We Believe In the Power of Work

Your sponsorship will help Goodwill Industries- Big Bend, Inc. to provide job training, education and employment to people with disabilities and other barriers to employment, helping them to reach their fullest potential in supporting themselves and their families. Goodwill also provides barrier-free apartment complexes in which people with disabilities can live independently and operates the Dick Howser Center for Childhood Services which provides quality child care and on site therapy for children with disabilities.

LEVELS OF PARTICIPATION

Corporate Sponsor
There are multiple opportunities. Please contact Brooke Lochore at 850-694-0943.

Business Sponsor $2,500

• Team of four
• Signage on course
• Banner with logo at event

Team Sponsor $650

• Team of four

Hole Sponsor $300

• One player
• Hole sign naming sponsor

Individual golfer $200

• One player

Mulligan $10 each

• Maximum of 3 per golfer

Games within games $20

Friends of Goodwill- I am unable to attend but with to donate to Goodwill

Please make checks payable to Goodwill.
Mail to: Goodwill
Attn: Brooke Lochore
300 Mabry St.
Tallahassee, FL 32304

Click for full tournament details

“School social workers have come to rely on this resource as the most convenient and immediate way to provide clothing assistance to families in need,” said Mara Shows, Leon County Schools Social Worker. “We [Leon County Schools] truly appreciate this special partnership with Goodwill and their generosity on behalf of our students!”

The partnership between Leon County Schools and Goodwill began in 2006 after several years of numerous individual schools contacting Goodwill asking for assistance to provide clothing, shoes and other items for students at their schools. It became apparent that this was a district wide need so Goodwill and Leon County Schools created a win, win partnership.

“The clothing vouchers give these students the dignity to shop for themselves for what they need and like versus having clothes given to them,” said Shows.

Over the course of the next four weeks, every Leon County School student will be given a Goodwill bag to fill up with donations and bring it back to their school.   The donation pick-ups will be each Friday starting January 20^th and run through February 10^th.  The theme of this year’s donation drive is, “You can make a difference.”

“One goal of this donation drive is for the students to learn they can make a difference by the power of donating,” said Brooke Lochore, Vice President of Public Relations- Goodwill Industries- Big Bend, Inc. “Every student, from a kindergartener to a senior in high school, has something they no longer can wear, use or want.  By donating to Goodwill the students are not only helping others in their community they are making a difference to our environment.”

To find out how your donations impact our community visit www.donate.goodwill.org. To learn more about local Goodwill services visit www.goodwillbigbend.com.

The bookstore has over 30,000 categorized and alphabetized books

On December 30th Goodwill Industries – Big Bend, Inc opened a  new Donation Center and Bookstore at 3111 Mahan Drive in Tallahassee in Lafayette Place where Blockbuster used to be. Half of the unit will be used to accept donations and the other half will be a bookstore. Goodwill opened this donation center and bookstore with the hopes that it will provide the residents of Tallahassee another convenient way to make a difference in the community and the environment. The bookstore will have over 30,000 categorized and alphabetized books. Along with CDs, DVDs and VHS tapes, stationary, jewelry, home accessories and more.

“By donating to Goodwill you not only keep items out of the landfill, you are creating jobs,” said Brooke Lochore, VP of Public Relations Goodwill Industries- Big Bend, Inc.

The donation center will be open 7 days a week from 8 am – 6 pm.  The bookstore will be open Monday- Saturday 10am-7pm and Sunday 12pm-5pm.  The sales from the donations received will further Goodwill’s Mission Services.

Read more about the bookstore at http://www.tallahassee.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2011112300328

“The Dell Reconnect program aligns Goodwill and Dell’s environmental sustainability efforts and translates into jobs and training opportunities for people with disabilities and disadvantages,” said Brooke Lochore, VP of Public Relations Goodwill Industries- Big Bend, Inc.  “Any revenues from the program enable us to enhance and expand our overall services to the community and create new work opportunities.”

The Dell Reconnect program contributed to [Dell] recycling more than 150 million pounds of end-of-life equipment in its 2011 fiscal year.  Since 2004, Dell Reconnect has recycled more than 230 million pounds of end-of-life computer equipment helping Dell toward its global goal of recycling 1 billion pounds of computer equipment by 2014.

“Our goal is to deliver the highest quality and most energy-efficient products with the least impact on the environment,” said Beth Johnson, Dell Reconnect Program Manager.   “This addition to Dell’s stake-back programs extends our industry leadership in ensuring that end-of-life computer equipment stays out of landfills.”

For a complete list of participating Goodwill locations and to learn more about Dell Reconnect visit www.dellreonnect.com

Vennessa Elderewer, a Godby High School graduate, has lived in Monticello since 1997.  In December of 2005 she became very sick, while working at the Monticello News.  Following a series of tests she was diagnosed with Muscular Sclerosis.  This illness has left Vennessa unable to work and difficult to perform simple daily task, including walking.  She has always been able to support herself and she always tried to help others, however, now she must depend on other to help her.  Vennessa enjoys working with her plants, dogs and birds. “They don’t seem to care if I walk funny or have a bad day”, said Vennessa.

Mr. Fred Shelfer President/CEO of Goodwill Industries- Big Bend, Inc., Riley Palmer from First United Methodist Church in Monticello and Roy Albertson Construction teacher from Godby High School all spoke and presented Vennessa Elderewer the keys to her new home.

“Our great teacher told the parable of the shepherd who left the 99 to save the one, “said Fred Shelfer, CEO/President Goodwill Industries- Big Bend, Inc. “With the help of students and teachers at Godby High school, the United Methodist Church in Monticello, a good Samarian name Riley Palmer, and Goodwill a lady in Monticello with cerebral palsy has a new home in time for Christmas.”

Vennessa was surrounded by her family and was overjoyed. She made sure she hugged every single person that was there. Church members and Goodwill employees brought house warming gifts that filled the bottom of her Christmas tree.

Riley Palmer presented Goodwill with the first $5,000 check. The church has committed to raise $5,000 annually for the next six years through donations and contribution to help with the costs of the home, moving and setup it up.

History of the Godby House:

On Tuesday, November 8th  the Godby House was loaded up on a huge trailer and moved to its permanent location. Around 100

Vennessa, home recipient, hugs Mr. Fred Shelfer- Goodwill Industries- Big Bend, Inc. President/CEO

students in the Godby High School Construction Program had a hand in building this 1000 square foot home for one very lucky person- Vennessa Elderewer. Goodwill Industries- Big bend, Inc. bought this home that was specially designed for people who use wheel chairs as part of an outreach mission project, with assistance and support from First United Methodist Church of Monticello.

This project started when Vennessa Elderewer, contacted the men’s group at First United Methodist Church of Monticello for assistance with repairs on her home.  The home was found to be non repairable, without a potable water source or approved septic tank system.  After contacting several local agencies without success, Riley Palmer contacted Goodwill Industries-Big Bend, Inc.

Goodwill agreed to underwrite the project with the help of First United Methodist Church of Monticello because it would provide job skills to students and independent living for a woman with disabilities.

Goodwill placed a bid to the Leon County School Board to purchase the Godby house, and it was approved.  On Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2011 the house was moved to a lot in Monticello, FL.  The lot was donated to Goodwill from an anonymous donor

“Goodwill has enjoyed being a part of Washington County and the city of Chipley for many years,” said Fred Shelfer, Goodwill Industries- Big Bend, Inc. President/CEO. “Our Chipley retail store and career training center has done exceptionally well. We are now proud to be able to supply housing to those in the area that need safe, affordable, and accessible apartments. “

The proposed project will benefit the residents by providing affordable housing and independent living. The units will be built using green building standards, star energy appliances and water conservation fixtures and residents will have easy access to shopping, recreational amenities and public transportation.

“All apartments and all common areas will be fully accessible to people who use wheelchairs or other mobility aids and extensive accessibility features will be included in these apartments,” Warlick said. “Goodwill strives to locate safe, affordable, accessible apartments in area communities to enable our renters to live close to their families and support systems.”

Goodwill Industries-Big Bend, Inc. already provides homes for over 400 people in the Big Bend area. There are seven apartment complexes in North Florida and four apartment complexes in South Georgia.

GIBB Perry Village is Goodwill Industries- Big Bend, Inc.'s 11th apartment complex in the Big Bend

The GIBB Perry Village offers six, two bedroom units and nine, one bedroom units.  All of the apartments are accessible for people who use wheelchairs or other mobility aids.  Some of the amenities include lowered cabinets, countertops and sinks, roll-in showers and widened doorways.  There is a live-in manager who will be available for assistance at any time.

“Our Goodwill apartments provide tenants the opportunity to live independent, in a safe and affordable home.” says President and CEO Fred Shelfer.  “Thank you to all our donors and shoppers for supporting Goodwill; together we are increasing the quality of life through the power of work and independent living.”

All of the apartments include controls for lights, thermostats, and door handles built at a height for people who use wheelchairs. The countertops, stove and sinks are built at a lower level so each resident can cook for themselves and do their own dishes. The bathrooms are fully accessible.

Tenants have the opportunity to live independently, in safe, affordable homes. To be eligible, applicants must have a disability, and a very low income. Rent will be subsidized and all tenants receive help with utility payments. Three families moved in last week and two more are planning to move in before the Thanksgiving holiday.

Goodwill Industries Big Bend already provides homes for over 400 people in the Big Bend area.  There are six apartment complexes in North Florida and four apartment complexes in South Georgia.

To be eligible, applicants must have a disability, and a very low income.  Rent will be subsidized and all tenants receive help with utility payments.  For more information or for an application visit http://www.goodwillbigbend.com/residential/applications-and-tenant-selection-plan/ or call (850) 942-4777.  For all Relay Services, including language translation, dial 711.  Gibb Perry Village is an Equal Housing Opportunity.

May 18, 2011 – Gap and Goodwill Industries have announced a partnership encouraging consumers to clean out their closets for a cause.  From May 19-29, Gap stores in the United States and Canada will accept clothing donations in support of the Donate Movement, an effort powered by Goodwill to educate the public on the positive impacts donations can have on both people and the planet.

When consumers donate clothing to Gap stores during this time period, their donations will be given to Goodwill Industries – Big Bend, Inc. and then sold in Goodwill’s 24 stores throughout the 22 Big Bend counties served. To thank customers for their generous donations, donors will receive 30-percent off their entire Gap purchase, including regularly priced and sale items, just in time for Memorial Day shopping.

Donations to Goodwill support the organization’s mission of providing job training programs and employment placement services to the people who need them most. Goodwill sells donated goods in its stores and the revenues generated fund job training programs across the United States and Canada.

“As a company, we invest in career exploration and job readiness for youth, and thousands of our employees volunteer to help young people prepare for the workforce. Giving our customers and employees opportunities to donate clothing in support of Goodwill’s job training programs is a great fit with our community efforts,” said Bobbi Silten, head of global responsibility and president of Gap Foundation.

Donating to Goodwill also has a positive impact on the planet. Goodwill helps communities extend the life of usable items in environmentally sound ways, and diverts clothing items from local landfills.

“Through the Donate Movement, Goodwill aims to increase conscious donations by raising consumer awareness of the power their donated goods can have in strengthening their communities,” said Brooke Lochore, VP of Public Relations. “When you donate to Goodwill, you enable a person to receive vital skills training, succeed at work and climb the career leader. These are people who want to work but need Goodwill’s help to find and keep good jobs.”

To learn more about the Donate Movement and calculate the positive impact donations will have on people in the community, visit donate.goodwill.org.

Join Goodwill Industries- Big Bend, Inc. for an unforgettable event! Please come support the mission of Goodwill and enjoy the sounds of reggae and a Caribbean dinner poolside Thursday evening, then tee it up for a great day of golf Friday morning. Both at the Golf Club at Summerbrooke.

Party: Thursday, May 12, 2011, 6-10om
Dinner, open bar, live music and silent auction

Golf: Friday, May 13, 2011
8am Registration & breakfast
9am Shotgun start: select a shot format,
2pm 4 player teams awards and appetizers