SARASOTA/BRADENTON, FL – During the month of September, Goodwill Manasota will celebrate “Heroes Month” in recognition of veterans, first responders, firefighters, police officers and everyday heroes in our community. They will start with Heroes Month proclamations by Sarasota and Manatee Counties and host activities throughout the month to honor local heroes while also enlisting support for Goodwill Manasota’s Veterans Services Program.
Goodwill will team up with Culver’s on University (2605 University Parkway, Sarasota), where a special red, white and blue “Hero Custard” will be sold all month long. Culver’s will also host a Heroes Night on September 5, from 4-8 p.m., at which veterans can meet with and get support from several local organizations, including a local VA Medical Clinic, Sarasota and Manatee County Veterans Services offices, Jewish Family & Children’s Service, Harvest House, SRQ Vets, USF Sarasota-Manatee, and Sarasota County Veterans Court.
JDubs Brewing Company has created a new red, white and blue brew Heroes Flight – it will host a kick-off event to celebrate on September 8 from 6-8 p.m.; local jewelry designer Barb McSweeney of Barb McSweeney Jewelry has created a limited edition Hero Strand necklace with pearls and leather that will be on sale while supplies last; and Children’s World is hosting the Honor Our Heroes Give Back event all month. Proceeds from all of these programs will benefit Goodwill’s Veterans Services Program.
“The brave men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces and their families make enormous sacrifices, both during and after their service to our nation. This is why Goodwill works every day to honor our returning heroes through our Veterans Services Program,” said Bob Rosinsky, president and CEO of Goodwill Manasota. “We are so grateful to the many businesses who are partnering with us in September to raise awareness of and support for our programs and services for local veterans. We are looking forward to all of the Heroes Month festivities next month!”
For more information about Goodwill or Hero Month, go to experiencegoodwill.org or call (941) 355-2721.
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.