Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries

Ohio Valley Goodwill was delighted to learn that its network of 16 retail stores received the 2012 “Best of Cincinnati” thrift clothing store award from CityBeat Magazine this year. In a gala celebration held at Memorial Hall on March 27th, Goodwill stores and boutiques were recognized as the best in the Greater Cincinnati area. The CityBeat awards reflect the votes of their readership as well as their editorial staff team and Ohio Valley Goodwill was thrilled and honored to be selected as the “Best” in its category. “We could not be happier about receiving this important recognition from CityBeat magazine,” said Ann Walters, Retail Sales Manager. “We take great pride in our network of stores and boutiques in the Greater Cincinnati area and are very flattered that our customers and CityBeat recognize our efforts,” added Walters.

Goodwill Retail Team Members Vanessa Cornett and Krysta Ryan represented the organization at the CityBeat celebration event by hosting a fun “Pose for a Photo” display where attendees could select a variety of hats to wear to take a photo which will then appear on CityBeat’s Facebook page following the event. “We found every kind of hat you can imagine from our collections,” said Krysta Ryan, Tri-County Store Manager. “People were picking out everything from hats like the kind the Mad Hatter wore to looking like a court jester and loving it,” added Ryan.

Goodwill’s retail stores were also selected as “Best of Cincinnati” in 2009 and 2010 by CityBeat Magazine and its readership so the 2012 recognition was a wonderful endorsement of a long-standing tradition of excellence. Goodwill’s on-going partnership with the Greater Cincinnati community reflects a commitment to the reuse and renewal of clothing and household goods which in turn supports the organization’s mission of putting people with disabilities and our nation’s veterans to work. In the present challenging economy, the need for Goodwill’s extensive employment and training programs are even more critical than ever and generous community donations to its network of stores and donation centers are desperately needed. Please remember that when you donate your unwanted clothing, household items and even computers to Goodwill, you are not only practicing green living, you are also helping to change a life. For a list of conveniently located Attended Donation Centers, please visit www.cincinnatigoodwill.org/donate.

Our thanks to CityBeat Magazine and its readership for selecting Ohio Valley Goodwill’s Retail Stores as the “Best in Cincinnati” in 2012! We appreciate your support!

L to R: Goodwill Team Members including special guest: Aimee Rittner, Ranaye Hampton, Summer McGriff, Chelsea Combs (front), Jim Krumer, SODC, Steve Koons and Lois Kramer (rear).

The evening of March 25th marked the occasion of the 18th annual Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities Community Recognition Awards event. As part of the annual celebration, individuals and organizations are recognized for their efforts to support individuals with disabilities in Butler County. Ohio Valley Goodwill team members were honored to be recognized during the initial part of the ceremony for their personal and professional contributions toward enriching the lives of people they serve. Singled out from the Goodwill team were Aimee Rittner, Ranaye Hampton, Summer McGriff and Chelsea Combs who are associated with the organization’s Recreation and Leisure programs. “I couldn’t be more proud of the accomplishments and commitment of our Goodwill team members,” said Steve Koons, Director of Rehabilitation Services. “It is through their efforts that people are included in the community in the most positive and beneficial way,” added Koons.

The theme of last night’s event was “Because of You, Our Community is Better,” and this theme was reiterated throughout the evening by Master of Ceremonies John Lomax, Channel 12 news personality, as well as keynote speaker, Scott Osterfeld. The 2012 Awareness video which debuted at the event featured three individuals who shared their stories of living, working and thriving in the Butler County community, thanks to universal support.

While there were many richly deserving award recipients at the evening’s event, long-time Goodwill partners and Butler County Board employees, Dennis Burger and Kathy Howell in particular were recognized for many years of outstanding service to served individuals and their families. The evening’s festivities concluded with a moving presentation by the Board of Directors to soon-to-be retiring Superintendent Christina Hurr. “It has been my pleasure to serve in my role as Superintendent and an honor to have had the opportunity to work so closely with everyone in the Butler County community,” said Hurr as she was presented with a bouquet of flowers.

Ohio Valley Goodwill congratulates all of the award recipients at the 2012 BCBDD Community Recognition event and especially its team members for their excellent work in helping individuals to be socially included in their own communities.

L to R: Nancy Horton, Service Guild President, Jennifer Schwab, Volunteer Representative, World Choir Games, Sue Burreson, Goodwill Service Guild.

The Service Guild of Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries welcomed a volunteer representative from the upcoming World Choir Games to their monthly meeting on March 22nd.  Jennifer Schwab, a volunteer with the World Choir Games gave a presentation on the upcoming major event which will take place in Cincinnati this July 4th through 14th and will welcome over 360 choirs from more than 48 countries from around the globe.

This is the first time the World Choir Games have been held in the United States and Cincinnati competed with more than 20 other US cities for a chance to hold the 7th Choir Games.  Most recently, the World Choir Games were held in China and Germany. The expected economic impact for the city is estimated to be more than 73 million dollars from the special event.

The World Choir Games feature traditional choir music and includes school, church and other choral groups.  This year the games will also feature two new inclusions with the addition of barbershop and show choir music.  The games are held every two years and are dubbed “The Olympics of Choir Music” and feature medals in Gold, Silver and Bronze categories. More than 200,000 spectators are expected during the two-week games this summer.  The World Choir Games coordinators have been working with the Greater Cincinnati Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber as well as venue and site sponsors throughout the city.  Most events will be held at US Bank Arena, Music Hall, the Convention Center, the Aronoff Center and the School for Creative and Performing Arts.

“We were so delighted to have Jennifer Schwab speak to our Service Guild and tell us about the exciting World Choir Games and how our group can participate as volunteers for the upcoming special event this summer,” said Nancy Horton, Service Guild President.  “I know that we have several members in our Service Guild who have family who will be participating in the Choir Games this summer so it makes it even more exciting to learn about the Games and think about becoming involved as volunteers,” commented Horton.

Through Ohio Valley Goodwill’s volunteer Service Guild, the organization looks forward to partnering with this high-profile community event to continue raising awareness of its vital mission in the Greater Cincinnati area.

For more information about the World Choir Games go to: 2012worldchoirgames.com

Ohio Valley Goodwill was thrilled to be one of the sponsors and supporters of the 2012 Ladies Night Out event held on Hyde Park Square on Thursday, March 15th. More than 18 businesses in the vital neighborhood community joined with Ms. Cincinnati magazine, Head Over Heels and Mezzo Mezzo to host the exciting event which was designed to raise funds for CARA (Community Ambassadors Resource Alliance) as well as to welcome visitors to the area. Ohio Valley Goodwill is one of the founding partners of CARA; a non-profit organization composed of 16 partners dedicated to working together to raise awareness and funds for people with developmental disabilities in Hamilton County.

Each of the participating businesses hosted an Open House which featured CARA partners and advocates as greeters to welcome guests upon their arrival. The evening began with kick-offs at Cock & Bull, Poco A Poco and Head Over Heels. Following the official kick-off, ladies strolled from shop to shop enjoying refreshments, special sales and goodies at each destination. Highlights of the evening included two fashion shows which took place at POSH Boutique and Jamshid Antique Oriental Rug Gallery. The latest in Spring fashions were modeled to the delight of the assembled guests. The shows featured  the newest designs in dresses,  lingerie and even swinwear and were sponsored by Ms. Cincinnati magazine, POSH and Knickers.

The event-filled evening was capped off with raffle prize drawings which were held at Head Over Heels. Cincinnati icon “Rosie Red” did the honors- drawing out the winners names for each prize. The excited winners of the night’s drawing included:

• Amy Linz- who won a beautiful purse from Vintage
• Sam Allen- who won a fabulous make-over from Christopher Marcus Salon
• Connie West- who won a $250 shopping spree at Head Over Heels
• K. Martinly- who won a $250 shopping spree at Head Over Heels
• L. Jagoditz- who won a $500 shopping spree at Head Over Heels
• N. Lebeau- who won a $750 shopping spree at Head Over Heels
• M. Underhill- who won the Grand Prize of a $1000 shopping spree at Head Over Heels

All proceeds raised from raffle ticket sales will go to CARA and its mission of enriching the lives of people with developmental disabilities. Ohio Valley Goodwill Representatives Sharon Hannon and Melinda Gabelman served as greeters at Knickers and enjoyed the opportunity to talk with the many guests in attendance at the event. “It was a wonderful evening made possible by the generosity of Ms. Cincinnati Magazine, Head Over Heels and Mezzo Mezzo in partnership with many of the Hyde Park businesses,” said Sharon Hannon, Marketing Specialist. “Our sincere gratitude to all of the sponsors of the Ladies Night Out event for their support of CARA,” added Hannon.

Ohio Valley Goodwill is pleased to announce that for the first time ever, it is selling chances to win this year’s Grand Prize for the 2012 Helicopter Ball Drop; a feature of the annual Goodwill Celebrity Golf Outing; in its network of Greater Cincinnati store locations. For only $5.00 each,  interested customers can purchase their chance to win the $2500 Grand Prize. “We are very excited about the 2012 Goodwill Golf Outing,” said Doug Ostholthoff, Outing Coordinator. “By promoting the Spectacular Helicopter Ball Drop and chances to win the Grand Prize in our stores, we’re trying to encourage everyone to be a part of this year’s event,” added Ostholthoff.

The 2012 Goodwill Celebrity Golf Outing is being held at the beautiful Glenview Golf Club on Thursday, June 14th and will feature a brand new title sponsor, Hubbard Interactive as well as a new grill station sponsor, Village Pantry Catering.  One of the most exciting features of the 2012 Golf Outing will be the Spectacular Helicopter Ball Drop at the end of play which will result in a winner being picked for the $2500 Grand Prize. Interested shoppers can purchase as many golf balls as they like for their chance to win the Grand Prize.  Also, if people wish to participate in this year’s exciting golf outing, they can register on-line by clicking here.

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 options still available for this year’s event. Click here for a list of sponsorships available and accompanying recognition opportunities. Honorary Chairman, Joe Walter, will once again be reprising his role as host for this year’s Outing. Proceeds will benefit Ohio Valley Goodwill and the thousands of individuals with disabilities the organization serves.

Join Ohio Valley Goodwill in looking forward to summertime celebrations with our many friends during the occasion of the 2012 Goodwill Celebrity Golf Outing on June 14th. Remember to support Goodwill by purchasing your $5.00 golf ball TODAY in any of our Greater Cincinnati Goodwill stores for your chance to win a $2500 Grand Prize during the Spectacular Helicopter Ball Drop! 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 coming soon!

Ohio Valley Goodwill and Gold Star Chili have teamed up for a partnership that’s as good as GOLD!  From March 10th through April 28th, the two organizations are encouraging the tri-state to visit participating Gold Star Chili locations and donate gently used clothing for Ohio Valley Goodwill. The donations help Goodwill’s mission to provide vocational training and job support services for men and women with disabilities and homeless veterans.  “We are so excited to partner with Gold Star Chili for this special donation drive and offer an easy way for contributors to help our important mission,” said George Palmer, Goodwill’s PR and Marketing Director.

To help kick-off the donation drive, Goodwill held a extra special day at its Tri-County retail store complete with a 50% off sale, a bake sale sponsored by Goodwill’s Service Guild, a visit from CheckerZ the Clown and the very popular Gold Star Chilimobile.  Shoppers spending $25. in the store and anyone making a donations at the drive-thru received a coupon good for a free cheese coney at the Chilimobile.  Rounding off the festivities for the day included radio remotes from 10 am to 4 pm with B-105, Rewind 94.9 and Q102. Shoppers were invited to play games offered by the radio stations and win chances for prizes.

The Gold Star Chilimobile and radio remotes will continue over the next five Saturday’s at Goodwill retail store locations to celebrate the Goodwill and Gold Star partnership.  “We want to give our customers and donors the opportunity to help celebrate this great partnership between the two organizations and this provides a great way to do so,” said Palmer.  The exciting Gold Star partnership continues at the following locations:

• Saturday, March 17, 1 to 3 pm – Lebanon Goodwill Store with B-105
• Saturday, March  24, 12 Noon to 2 pm – Beechmont Goodwill Store with B-105
• Saturday, March 31, 12 Noon to 2 pm – Fairfield Goodwill Store with Rewind 94.9
• Saturday, April 7, 12 Noon to 2 pm - Harrison Goodwill with Rewind 94.9
• Saturday, April 14, 12 Noon to 2 pm – Bellevue Goodwill with Q102

Goodwill salutes the Gold Star Chili organization and its many locations for their help and assistance in helping to make the public more aware of how donations assist Goodwill with its mission to help put people to work!

Ohio Valley Goodwill was well-represented on Friday, March 9th, as Goodwill team member, Leslie McCurley joined partner Jim Krumer, on the dance floor in support of the 3rd Annual Dancing with the Stars event. Held at the Eastgate Holiday Inn and Suites, the 3rd annual extravaganza was designed as a fundraiser for Goodwill partner, the Clermont County Board of Developmental Disabilities. McCurley who serves as the Asst. Director of DD Services for Ohio Valley Goodwill was recruited by the Clermont County Board as part of a “celebrity couple” for this year’s event. Along with partner, Jim Krumer, Superintendent of the Southwest Ohio Developmental Center (SODC), McCurley made her dancing debut performing a Swing dance for the competition.

The “Dancing With The Stars” gala is planned and organized by the Clermont County Board of DD staff team led by Community Relations Director, Lisa Davis. This year’s event featured 8 celebrity couples, all with very unique ties to the Board and the individuals they support. State Representative Joe Uecker and partner Meredith Delaney, who were the 2011 winners, presented the winning couple with the coveted Mirror Ball trophy at the end of the festivities.

“While we were very nervous about making our dancing debut,” said McCurley, ” it was worth it to do our part to support the Clermont County Board of DD and its mission in the community.” The celebrity couple were further challenged by partner Jim Krumer falling and breaking his hand the day before the big event. Despite everything, the dancing partners did a wonderful job to the delight of the more than 300 guests in attendance.

Ohio Valley Goodwill congratulates Leslie McCurley and Jim Krumer on their outstanding performance and courage in support of the 2012 Dancing with the Stars Extravaganza.

Ohio Valley Goodwill team members, Matt Graves and Paul Davis were singled out for recognition at the 2012 Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services (HCDDS) awards event on March 5th. The Goodwill team in attendance was thrilled for both of the award recipients on their well-deserved recognition.

Matt is a participant in Goodwill’s Westwood Training Center and was honored with the Sue G. Breiner Self-Advocacy award for his leadership and community outreach efforts on behalf of people with disabilities.

An enthusiastic advocate, Matt is the President of the Westwood Consumer Advisory Council and is involved in a number of community activities on a regular basis including volunteering at a local nursing home, committee work with his church and the Special Olympics organization.

“Matt does a wonderful job as President of the Westwood Consumer Advisory Council and we are delighted that he was selected for recognition,” said Michelle Ruschman, Westwood Supervisor.

In addition, Goodwill representatives were excited to watch Board of Directors member Paul Davis receive the Joanne M. Schreiner Award for Outstanding Achievement. The honor was bestowed on Davis for his record of service to Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services as well as his current work as a board member for Ohio Valley Goodwill. Mr. Davis spent more than 20 years with Hamilton County DD Services in a variety of roles including Deputy Superintendent and also served as Deputy Superintendent for the Warren County Board of DD for three years.

In 2008, Mr. Davis was elected as a board member for Ohio Valley Goodwill and as such is an active partner in the organization’s management and governance.

“Ohio Valley Goodwill is very pleased that our board member, Paul Davis, was selected for this esteemed recognition,” said Joe Byrum, President and CEO.

Ohio Valley Goodwill congratulates Matt Graves and Paul Davis on their prestigious award recognition from long-time partner, Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services.

L to R: Bill Darnell, HVRP, Senator Shannon Brown, Joe Byrum, Goodwill President and CEO.

Ohio Valley Goodwill President and CEO, Joe Byrum, was delighted to welcome State Senator Shannon Jones to the organization’s corporate headquarters on Monday, March 5th for a comprehensive tour of the facility. Senator Jones represents Ohio’s 7th Senate District and serves currently as the Majority Whip in the Senate. The Senator’s district includes parts of Hamilton County as well as Warren County where Goodwill has various work training center locations.

During the comprehensive tour, the Senator was interested to learn more the organization’s various work training and job placement services as well as its programs for our nation’s veterans. The on-site transitional dormitory was one of the many stops along the Senator’s tour of the organization’s headquarters and Ms. Jones had the opportunity to talk directly with program staff at each location along the way. The Senator had many questions about the success of the many programs she had the chance to view during her visit and seemed impressed with the information she received. “It was a pleasure to visit Ohio Valley Goodwill and find out more about the variety of employment and training options that they offer,” said the Senator at the conclusion of her tour.

Ohio Valley Goodwill welcomes elected officials to its corporate headquarters as well as its satellite locations on a regular basis to ensure that they are informed of the organization’s impact on the larger community both as a valued business partner as well as an employment expert. “It was an honor to have the Senator take time out of her busy schedule to visit Ohio Valley Goodwill and learn more about the important contributions that we make to the overall economic vitality of the Southwest Ohio region ,” said Joe Byrum, President and CEO.