Ohio Valley Goodwill Celebrates the Holidays with Friends at 2019 Celebratory Luncheon!

Held at the beautiful Sharonville Convention Center, the 2019 Goodwill Holiday Luncheon was the occasion of not only its annual Holiday luncheon with friends, supporters and partners but also, a celebration of its Six Star Accreditation success. For the sixth consecutive time, the organization received a perfect accreditation outcome this Spring placing it in the top 3% of organizations nationally. The Six Star theme was carried out throughout the luncheon event as part of this year’s table decor and featured remarks. This year’s luncheon event marks the 103rd year of service of the organization to the Greater Cincinnati community.

Among the assembled guests were Rosalind Fultz representing Congressman Chabot, Ryan Braun, HCDDS, the Woodlawn Fire Department and Patricia Dawson, Butler DD. Among the many highlights of the event-filled day, was the formal recognition of retiring Board Members, Linda Eslick and Joy Packer who received commemorative plaques and were honored for their years of service and dedication to the Goodwill mission. Grants Director, Dick Oestreich, who is also also retiring this year received not only a recognition plaque as well as his 20 year tenure jacket but also, inspired the assembled audience with his insightful remarks about life and the value of becoming “real” as illustrated by the poem, “The Velveteen Rabbit,” by Margery Williams.

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, $15,000 to the organization’s Employment and Training services. This year’s presentation was especially meaningful as Burreson was surprised with recognition as being named a “2020 Charitable All Star” and presented with a bouquet of flowers. ” Goodwill is not only grateful for the Service Guild’s on-going generous support of our programs and services but wish to congratulate Sue on her recent recognition as a “2020 Charitable All Star,” by Cincy Magazine… an honor that is well-deserved. Our most sincere gratitude to you and the volunteer Service Guild for your hard work in fund-raising through the Treasure Island Gift Shop and other special events in support of our 100+ year old mission.” said Joe Byrum, President and CEO.

Alisha Moore Woolfork with Sue Burreson

The Guild presentation was then followed by Susie Skeens, Veterans Services team, presenting gifts with help from special guest, Santa, 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 18th annual Homeless Awareness Community Dinner to be held on December 18th.

Jim Downton, SCC, Susie Skeens, Cathy Englund, Spectra and Santa

Ryan Braun, Director of Community Relations for Hamilton County DD Services, and Levy Campaign Coordinator was a featured speaker and publicly thanked Ohio Valley Goodwill for its generous support of the 2019 Levy campaign. Braun cited a host of examples of how the organization’s team had assisted including levy sign distribution, testimony at Commissioner hearings, Honk and Waves, speaking engagements, levy support signage at Retail locations and more. He noted that since HCDDS is not able to support the levy during work hours, it is heavily dependent on volunteers to help out and as a result, Ohio Valley Goodwill’s efforts were sincerely appreciated. The 2019 Levy received record-setting approval this year.

Joe Byrum, CEO with Ryan Braun, HCDDS

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, six employees; John Briggs, Angel Jones, Shannon Tolley, Olivia Williams, Eric Scott and Dick Oestreich were recognized for their service and dedication. All will receive their 20 year Ohio Valley Goodwill leather jackets in recognition of their service to the organization and its mission. Grants Director, Dick Oestreich, who is also retiring this year received a special plaque in recognition of his on-going guidance in the CARF accreditation process on behalf of Ohio Valley Goodwill.

Joe Byrum, CEO with Dick Oestreich

The 2019 Goodwill Holiday Luncheon was made more memorable as members of the organization’s Executive team were singled out for special recognition in appreciation of more than 40 years of service. Former 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.    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.

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 2019 Holiday Luncheon concluded in its usual tradition with a closing video produced by Michael Flannery, which featured a host of Ohio Valley Goodwill team members and emphasized the mission of the organization during the holidays and every day of the year.

Mr. Wright, Board Chairman, Janet Fette Board Member with Joe Byrum, CEO