SARASOTA/BRADENTON, FL – Goodwill Manasota, which is always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to engage local individuals and businesses in their work, has recently launched “Business 100.” The venture provides the nonprofit organization with a new way to raise funds to support its mission of changing lives through the power of work while offering area small businesses a new avenue for philanthropy.
By becoming a part of Business 100, businesses will be investing in our community and in the programs that Goodwill Manasota provides. Membership supports Goodwill’s free career services through its Job Connection program, with offices in Sarasota, Manatee, Desoto and Hardee counties; employment opportunities for individuals with barriers to employment; and critical programs and services for veterans, to help them reintegrate into their families, communities and jobs. The investment required is just $500 – although more can be contributed if the business chooses.
Benefits for participating companies include wide community exposure through Goodwill’s communication networks, marketing materials and recognition at special events, a listing in Goodwill’s “The Good Guide,” its resource guide of community partners, invitations to special events, and more.
One of the first businesses to sign up is Children’s World Uniform and Supply. Children’s World – which was named Goodwill’s 2016 Community Partner of the Year during this year’s annual Ambassador Luncheon – works with Goodwill’s Job Connection to find qualified employees and has held several “Give Back” days over the past couple of years, with a portion of sales to patrons who mention Goodwill being donated back to the nonprofit. Children’s World owners Tim and Cynthia Holliday, and their daughter, Faith, are all Goodwill Ambassadors.
“I love Goodwill, and all they do in the community. So many people only know it’s a place to drop off used items, but there’s so much more to it than that,” said Tim Holliday. “Goodwill helps the environment, helps with education, helps with housing, and helps with jobs. And, of course, Goodwill is a great place to shop!”
“In this new era of social responsibility, cause marketing is now the norm – people want to know that companies share their values and the desire to make the world a better place by supporting important causes,” said Veronica Brandon Miller, vice president for Goodwill Manasota. “This program is a win-win for everyone involved: the companies, who gain not just exposure but also the satisfaction of supporting a great cause, and Goodwill, who benefits from additional financial support. We are grateful to our business partners – like Children’s World – for their support of our mission of changing lives through the power of work.”
For more information about becoming a part of Goodwill Manasota’s Business 100, please contact Morgan Gerhart, director of development, at morgan.gerhart@gimi.org or (941) 355-2721, ext. 107.
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 2015, Goodwill Manasota served 22,739 people, placed 961 people in jobs and assisted 358 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 41 million pounds out of the landfill. 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. 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.