Ohio Valley Goodwill Supports HCDDS 2014 Levy Campaign Kick Off!
On Tuesday May 6, Hamilton County residents will be voting on the all-important Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services Levy. It is impossible to overstate the importance of this levy to individuals with disabilities, their families, and citizens of Hamilton County. The tax levy provides 71% of the funds needed for HCDDS to offer services to almost 10,000 individuals and families in Hamilton County over the next five years. Funds provide for a full range of educational, vocational, and residential programs and services designed to meet the specialized needs of children and adults in Hamilton County. As a partner with HCDDS for the past 30 years, Ohio Valley Goodwill offers programs and services for almost 700 people annually that include skill training, employment assistance, personal development as well as social integration opportunities.
The 2014 Levy Campaign officially kicked off last night with enthusiastic supporters and volunteers committed to helping raise awareness and unite efforts to successfully past this year’s critically important levy in May. The festivities got underway at 5:30 pm with live music by the band Gigity, silent auction, information tables and a kick-off -themed buffet. The evening’s events were MC’d by Goodwill Public Information Officer, Michael Flannery, and one of the highlights of night was the performance of the Finneytown Sparkle Cats Cheer Squad who gave the attendees a great dose of team spirit.
Levy volunteers Peter Bloch, Greg Webb and Lamont Taylor and other levy stars were recognized for their contributions, and the efforts they will continue to make throughout the campaign. The evening’s most memorable moments were provided by Logan, an advocate served by the Board and his mother, who provided the closing remarks for the event. In a charming and humorous speech, Logan shared a little of his personal story including his love for Elvis, the many medical procedures he has to endure regularly, and his determination to do everything he can to get the levy passed. Audience members were moved to provide a standing ovation for Logan as he finished his heart-felt remarks. Logan is also one of the faces of the 2014 campaign and will be featured on banners and billboards (see banner photo at top of page).
Ohio Valley Goodwill was pleased to be a sponsor of this year’s Kick-Off event and looks forward to supporting the Levy campaign in the coming weeks. Goodwill is serving as the distribution center for the 2014 Levy sign community outreach effort which will take place on Saturday, March 15th. Signs will be available for pick-up from 9:30 am-12 noon at the following Goodwill store locations: Beechmont, Cheviot, Harrison, Loveland, Montgomery, Mt. Washington, Oakley and Tri-County. For directions to store locations, visit www.cincinnatigoodwill.org/shop.
In addition, Ohio Valley Goodwill team members will be involved in education efforts in support of the levy through providing presentations to local civic and community organizations in the coming weeks. The organization is also hosting a Voter Registration drive in its Cheviot, Oakley and Tri-County retail stores from 1:00-4:00 on Saturday, March 22nd. Goodwill’s volunteer Service Guild is assisting in this effort. The Goodwill team is dedicated to doing everything possible to help ensure that on May 6th, the 2014 HCDDS Levy is successfully passed in Hamilton County. To find out how you can support the Levy, please “like” their page at www.facebook.com/PeopleForDDServices.
