Community Spotlight Community Spotlight: Bradenton Businessman Honors Veterans Through Donation of Monument to Goodwill

 

“When I was thinking about an inscription for this monument, I thought about Goodwill’s Veterans Services Program. It gives back to the community in a big way – helping those who can’t find jobs because of disabilities or other barriers. The organization helps veterans returning from war to find employment,” said Gregory. “I wanted to honor that commitment while saying ‘thank you’ to our heroes. We can never say thank you enough, and that’s why we dedicated this monument, and the flag, to the Goodwill corporate campus.” 

After graduating from of Florida State University, Gregory joined the Army.  He credits his leadership and work ethic to the time he spent serving our country. He says he learned first-hand the true meaning of freedom and the sacrifices made by veterans.  

 

Gregory serves on Goodwill’s Veterans Task Force, which is comprised of local leaders in the community who share the vision of helping veterans reintegrate back into the civilian workforce.  Honored as a Goodwill Ambassador of the Year in 2013, Stu Gregory’s involvement in Goodwill Manasota’s success began more than 30 years ago, when he became a member of Goodwill’s board of directors. Gregory was instrumental in the formation of opening the first Goodwill Manasota store in our area after separating from Goodwill Suncoast. Because of his longtime dedication to the mission of Goodwill, Gregory was named a “Lifetime Member” of the Goodwill Manasota board of directors. 

 

He has been involved with many organizations, including Goodwill Manasota, United Way of Manatee County, the Boys & Girls Club of Manatee County, the Manatee Civic Center Authority and the Manatee County Chamber of Commerce, among others. His company, Des Champs, Gregory & Hayes, Inc., recently celebrated 50 years in the local community. He and his wife, Gerry, have been married for 57 years with four children. Andy, Gregory’s son, has worked alongside him for the past 20 years.

 

“Of all of my involvements, Goodwill has been the most fun. When I think about giving back, it’s not a matter of why, it’s how. This community has been good to my family and our company, and we have benefited because of the people and businesses here,” said Gregory. “Giving back is important; it’s something we should do. I've got a soft spot for people who want to help themselves – it’s the American dream. There is no better place than Goodwill to help people who want to help themselves.”

 

“Stu Gregory is a man who realizes the importance of giving back, of involvement – and he continues to support Goodwill’s mission and our services to the community. None of the things we've achieved would have been possible without the vision and creativity of those who helped Goodwill become the organization it is today,” said Bob Rosinsky, president & CEO of Goodwill Manasota. “We are grateful for Stu’s continued support and his legacy, and thank him for this beautiful gift.”

 

Photo ID: Stu Gregory stands beside the donated veterans monument and American flag

 

 

About Goodwill Manasota

 

Goodwill Manasota is an industry-leading, 501(c)(3), not-for-profit organization that changes lives through the power of work. With the sales of donated goods and philanthropic donations, Goodwill is able to assist people with disabilities and other barriers to employment by providing job skills training and employment opportunities. In 2014, Goodwill Manasota served more than 16,000 people, placed 680 people in jobs and assisted 520 veterans as they reintegrated back into the civilian workforce. Goodwill Manasota’s economic impact back to the community is worth $81.3 million. Goodwill is one of the pioneers of the reduce-reuse-recycle movement and this past year diverted 39 million pounds out of the landfill. Goodwill Manasota is accountable to a local Board of Directors. Goodwill Manasota in essence belongs to this community, and is not owned by any individual or company. For more information, visit www.experiencegoodwill.org.