Goodwill, Sharonville Convention Center and Spectra Food Services Host 18th Annual Homeless Awareness Community Dinner!
The evening of December 18th fittingly marked the celebration of the 18th annual Homeless Awareness Community Dinner at the Sharonville Convention Center. Sponsored by Spectra Food Services in partnership with the Sharonville Convention Center and Ohio Valley Goodwill, the annual dinner brings together individuals and families for a fabulous holiday dinner and special activities serving more than 300 guests. The Sharonville Convention Center and Spectra Food Services work very hard to organize this important evening which includes many volunteers from the staff of the two organizations.
Goodwill Veteran Services Team 2019
Goodwill Public Information Officer Michael Flannery being interviewed about the 2019 Community Dinner
Local news stations were on hand to cover the 18th annual Homeless Awareness Community Dinner including WLWT News 5 and WCPO Channel 9. Goodwill Public Information Officer, Michael Flannery along with Jim Downton, Sharonville Convention Center were interviewed about their thoughts about the 18th annual event. “Ohio Valley Goodwill is always glad to have the opportunity to support this important annual community outreach event which helps to bring attention to families who are struggling with homelessness in our community,” noted Flannery. For more than a century, Goodwill’s mission has been to assist our nation’s veterans as well as others challenged with homelessness to find permanent housing and attain economic self-sufficiency through the power of work. Last year alone, Ohio Valley Goodwill served almost 600 veterans in helping them to achieve independence and overall, more than 3500 people through its employment, training and community integration programs.
The annual community celebration offers a traditional holiday meal with all the trimmings, a DJ spinning tunes, and an extra special visit from Santa for all of the many children in attendance. Ohio Valley Goodwill is always pleased to be a part of this evening holiday tradition held in support of individuals and families faced with the challenge of homelessness. Transportation to the Sharonville Convention Center for participants is coordinated by Goodwill’s Special Projects Veterans team which helps to bring individuals and families to the center. Busses are provided by Queen City Transportation and help individuals from ten local homeless shelters to attend this special event.
An important part of this wonderful evening is always the many volunteers who help to serve the dinner and make participants feel welcome for the holiday celebration. Volunteers for the dinner are team members from both the Sharonville Convention Center and Spectra Food Services as well as this year, St. Michael’s School.
Volunteers from St. Michael’s School helping kids play
Many of the volunteers include the families of staff from both companies. Several volunteers have been participating in this 18th annual event for many years. More than 50 volunteers participated in this year’s event. One of the highlights of this year’s party, was the fun craft table where kids could design their own stockings.
Stockings decorated with care
The attendees currently receive support from the following organizations including: Salvation Army, YWCA, Anna Louise Inn, Hatton Center, Parkway Center, Volunteers of America, Bethany House, Tender Mercies. Joseph House and the Off the Streets program. Ohio Valley Goodwill is especially thankful that Santa (aka Phil Born from Goodwill’s Veterans Services) was able to be part of the event this year. And just to top off the festivities, guests enjoyed the performance of the Santa’s Goody Bag Band, a huge ensemble of local musicians and horn players, who volunteer to entertain at large community events. Goodwill’s own Michael Flannery joined the group to show off his trumpet playing skills.
Santa’s Goody Bag Band
Santa aka Phil Born
Ohio Valley Goodwill is grateful to the Sharonville Convention Center, Spectra Food Services, Santa’s Goody Bag Band, St. Michael’s School and all of the many partners who assist with this annual evening to support individuals and families facing the challenge of homelessness. To find out more about Ohio Valley Goodwill’s programs and services for individuals challenged with homelessness, please visit our website at www.cincinnatigoodwill.org/services.
