Opportunties

Goodwill Industries-Suncoast, Inc.

www.goodwill-suncoast.org

Fall 2012

A Twisted Treat

Heroes, Villains & Vixens left partygoers bloodthirsty for more!

With a runway show fit for even Queen Elizabeth, Goodwill’s second annual Heroes, Villains & Vixens event was a scream!

On Friday, Oct. 12, Goodwill-Suncoast and SunTrust Bank amped up the frightful fun factor for the Halloween-themed fundraiser. Guests were treated to a “freak strut” fashion show of costumes made of Goodwill finds, Gayle Guyardo as master of ceremonies, free psychic readings and even a cigar roller performing his craft.

With live music from Sarasota Slim, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres from Goodwill’s own Good to Go Catering, and insanely good raffle prizes, the evening was a shrieking success!

The event benefitted Goodwill’s training programs in Tampa Bay, Lakeland and Ocala for people who have developmental disabilities. Funds raised will help offset state funding cuts to Goodwill’s programs, which provide training, work and paychecks for people who are challenged by severe disabilities.

Presenting Sponsor Her Majesty the Queen, and her beloved Corgi, make a cameo appearance.

Gold Sponsors

Buenos Noches from our Day of the Dead couple.

Silver Sponsors

A Mad Men-inspired couple time-travel from the 60s.

A Snow Bunny saves polar bears while melting hearts.

Free psychic readings predicted a good time for all!

Goodwill Industries-Suncoast, Inc. Page 2

Opportunities

Fall 2012 Dear Friends of Goodwill,

R. Lee Waits President and CEO Oscar J. Horton Board Chair Members of the Board Lee Bell, CPA Joshua Beyer Mark W. Brown Heather Ceresoli Steven M. Erickson Tom Falone, IV Mark E. Gauthier Martin W. Gladysz Marie Carson Hebbler Paul Horowitz Karl Koch Louise R. Lopez Richard E. Ludwig John Maceovsky, CPA John McCaugherty David E. Murphy Carole Philipson Ed Rader Charlie Robinson, Jr. Timothy Salzsieder Loreen M. Spencer Robert G. Stern, Esq.

Last month, Forbes magazine named Goodwill Industries to its list of America’s 25 Most Inspiring Companies. Not only are we the only nonprofit company on the list, but we are listed among such mega-brands as Apple, Disney, Nike, Ford and other household names.

The article cited the fact that our stores raise money to help people. In this commercial world where a company’s “bottom line” is the end-all and be-all, it is gratifying indeed to know that people across America find it inspiring that Goodwill puts people ahead of profits.

Now, as we approach the holidays and the end of the year, we look back and give thanks. We are thankful for Goodwill-Suncoast’s

Board Elects New Chair, Adds Members Congratulations to Oscar J. Horton, who was recently elected chair of the Goodwill Industries-Suncoast Board of Directors.

Three members were also elected to the all-volunteer board.

New to the board is Marie Carson Hebbler. Returning to the board after a mandatory one-year hiatus are Heather Ceresoli and Louise R. Lopez.

Our Mission: To help people achieve their full potential through the dignity and power of work.

Opportunities is a quarterly publication for friends and employees of Goodwill Industries-Suncoast, Inc. Michael Ann Harvey Vice President for Marketing and Public Relations (727) 523-1512, ext. 1010

Oscar J. Horton President and Chief Executive Officer Sun State International Trucks, LLC Tampa

Marie Carson Hebbler Chief Risk Officer HomeBanc Tampa

michael.harvey@ goodwill-suncoast.com

Chris Ward, Editor (727) 523-1512, ext. 1011

chris.ward@goodwill-suncoast.com

If you do not wish to receive this newsletter, please contact the editor.

Visit our website at www.goodwill-suncoast.org Call toll-free: (888) 279-1988 TTY: (727) 579-1068

Heather Ceresoli Principal & Chief Operating Officer Taylor White St. Petersburg

Louise R. Lopez Director of Accounting PricewaterhouseCoopers Tampa

In Memoriam

Goodwill Industries-Suncoast, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer that provides services without regard to race, spiritual beliefs, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, socioeconomic status or disability. If you need accommodation or assistance in accessing any area of employment or program services, please let us know.

Vernon L. Crabb passed away June 12. Vernon worked for the postal service at MacDill Air Force Base through Goodwill’s JobWorks, a program that provides employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

Vernon lived in Pinellas Park and belonged to the National, Florida, and Illinois Bass Associations for the Deaf. He was happiest with a rod and reel in his hands.

He is missed by his family of co-workers.

Melanie Benson passed away on October 1.

Melanie worked at our Outlet Store in Ocala as an assistant site supervisor. She is remembered as a sweet, smart, down-to-earth person and a caring mother. She will be missed by all her Goodwill peers.

Maggie Reynolds passed away Oct. 12. Maggie had worked at our Ruskin store for 18 years. She loved her Goodwill family and job so much that she wore her Goodwill name tag at the hospital before she passed.

She loved to cook holiday meals for her co-workers and was active in her church. We will miss her huge smile and loving personality.

all-volunteer board of directors, each of whom joined our board because they found our mission inspirational. We are thankful to have more than 1,300 employees who are inspired by the people we serve. And of course, we are thankful for you, our supporters, without whom we could not operate.

This newsletter will continue to bring you stories of people overcoming challenges with assistance from Goodwill. May you continue to find these stories inspirational. We sincerely thank you for your past, present and future support, in the form of donations and financial gifts.

Sincerely,

R. Lee Waits President and Chief Executive Officer

Driving Success Oscar Horton, GoodwillSuncoast’s new board chair, has clear ideas about the phases of life. “You spend the first third learning, the second part earning and the third part returning,” he says.

Oscar is president of Sun State International Trucks, a truck dealership with locations in Tampa, Sarasota and Haines City. Since Oscar assumed leadership of the company in 2000, Sun State International Trucks has tripled its revenue. He’s proud of the fact that the company added 30 new jobs during the past year alone.

Despite the demands of running a large and successful business, Oscar devotes abundant time and talent to support Goodwill and other good causes.

“The more you give back, the more you receive,” he says.

Oscar has served on the Goodwill-Suncoast board since 2002. He likes the fact that Goodwill is a nonprofit that is run like a business, offering excellent services and products while keeping an eye on expenses.

He’s delighted that Goodwill-Suncoast served more than 66,000 people last year and placed more than 10,000 people in jobs. During his term, Oscar is looking forward to working with Goodwill management to continue these excellent results.

A native of Arkansas, Oscar lives in Lithia (eastern Hillsborough County) with his wife Miriam. They have two daughters – Kelli, who works for International in Chicago, and Alisan, a business major at the University of South Florida.

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Annuity Rates Age 60 Age 65 Age 70 Age 75 Age 80 Age 90

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®

Goodwill Industries-Suncoast, Inc.

Opportunities

Gardens Everywhere Things are getting greener all the time as community gardens proliferate at Goodwill-Suncoast apartments and corrections facilities.

Vegetable gardens were recently planted at Goodwill’s Freedom Village II in Tampa and Heritage Oaks in Ocala, both apartment communities for people who have disabilities or are elderly. Raised beds at both facilities allow residents in wheelchairs to tend the plants.

These new gardens join Goodwill landscape gardener Debra Behrle, left, and Cookie Young the one already flourishing plant strawberries at the Freedom Village II raised garden. at Freedom Village I apartments in Pinellas Park.

A stackable hydroponic garden recently sprouted at Goodwill’s residential re-entry center in Tampa, complementing established gardens at Largo and St. Petersburg corrections centers.

Residents form clubs to care for their gardens under the guidance of a Goodwill landscape gardener. The majority of vegetables produced are donated to food pantries and shelters for battered women and the homeless.

“There’s a real feeling of camaraderie with the garden. Our residents feel needed,” says Dana Melton, manager of Freedom Village II.

Fall 2012 Page 3

GoodStuff “Most Inspiring!”

We’re inspired every day by the good work we see happening at Goodwill, and now Forbes magazine agrees! Goodwill made the publication’s list of “America’s 25 Most Inspiring Companies,” joining the ranks of Apple, Google, Starbucks and Target. Goodwill was also the only nonprofit to make the list.

A Grand Slam!

Capturing the Action

Chris Arnold Sales Associate, Port Richey Goodwill Store Chris Arnold has two passions. By day he’s devoted to offering excellent customer service as senior sales associate at Goodwill’s Port Richey store. During evenings and weekends, he picks up a camera and pursues his other love – photographing the action on sports fields.

Chris just finished his 18th season as an official photographer for the Tampa Bay Storm arena football team. During that time he never missed a home game, shooting thousands of photos from down on the field.

The Rays Baseball Foundation is committed to supporting youth and education programs throughout the Tampa Bay region.

We’re happy to report it has again selected Goodwill’s BookWorks preschool literacy program as one of its community grant recipients. The foundation awarded BookWorks a $5,000 check during a winning game against the Orioles on Oct. 1. There to accept the check were Goodwill Board Member Marie Hebbler and Goodwill Community Relations Coordinator Jinnie Kerdi (second row, 8th and 9th from left). Thank you, Rays.

“I love capturing what’s happening on the field. One picture might be the one that’s seen forever.”

Hold Your Applause!

A big thank you to the voters in Tampa Tribune’s 2012 readers’ poll!

Once again, Goodwill was voted Best Thrift Store by readers of Hernando Today, Southshore News, Northeast News and Brandon News. That means Goodwill’s Spring Hill, Ruskin, Wesley Chapel and Brandon stores are keeping the thrill shoppers happy.

Good work, everyone!

Meanwhile, he’s spreading his talent around. Chris had the opportunity to shoot three games for the Tampa Bay Rowdies this season and he’s looking forward to more games next year. During the winter months he shoots youth soccer.

“I love capturing what’s happening on the field. One picture might be the one that’s seen forever,” says Chris.

His photos are getting plenty of exposure. In fact, shots taken by Chris appeared on the huge electronic billboard at the Times Forum this year when three Storm players were inducted into the Arena Football Hall of Fame.

A long-time resident of Hudson, Chris has worked at Goodwill for five years. He enjoys the interaction with customers and helping to make the store “picture perfect.”

They Get the Job Done

Michelle Jensen and Michael Smeltz, both of United HealthCare, spent a productive day volunteering at Goodwill’s Oldsmar Superstore.

The two hung clothes and straightened shelves while learning about the Goodwill mission and retail operations. Thanks for spending a day with us!

This shot of a Tampa Bay Storm touchdown grab was the Arena Football League picture of the week.

Chris and his camera were close to the action during a matchup between the Rowdies and the Fort Lauderdale Strikers.

Black Friday, Goodwill Style

When you think Black Friday, think Goodwill! Our stores will open early on the biggest shopping day of the year and feature bargains on brand new gift items such as small electronics and acoustic and electric guitar sets, to name a few. Stop by. You never know what you may find!

10596 Gandy Blvd.

St. Petersburg, FL 33702

Non-Profit Org. US POSTAGE PAID Permit #5008

Change Service Requested

Opportunities

Fall 2012

St. Pete, FL 337

Page 4

The Best of Goodwill Meet Brionna

Meet Darrell After serving 20 months in prison for a nonviolent crime, Darrell Courson entered one of Goodwill’s work release centers. While there he began working in the New Goods department at a Goodwill warehouse. A company director recognized his potential, and encouraged him to go after a permanent position when he completed his sentence.

Fast-forward to the present: Darrell not only works at Goodwill full-time, he has been promoted to a new position in our Donations Department.

He’s so well-respected and well-liked he was able to collect 12 letters of recommendation – in less than a day – for a potential landlord who had doubts about his past.

As for the future, Darrell has no doubts.

“Thanks to Goodwill, my Darrell took his second chance and ran hard with it. new life started,” he says. “And I haven’t looked back since.”

As a child, Brionna Mora bounced through military bases across the country with her parents. She had a medical history of epilepsy and cerebral palsy, and no brothers and sisters to look out for her. Growing up was daunting.

When she was 15, her parents divorced, her father moved away and her mother home-schooled her through the 11th grade. Brionna never had the chance to finish high school.

She worked sporadically before entering Goodwill’s supported employment program. Now, with job coaching and Goodwill transportation, Brionna is a consistent and reliable worker at MacDill Air Force Base’s 440-seat Diner’s Reef. After 10 years on the job, she has found a home in the military base environment she’s so familiar with.

“Being here gives me a chance to interact with people and make progress,” she says. “I’m happy here. I have friends here.

Brionna finds security and friendship in “My job means everything to me.” her beloved job.

Goodwill Attended Donation Centers Donations also gratefully accepted at Goodwill stores Hillsborough County APOLLO BEACH MiraBay Village, Sweetbay U.S. 41 & Leisey Rd.

TEMPLE TERRACE Gas Kwik/ Marathon station 7105 Temple Terrace Hwy.

Pasco County BAYONET POINT Point Plaza 12023 U.S. 19 at S.R. 52

BRANDON Bloomingdale Wal-Mart 949 E. Bloomingdale Ave.

Pinellas County CLEARWATER Advance Auto Parts 22991 U.S. 19 N. (Weekends only)

HUDSON 9717 SR 52 at Parkwood St.

LUTZ Lake Chapman Plaza 16301 N. Florida Ave. Van Dyke Shell station 5524 Van Dyke Rd. NORTHDALE 16010 Mapledale Blvd.

Near LA Fitness Northdale Walmart N. Dale Mabry at Bearss Ave. (Weekends only) RIVERVIEW Riverview Oaks Plaza 9624 U.S. 301 South Advance Auto Parts 13324 Boyette Rd. SEFFNER Parsons Village Plaza 710 W. Dr. MLK Blvd.

TAMPA Advance Auto Parts 5399 Gunn Hwy. Corner Ehrlich Rd. and Lynn Turner Rd. (Behind McDonald’s) Citrus Park BP 8606 Citrus Park Dr. 3619 W. Spruce St. Across from Staples Lowe’s 4210 S. Dale Mabry Hwy. U-Save 7733 W. Hillsborough Ave. Waters U-Save 7555 W. Waters Ave. Westchase Primrose School Linebaugh Ave. and Countryway (Weekends only) (Accepts furniture)

2250 Gulf to Bay Blvd.

(Accepts furniture) Tri-City Plaza East Bay Dr. and U.S. 19 N. (Near Publix) LARGO Publix Plaza 12002 Indian Rocks Rd. Twedts Bowling Alley 13100 Seminole Blvd.

OLDSMAR S.R. 580 W. at Duane Ave. PALM HARBOR Bill’s SuperGas and Auto Service Center Corner Alt. 19 & Nebraska Ave. Curlew Crossing Shopping Center S.W. corner Curlew Rd. and U.S. 19 3400 East Lake Rd. at Tampa Rd. PASADENA Sweetbay Plaza 6851 Gulfport Blvd. S. PINELLAS PARK 7601 Park Blvd.

(Accepts furniture) ST. PETERSBURG 68th Street and Tyrone Blvd. N. NEW !

3100 4th St. N. Coquina Key Shopping Center 4250 6th St. South

LUTZ Willow Bend Chevron 22932 S.R. 54 NEW PORT RICHEY Pasco Square - Badcock 7201 S.R. 54 ODESSA Shell station S.R. 54 at Suncoast Pkwy.

ZEPHYRHILLS Merchants Square Sweetbay 7333 Gall Blvd.

Hernando County SPRING HILL Mariner Square 13050 Cortez Blvd.

Advance Auto 14321 Spring Hill Dr. at Barclay Ave. Polk County LAKELAND Advance Auto Parts 4120 Clubhouse Rd. Barclay Plaza 4945 U.S. Hwy. 98

Tops in Job Placements!

Gov. Rick Scott recently visited Career Central’s Zephyrhills office to commend the Pasco Hernando Workforce Board for its top statewide performance in job placements. Goodwill-Suncoast is the primary provider of employment and training services to job-seekers at Career Central offices in Pasco and Hernando counties.

Take the Work Out of Finding Workers

Marion County BELLEVIEW Belleview Square 10751 Hwy. 441 OCALA Friendship Center 8449 S.W. Hwy. 200 Goodwill Outlet 2920 W. Silver Springs Blvd.

Ocala Springs Sweetbay 7131 N. Hwy. 441 Silver Springs Kmart 3711 E. Silver Springs Blvd.

SUMMERFIELD Spruce Creek 17860 Hwy. 441

For donation hours, store or donation bin locations, visit www.goodwill-suncoast.org Thank you for donating to Goodwill.

Let Goodwill Temporary Staffing take the stress out of filling positions.

We’ll handle recruiting, screening and all the paperwork, saving you time and money.

You’ll get qualified workers, specially selected to meet your needs, at rates that won’t dent your bottom line.

(727) 577-6411 www.sbsgoodwill.com ®