Goodwill and the 105th Thanksgiving Day Race Break All Records!

With a theme of “oh, what fun it is to Run,” the 105th Thanksgiving Day Race lived up to all expectations as more than 17,000 runners gathered for this year’s race at Paul Brown Stadium. Ohio Valley Goodwill was there to greet them at the Start where the organization was hosting one of two donation stations for this year’s event. This is the fifth year in a row that Goodwill has partnered with the annual race to host donation stations. In 2013, Goodwill collected more than 5000 pounds of coats, scarves, hats and other cold weather gear and this year was pleased to break all previous records for donations.

While race participants had the opportunity to donate at the start line, they also enjoyed the Goodwill station at Mile 2 where musicians Michael Flannery and Mark Macomber entertained the crowd with their musical talents. Goodwill’s enthusiastic group of volunteer cheerleaders also helped to inspire the runners as they ran past, tossing donations into the Goodwill barrels along the way. “We could not be more grateful for the support and generosity of the Greater Cincinnati community during this important holiday time of the year,” said Sharon Hannon, Goodwill Marketing Specialist and event coordinator.

In total, Goodwill collected more than 5800 pounds of donated items during this year’s Thanksgiving Day Race. Proceeds from the sale of these generously donated items are used to support the organization’s mission of putting people with disabilities and our nation’s veterans to work in our community. Last year, Goodwill helped more than 3,100 people through its programs and services and 947 people to obtain jobs.

Our thanks to the 105th Western and Southern Thanksgiving Day Race and the 17,000 runners and walkers for their support of Ohio Valley Goodwill. Happy Thanksgiving Wishes to all!