## Goodwill of Orange County ##

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GOODWILL OF ORANGE COUNTY’S WORKING FOR INDEPENDENCE LUNCHEON IS A BIG SUCCESS
Despite Economic Conditions, Knott Family Matching Grant Helps to Raise $320,000

Newport Beach, CA — Recently Goodwill of Orange County (Goodwill) hosted its fourth annual Working for Independence Fundraising Luncheon at the Marriott Newport Beach Hotel and Spa. The one-hour luncheon was prompt, compelling and a great success. Through the luncheon and year- round fund raising outreach, over $320,000 has been committed to support Goodwill’s mission. Goodwill’s longtime supporters Marion Knott and her family issued a Knott Family Matching Challenge at the luncheon, generating enthusiasm and generosity among the guests. According to Nicole Suydam, Vice President of Development at Goodwill, for every two dollars that was donated to Goodwill, the family matched one dollar and contributed $100,000 toward the effort.

(l-r) Dan Rogers, president & CEO Goodwill of Orange County; Jerry Sirois, manager Oakley; Suzanne M., Goodwill program participant; Darrell Anderson, grandson of Walter Knott; Jim Trainor, public relations manager, Hyundai and Goodwill board member.

“We were looking for a way to honor the legacy of our father and grandfather, Walter Knott, who was one of the original founding board members at Goodwill of Orange County. Because Goodwill is focused on maintaining its services for local men, women and children with disabilities and other barriers to independence—and even more people in our community are depending on them for help, we hope that this challenge will inspire others to continue supporting Goodwill,” said Darrell Anderson, grandson of Walter Knott.

More than 235 businessmen and women attended the one-hour luncheon. Jim Trainor, public relations manager for Hyundai and a member of the Goodwill board of directors, welcomed guests and shared his passion for Goodwill’s mission which includes donning a Santa costume every year to celebrate the season for Goodwill’s program participants. Jay, an adult living with cerebral palsy gave the opening invocation thanks to the use of assistive technology which enables him to use a keyboard to communicate with others.

Goodwill of Orange County’s 2009 Working for Independence Ambassadors.

Jerry Sirois, a manager with Oakley gave a short speech sharing how he and his company have enjoyed a positive impact working with Goodwill. “We benefit financially with the options of Goodwill’s cost-effective supported employment program. The community benefits with the reduction of government subsidies and the program participants gain economic independence along with an increased sense of self-esteem. The team who works with us humble me daily when they say they love their jobs—and they mean it,” said Sirois. This was followed by an emotional story told by Suzanne, a woman who now faces the challenges of a physical disability after a car accident left her in search of employment. She works with Goodwill job coaches who provide support, training and motivation to remain positive during these challenging times when unemployment in California exceeds 12 percent.

Goodwill of Orange County operates 19 retail stores, the online auction site shopgoodwill.com and a variety of business services. The organization has provided thousands of people with disabilities and other barriers the opportunity to achieve their highest levels of personal and economic independence. Ninety-one cents of every dollar spent goes directly into Goodwill of Orange County’s services, earning the organization a four-star rating from Charity Navigator for organizational efficiency and capacity.

For more information on Goodwill of Orange County and its education, training and employment programs and services, please contact Katherine Ransom, Communications Manager at (714) 547-6308 ext. 308 or katheriner@ocgoodwill.org. Information can also be found at www.ocgoodwill.org.

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