"Ohio Valley Goodwill Staff Team Recognized at 2012 BCBDD Community Recognition Event!"

L to R: Goodwill Team Members including special guest: Aimee Rittner, Ranaye Hampton, Summer McGriff, Chelsea Combs (front), Jim Krumer, SODC, Steve Koons and Lois Kramer (rear).

The evening of March 25th marked the occasion of the 18th annual Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities Community Recognition Awards event. As part of the annual celebration, individuals and organizations are recognized for their efforts to support individuals with disabilities in Butler County. Ohio Valley Goodwill team members were honored to be recognized during the initial part of the ceremony for their personal and professional contributions toward enriching the lives of people they serve. Singled out from the Goodwill team were Aimee Rittner, Ranaye Hampton, Summer McGriff and Chelsea Combs who are associated with the organization’s Recreation and Leisure programs. “I couldn’t be more proud of the accomplishments and commitment of our Goodwill team members,” said Steve Koons, Director of Rehabilitation Services. “It is through their efforts that people are included in the community in the most positive and beneficial way,” added Koons.

The theme of last night’s event was “Because of You, Our Community is Better,” and this theme was reiterated throughout the evening by Master of Ceremonies John Lomax, Channel 12 news personality, as well as keynote speaker, Scott Osterfeld. The 2012 Awareness video which debuted at the event featured three individuals who shared their stories of living, working and thriving in the Butler County community, thanks to universal support.

While there were many richly deserving award recipients at the evening’s event, long-time Goodwill partners and Butler County Board employees, Dennis Burger and Kathy Howell in particular  were recognized for many years of outstanding service to served individuals and their families. The evening’s festivities concluded with a moving presentation by the Board of Directors to soon-to-be retiring Superintendent Christina Hurr. “It has been my pleasure to serve in my role as Superintendent and an honor to have had the opportunity to work so closely with everyone in the Butler County community,” said Hurr as she was presented with a bouquet of flowers.

Ohio Valley Goodwill congratulates all of the award recipients at the 2012 BCBDD Community Recognition event and especially its team members  for their excellent work in helping individuals to be socially included in their own communities.