Ohio Valley Goodwill Celebrates 100+ Anniversary Holiday Luncheon!

Held at the beautiful Sharonville Convention Center, the 2017 Goodwill Holiday Luncheon welcomed almost 200 friends, supporters and partners to the annual celebration. This year’s luncheon event marks the 101st year of service of the organization to the Greater Cincinnati community.

Among the many highlights of the event-filled day, was the presentation by the organization’s Service Guild President, Sue Burreson, of three separate checks to Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries; $1,000 to the organization’s Center for Advocacy, Recreation and Education (CARE), $5,000 to the Veteran’s program and finally, $20,000 to the organization’s Employment and Training services. ” Goodwill is so thankful to our outstanding volunteer Service Guild who raise funds through the Treasure Island Gift Shop in support of our 100+ year old mission.” said Joe Byrum, President and CEO.

The Guild presentation was then followed by Special Projects Manager, Camille Robinson, formally recognizing Jim Downton, Sharonville Convention Center and Cathy Englund, Spectra Food Services and team members and thanking them for their hosting and sponsorship of the 16th annual Homeless Awareness Dinner held on December 14th.

One of the themes of the day was tenure recognition for Ohio Valley Goodwill’s long-time team members. This year, four employees were singled out for attaining twenty years of tenure including: Kim Bick, Contributed Goods; Eve Lawson, Contributed Goods and Kip Miller, Work Adjustment; and Donald Mueller, Contributed Goods. Four other Goodwill team members marked their 20th anniversary this year but were unable to attend the awards event. They include: Janet Macke, Contributed Goods; Marcheta Millen, Janitorial Services; Kimberly Steele, Work Adjustment; and Sharon Williams; Contributed Goods.

The 2017 Goodwill Holiday Luncheon was particularly momentous as members of the organization’s Executive team were singled out for special recognition in appreciation of more than 40 years of service. Goodwill Vice President of Rehabilitation Services, Jo Ann Decker along with CFO, Doug Ostholthoff were recognized for their outstanding contributions to the overall success of the organization over their tenure. While Jo Ann Decker was unable to attend the event, CFO, Doug Ostholthoff was called to the stage to be formally recognized for his 41 years of service. He was also presented with a gift bag which he opened and then, proudly showed the crowd resulting in spontaneous giggles from the assembled guests…a truly ugly Christmas sweater along with a matching hat!

Long-time employees, Anna Gabbard (43 years) and Nancy Woolley (44 years) were also presented with bouquets of flowers for their more than forty years of dedication to the Goodwill mission.

The audience was surprised to learn that more than 50 employees with Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries, have more than twenty years of service to the organization and its 100+ year long mission of putting people to work. President and CEO, Joe Byrum congratulated and thanked every employee for their commitment to the Goodwill mission.

The tenure recognition ceremonies were then followed by remarks by Goodwill Board Chairman, Charlie Wright on Ohio Valley Goodwill’s 100+ years of service in the Greater Cincinnati community and impact on the lives of people with disabilities, veterans and others served. Mr. Wright thanked all of the organization’s partners and friends for their on-going support which has made Goodwill’s mission possible. Mr. Wright also took the opportunity to officially recognize President and CEO, Joe Byrum for his 40 years of service to the organization and presented him with a commemorative plaque in honor of his leadership and tenure milestone.

The 2017 Goodwill Holiday Luncheon closed in traditional fashion with the debut of this year’s special holiday video created, produced and edited by Public Information Officer, Michael Flannery. The assembled guests laughed throughout the premiere and applauded Michael’s efforts at the end of the video.