Discover Goodwill Honors “Star” Supporters and Achievers at 2017 Annual Dinner
Colorado Springs, CO. – April 26, 2017 – On April 18, Discover Goodwill raised the curtains on the nonprofit’s Annual Dinner at The Broadmoor, honoring dedicated business and community partners, and individuals who have profoundly benefitted from Goodwill’s life-changing programs. Attended by more than 700 of the organization’s biggest champions of change, the “Discover Our Stars” themed event had an awards-show feel, complete with red carpet, camera-flashing paparazzi, golden statues in the shape of Goodwill’s trademark “Smiling G,” and star-studded centerpieces created by Discover Goodwill’s Possibilities program participants.
The evening commenced with Discover Goodwill President and CEO Karla Grazier and Herring Bank Market President/Discover Goodwill Governing Board Chair Aileen Berrios highlighting Discover Goodwill’s profound impact on the community in 2016—including a record 81,557 lives served, 29,673 job-challenged individuals who received career training and support, and an all-time-high 9,731 individuals who were placed into employment! Grazier also underscored the overall economic impact of these career placements, totaling over $220 million.
Discover Goodwill’s “2017 Guiding Light Award” was presented to devoted Goodwill board member and philanthropist Ginna Morgan. El Pomar Foundation was recognition as the “2016 Discover Goodwill Award” honoree for its prominent role opening doors of opportunity to tens of thousands of disadvantaged individuals in the region. Other honored organizations included “2016 Extending Goodwill Award” recipients: El Paso County Department of Human Services, Walmart and ImageFIRST Healthcare Laundry Specialists.
Individual award recipients included “2016 Independence Award” Honoree Anna Cordova, City of Colorado Springs’ lead archaeologist, who courageously left an abusive relationship and took her two young children to begin a new life with the help of Discover Goodwill’s Career Development Center. “2016 Community Employee of the Year” Scot Cuthbertson struggled to find his path to independence as he dealt with Asperger’s Syndrome, and received job training and meaningful employment as a member of Discover Goodwill’s custodial crew at the Air Force Academy.
Todd “TJ” Ikehara, “2016 Achiever of the Year,” found his culinary calling in the Discover Goodwill Possibilities program’s kitchen, enhancing his independence despite his diagnosis with a serious and rare genetic disorder. “2016 Helms Legacy Award” Honoree Roland Warren overcame a decades-long drug addiction and got on the path to a productive life, now counseling others who face the same obstacles that he once did. Roland has worked his way up the Discover Goodwill retail ranks and is now an assistant store manager, earning the trust and admiration of those around him.
“We are so thankful to our Presenting Partner ANB Bank and everyone in attendance tonight for passionately promoting ‘goodwill’ in our community, and helping our ‘stars’ maintain their bright and sustaining light!” Grazier shared with Annual Dinner guests.26
