers and even auto donations! For customer convenience, Ohio Valley Goodwill handles all the paperwork to make vehicle donations as simple and easy as possible.

In addition to accepting household donations at the new Cold Spring donation center,  Ohio Valley Goodwill is now accepting computers as a part of its involvement in the Dell Reconnect recycling project. The Dell and Goodwill partnership was formed because Goodwill has a long-standing reputation as an entrepreneurial leader, environmental pioneer and social innovator of the “reduce, reuse, repurpose” movement.  The Goodwill/Dell Reconnect partnership offers FREE computer recycling at all Greater Cincinnati retail and donation locations and will help to raise awareness about the importance of responsibly recycling used computers.  The Dell Reconnect program is a win-win for everyone.  It benefits the environment, the community and the individuals that Goodwill serves.

“We are so pleased that Goodwill is able to offer this new convenient donation site for our customers in Northern Kentucky and we appreciate their generous support of our very important mission,” said Gail Hana, Goodwill’s Vice President for Contributed Goods.
Donations to Ohio Valley Goodwill are sold in local stores and the income generated helps to support services for men and women with disabilities and our nation’s veterans.  Each year, the organization serves over 2,600 individuals.