Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries
Serving Greater Cincinnati

"Ohio Valley Goodwill Celebrates the Holiday Season at 95th Anniversary Luncheon"

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Ohio Valley Goodwill celebrated its official 95th Anniversary with a gala holiday luncheon on Friday, December 16th.   Sponsored by the organization’s Board of Directors, the annual event provides an opportunity for Ohio Valley Goodwill’s Board of Directors, Volunteer Service Guild , Executive team, referral partners, legislative and special guests to come together to celebrate the achievements of the past  year in a relaxed, festive atmosphere. This year’s luncheon welcomed almost 200 friends and supporters of the organization and marked the official recognition of Goodwill’s 95 years of service in the community. The featured keynote speaker at this year’s event was Goodwill Industries International (GII) President and CEO Jim Gibbons, who spoke eloquently about Goodwill’s mission of service  in the community. The 95th Anniversary Celebration Luncheon was highlighted by special presentations of recognition to Goodwill by representatives from the United States Senate, the Ohio House of Representatives and the Hamilton County Commissioners office.  Senator Sherrod Brown’s  SW Divisional Liaison Brooke Hill presented Ohio Valley Goodwill President and CEO, Joe  Byrum, with a proclamation from the  Senate in celebration of the organization’s  service over the past 95 years.  Newly-elected Hamilton County Commissioner Chris Monzel followed Ms. Hill by presenting a certificate of recognition from the Commissioner’s office as well as proclaiming December 16th as “Ohio Valley Goodwill Day” in Cincinnati. Topping off the official  recognition  part of the program was State Representative Connie Pillich  from the 28th District, where the organization’s corporate headquarters are located. The Representative presented Goodwill President and CEO, Joe Byrum, with an official commendation from the Ohio House of Representatives and congratulated the organization on its service to the Greater Cincinnati community over the past  95 years. In addition to the many tributes received from its honored guests, the organization was pleased to recognize the tenure of two  of its long-time employees, Kim Masters and Arthur Johnson, both 20 year employees of Goodwill. In addition, three employees were singled out for recognition that have provided more than 35 years of service; Doug Ostholthoff, CFO, Anna Gabbard, IT, and Nancy Wooley, Rehabilitation Services. Following the tenure recognition, Volunteer Service Guild President, Nancy Horton, presented Goodwill President and CEO,  Joe Byrum  with a check for the funds raised by the Guild over the past year. Following the Guild presentation of the $20,000 gift, Ohio Valley Goodwill President and CEO, Joe Byrum invited the esteemed keynote speaker for the 95th Anniversary Celebration  event to the stage; Mr. Jim Gibbons, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries International (GII). Mr. Gibbons remarks regarding the importance and relevance of the Goodwill mission in the community inspired the fascinated group of attendees. He spoke movingly about his own life experience as a person seeking employment with a visual disability and how his own experiences professionally over time, have influenced his unflagging commitment to Goodwill’s mission of helping people to experience personal success in their own lives. He encouraged the audience to think differently in the future regardless of their role in terms of helping people to have increased opportunities to become valued members of the community. “Ohio Valley Goodwill is honored and very pleased that Mr. Jim Gibbons and so many of our close friends and partners were able to join us today to celebrate 95 years of service in the Greater Cincinnati community. We feel that the personal success of the thousands of men and women we serve every year are the true indicators of Goodwill’s mission in action,” said Joe Byrum, President and CEO. The 95th Anniversary Celebration was capped off by a reflective video presentation produced by Goodwill Public Information Officer, Michael Flannery, which captured the Goodwill story over the past 95 years. Ohio Valley Goodwill wishes all of you a very happy holiday season and peace and prosperity in the New Year!

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