Ohio Valley Goodwill Receives Inaugural Spirit of America Award From Cincinnatus Association!
Cincinnatus Association: Marian and Donald Spencer ” Spirit of America Awards”
The evening of May 28th was quite a memorable one for Ohio Valley Goodwill. Honored with the inaugural Marian and Donald Spencer ” Spirit of America Award” in the Non-Profit category, the organization’s team members were grateful and humbled by the recognition. Representing Goodwill was President and CEO, Joe Byrum.
“On behalf of Ohio Valley Goodwill, please accept our most sincere thanks to the Cincinnatus Association and Ms. Marian Spencer for this wonderful recognition of Ohio Valley Goodwill and our work in the Greater Cincinnati community. Some of you may not be aware of the fact that Mr. Donald Spencer was a long-time member of the Goodwill board of directors and supporter of the organization’s work, ” said Joe Byrum, Goodwill President and CEO.
“We are honored to have the support of such wonderful Cincinnati legends like the Spencers promoting the important mission of Goodwill in our community. The creation of the Inaugural Marian and Donald Spencer ” Spirit of America” awards is not only a fitting tribute for the Spencers and their work on behalf of Greater Cincinnati but also, an honor for Ohio Valley Goodwill. Our most sincere thanks to the Cincinnatus Association for this recognition. As we move towards the celebration of our 100th anniversary of service next year, Ohio Valley Goodwill will continue to help strengthen our community by helping individuals with disabilities and our nation’s veterans to be successfully included in our workforce. Thank you for your support,” concluded Byrum.
Marian Spencer with Joe Byrum, Goodwill CEO.
Marian Spencer, a long-time civil rights activist and community organizer, was the esteemed speaker for the evening and was introduced by Master of Ceremonies, television personality, Courtis Fuller. During her remarks, Ms. Spencer shared the story of the efforts of she and her husband over more than 70 years to promote the full inclusion of all people in the Greater Cincinnati community. Named a “Great Living Cincinnatian” by the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, Spencer served as Vice Mayor of the city of Cincinnati during her long and historic career. Through the determination of she and her late husband, Donald, many of Cincinnati’s well known educational and recreational institutions became fully accessible and welcoming to all of the city’s residents regardless of race. Following Ms. Spencer’s remarks, a video was shown that illustrated the Spencer’s remarkable civil rights achievements over the years. Ms. Spencer concluded her comments by challenging all in attendance to do what they can to improve their community.
Ohio Valley Goodwill was delighted to be included with other first-time honorees, the Kroger Company and Individual Award Winner, Willie Carden, Cincinnati Parks Director.
For almost 100 years, Ohio Valley Goodwill has been about the mission of putting people with disabilities and our nation’s veterans to work in the Greater Cincinnati community. Last year alone, Goodwill helped more than 3400 Greater Cincinnatians receive services and helped almost 1000 to get jobs in our community. It is estimated that in its almost 100 year history, Goodwill has helped tens of thousands of our local citizens to obtain economic self-sufficiency through the power of work as well as to experience personal success. It is this commitment towards helping people with disabilities and our nation’s veterans to be fully included in our community that earned Ohio Valley Goodwill’s recognition with the 2015 Spirit of America’s ” Non-Profit Organization Award” by the Cincinnatus Association.
Please take a moment to find out more about Ohio Valley Goodwill’s mission of service on our website at www.cincinnatigoodwill.org/about. Our sincere gratitude to the Cincinnatus Association and the Spencer’s for this prestigious honor.
Spirit of America Award winners with Marian Spencer.
