SARASOTA/BRADENTON, FL – Goodwill Manasota and Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida are partnering to host the “Little Black Dress: Salute the Runway” luncheon and fashion show on Thursday, July 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event, which takes place at the Hyatt Regency (1000 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota), will feature area women veterans wearing little black dresses selected at area Goodwill retail stores.
The partnership has extended beyond the event – since spring, Goodwill and the Girl Scouts have teamed up for the “Inspiring Patriotism,” a community project with the goal of honoring veterans, inspiring patriotism, and embracing freedom. Girl Scout Cadettes and Seniors (grades 6-10) have participated in a variety of activities to earn the “Finding Common Ground” Legacy Badge.
As part of the effort, Girl Scouts have been paired with women veterans through the Goodwill Manasota Veterans Task Force. Through this mentorship, each girl has had the opportunity to learn first-hand the sacrifices that the veterans have made and how they have become leaders in the community. Another component has seen the Girl Scouts learn the proper protocol for honoring the U.S. flag.
“Community collaboration is a vital part of the Girl Scout experience,” said Mary Anne Servian, CEO of Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida. “We are excited to have this opportunity for our Girl Scouts to build meaningful relationships with female veterans while learning about the importance of service to others.”
“We’re so pleased to partner with organizations like Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, whose mission is to build girls of courage, confidence and character,” added Goodwill Manasota vice president Veronica Brandon Miller. “This project has combined mentorship, community service, and patriotism, all of which are values that are very dear to Goodwill. We are pleased to be working yet again with Girl Scouts on such a positive community effort and look forward to another meaningful and enjoyable Little Black Dress event.”
Guests are invited to wear their own little black dresses. Cost is $75/person; proceeds from the event to benefit Goodwill’s Veterans Services Program and the Girl Scouts. Call (941) 355-2721, ext. 104 for more information or go to www.experiencegoodwill.org/events to purchase tickets online.
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 2016, Goodwill Manasota served 28,207 people, placed 755 people in jobs and assisted 240 veterans as they reintegrated back into the civilian workforce. Goodwill Manasota’s economic impact back to the community is worth $92.1 million. Goodwill is one of the pioneers of the reduce-reuse-recycle movement and this past year diverted more than 40 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.
About Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, Inc.
Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida is chartered by Girl Scouts of the USA and serves nearly 6,500 girls in ten counties including Manatee, Hardee, Highlands, Sarasota, DeSoto, Charlotte, Glades, Lee, Hendry, and Collier. For more information about Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida visit www.gsgcf.org.