According to Goodwill Industries of Fort Worth President/CEO David Cox,
Project Goodwill 2020, a fashion show, design competition and fundraiser gala was canceled due to COVID-19. The event typically welcomes 350+ guests and challenges aspiring designers to create a wearable “blue-carpet” look using unconventional and recyclable materials from Goodwill. Our 2019 event raised over $30,000 and 2020 was expected to exceed that goal!
While many sponsors have stuck with us in anticipation of a 2021 event, this cancellation affects funding for many of our programs. A virtual auction featuring luxury items that would have sold at our gala is planned for fall to recoup some lost funds.
Many people don’t realize that Goodwill is more than a thrift store. Fundraising events like Project Goodwill, as well as sales through our 25 retail locations, provide revenue to support our mission – job training and career services for people with disabilities, such as physical or mental disabilities, and other barriers to employment including lack of education or work experience and to vulnerable populations including the homeless, at-risk youth, veterans and the formerly incarcerated.
As North Texans faced unemployment and furlough in record numbers during the pandemic, we were proud to be able to continue to fulfill our mission despite our retail locations being closed. By transitioning to online services we’ve already served more than 1,500 individuals and stand ready to assist those facing unemployment over the months to come.
Our virtual Job Resource Center offers job search techniques, job leads and placement, as well as job readiness skills training like resume writing, interview skills building, dressing techniques and more. The virtual Digital Career Accelerator offers free digital skills classes, in English and Spanish, including basic computer skills, Windows OS, Internet basics, Email, and Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel certifications. To register for these free services, and learn more about us, visit www.goodwillfortworth.org.
* Graphic and photo provided by Goodwill Industries of Fort Worth