"Goodwill Hosts 8th Annual Homeless Awareness Dinner!"

On Wednesday, December 9th, Ohio Valley Goodwill welcomed more than 450 individuals and families to its 8th Annual Homeless Awareness Dinner. The annual event is hosted in partnership with the Sharonville Convention Center and Village Pantry Catering and this year’s dinner broke all records for attendance. The festive party provides a lavish holiday meal for guests as well as entertainment and the highlight of the evening, a visit from Santa for all of the children in attendance. The 2009 dinner was a memorable occasion for the more than 125 children that enjoyed a warm holiday meal and their special gifts from our visitor from the North.

The elaborate dinner is planned and organized by Ohio Valley Goodwill’s Special Projects team and requires hours of pre-event coordination. All needed supports for the dinner are provided by Goodwill specialists who sponsor transportation from area shelters, arrange for gifts for all attendees, secure the entertainment, and even confirm all of the very secret arrangements for the guest of honor, Mr. Claus. ” Ohio Valley Goodwill is delighted to host this very special annual dinner which is not only a celebration of togetherness but also an opportunity to increase awareness in the community about those struggling with homelessness,” said Charlie Blythe, Event Chairperson and Goodwill Grants Director.

Ohio Valley Goodwill has a long-standing commitment to working with individuals challenged with homelessness and our nation’s veterans. In 2008, the organization served more than 550 military men and women and in total, more than 2600 individuals with disabilities and other barriers to employment.

Goodwill thanks the community for its support of this important annual event as well as for its vital programs and services for all of the individuals it serves year-long.