Community Spotlight: Goodwill Manasota Recognizes Super Hero Ambassadors

SARASOTA – Goodwill Manasota honored 23 outstanding ambassadors at its annual Ambassador luncheon held at Michael’s on East on Monday, May 5, 2014.

"We have amazing Ambassadors,” said Rick Hughes, director of Community Outreach. “With more than 400 volunteers and recognition as the 2013 Volunteer Program of the Year by Goodwill International Industries, we are extremely proud of the program,” he said.

Since the program’s inception in 2011, Goodwill Ambassadors have been building awareness of Goodwill Manasota's mission, programs and initiatives through speaking engagements at area service clubs, faith-based organizations, and professional and youth groups.

“Our Goodwill Ambassadors inform the community of the important work Goodwill is doing to improve people’s lives and they inspire others to participate. We're grateful to each and every individual who gives so much of his or her time and commitment to this worthy program," said Bob Rosinsky, CEO and president of Goodwill Manasota.

The Ambassador Recognition Luncheon acknowledged outstanding volunteers who have gone above and beyond in spreading the Goodwill word, as part of its “I’ve got the Power” campaign.

Some of the special awards handed out included: The Good Neighbor Ambassador of the Year – The Latin Chamber; Donation Drives of the Year – AAA; Philanthropist of the Year – Tana Sandefur; Volunteer of the Year -- Fred Lopez; Partner of the Year -- Legacy of Valor; Organization of the Year -- Meals on Wheels of Sarasota; Company of the Year -- Adams & Reese LLP; Media Sponsor of the Year -- SNN; Sponsor of the Year -- Rapid Security Solutions; Policy Maker of the Year – Rep. Greg Steube; Community Leader of the Year -- Rick Fawley; Lifetime Achievement Award -- Jo Rita Stevens.

The “I’ve Got the Power” campaign, celebrated at the luncheon with blue capes and superhero video testimonials, is a collaboration that encourages local Girl Scouts to make a difference and create positive changes in our communities. It is a partnership launched this week, as part of Goodwill Week- celebrated at Goodwill locations across the country.

Local Girl Scouts will be organizing donation drives to help Goodwill further its mission; in return, Girl Scouts will earn an “I’ve Got the Power” badge in addition to learning about environmental responsibility and social consciousness.

Photo Attached by Cliff Roles Photography: Bob Rosinsky, CEO and president of Goodwill Manasota, Lifetime Achievement Award Winner Jo Rita Stevens, Hayley Wielgus of ABC7, and Rick Hughes, director of Community Outreach for Goodwill Manasota.

 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 2013, we served more than 16,000 people, placed 537 people in jobs and assisted 329 veterans as they reintegrated back into the civilian workforce. Goodwill Manasota’s economic impact back to the community is worth $39.3 million.

We accomplish our mission through a network of Good Neighbor Centers in Sarasota, Manatee, Hardee and DeSoto counties and our Mission Development Services (MDS) around North America. We also provide opportunities through numerous programs, such as Donated Goods Employment Services, Job Connection, American Veterans & their Families Initiative, JobsPlus, Supported JobsPlus, GoodwillWorks, White Glove Services, Good Neighbor Program and Ambassadors Program. Goodwill is one of the pioneers of the reduce-reuse-recycle movement and this past year diverted 37 million pounds out of the landfill.

Goodwill Manasota is legally organized under the laws of the United States and the State of Florida. We are 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 EXPERIENCEGOODWILL.ORG.