Ohio Valley Goodwill Celebrates 2018 Holiday Luncheon with Friends and Partners!

Held at the beautiful Sharonville Convention Center, the 2018 Goodwill Holiday Luncheon welcomed almost 200 friends, supporters and partners to the annual celebration. This year’s luncheon event marks the 102nd year of service of the organization to the Greater Cincinnati community.

Among the assembled guests were Lisa Guliano, Superintendent of Butler DD, Dan Ottke, Superintendent of Clermont DD,   Ohio Representative John Becker, and Representatives from both Congressmen Chabot and Wenstrup’s offices. Among the many highlights of the event-filled day, was the introduction of new Board of Directors member, Shane Satterfield, who was recently appointed to the organization’s Board.

Shane Satterfield with Doug Ostholthoff, CFO and Tammy Fultz, OOD.

Another much anticipated  aspect of the annual Holiday Luncheon event is the official 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 and other special events in support of our 100+ year old mission.” said Joe Byrum, President and CEO.

Guild President, Sue Burreson Presenting Joe Byrum with check

The Guild presentation was then followed by Grants Director, Charlie Blythe, with help from special guest, Santa Claus, 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 17th annual Homeless Awareness Dinner held on December 11th. More than 300 individuals and families served  by area homeless shelters  received a delicious holiday meal and gifts during the event. Santa noted that 65 of the guests were children under the age of 16 this year. The assembled guests enjoyed a video produced by Public Information Officer, Michael Flannery, from this year’s dinner which featured participants talking about their lives and gratitude for the celebratory evening provided by Goodwill and the Sharonville Convention Center and their families.

Sharonville Convention Center team with Spectra Food Services and Santa!

One of the  highlights of the annual holiday luncheon is  the opportunity to recognize employees  who have attained the 20 years of service milestone.    This year,  one employee; Versailles Brown,  was singled out for recognition. Lisa Schneider, Assistant Director of DD Services was pleased to accept the 20 year jacket and tenure pin on behalf of Versailles who was unable to attend this year’s luncheon.

The 2018 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. In addition, recently retired employee, Anna Gabbard, was also recognized for more than 40 years of service.

Long-time employee Nancy Woolley (45 years) was presented with a bouquet of flowers for their more than forty years of dedication to the Goodwill mission. Guests were 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.

Joe Byrum with Charles Wright, Board Chairman

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. The 2018 Holiday Luncheon concluded in its usual tradition with a closing video produced by Michael Flannery, which focused on the true meaning of Christmas and was thoroughly appreciated by all those in attendance.