This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

Goodwill Manasota Honors Ambassadors and Employee of the Year

On Thursday, Goodwill Manasota hosted its 3rd annual Goodwill Ambassador of the Year Awards Dinner at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota. The event, emceed by Lulu from 106.5 CTQ, drew more than 350 guests to honor four Goodwill Ambassadors and the 2013 Goodwill Employee of the Year. The award recognizes those who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, commitment and dedication to our community. 

Tana Sandefur, Stu Gregory, RE/MAX Alliance Group and Turning Points were honored for their outstanding work and contributions in the community and received the Ambassadors of the Year awards, and Margaretann “Annie” Villani, a blind employee who clips and hangs clothes in the Honore Ave. retail store, along with her guide dog Alex, were named the 2013 Goodwill Employees of the Year.

“In other places, companies might think there’s not much that someone with a disability can do, but they have no idea what we can do,” said Annie during her acceptance speech. “Goodwill gives everyone a chance. They are fair. They saw my ability – not my disability.  I have several co-workers with disabilities, and Goodwill gives us all a chance.”

Goodwill estimates that it will serve over 15,000 people this year, and it expects that number will grow with additional sponsorships and donations. In addition, it currently employs 150 disabled workers.

“Goodwill exists to create employment and opportunities for those who face challenges. For 40 years, I’ve come to work because of people like Annie,” said Rosinsky. “Everything we do, we do for you and this community,” he added.


About Goodwill Manasota:

Goodwill Manasota is an industry-leading, 501(c)(3), not-for-profit organization that changes lives through the power of work. We accomplish our mission through a network of Good Neighbor Centers in Sarasota, Manatee, Hardee and DeSoto counties and our Mission Development Services (MDS) around North America. For more than 110 years, Goodwill has provided opportunities through such programs as Donated Goods Employment Services, Job Connection, JobsPlus, Supported JobsPlus, HomeBuyer’s Club, Mission Development Services, White Glove Services, Good Neighbor Program and Ambassadors Program. Goodwill continues to assist people with disabilities and barriers to opportunity by changing lives through the power of work. Goodwill Manasota, Inc. is legally organized under the laws of the United States and the State of Florida. We are accountable to a local Board of Directors. Goodwill Manasota in essence belongs to this community, and is NOT owned by any individual or company. For more information, visit www.EXPERIENCEGOODWILL.ORG

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?