Goodwill Industries of Arkansas will host its third annual Gala for Good at 6 p.m. Oct. 11 at the Wally Allen Ballroom at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock.
A highlight of the event is the presentation of the Spirit of Goodwill Award, presented by AY Media Group, which honors an individual who has devoted his or her time, talent and efforts to advocate for and promote Goodwill’s mission of “changing lives through education, training and employment.”
This year’s Spirit of Goodwill Award will be awarded posthumously to former board member Mitch Chandler.
“The Spirit of Goodwill Award honors those whose passion and dedication truly embody our mission, and Mitch exemplified that spirit in every way,” said Brian Marsh, president and CEO. “Mitch loved Goodwill. He was a fixture on our board, serving as chair multiple times, and his leadership played a pivotal role in moving forward with The Excel Center. He was always a champion for our work and for the people we serve. We are proud to honor his legacy with this award.”
Achiever of the Year, Graduate of the Year, Employer of the Year and Community Partner of the Year awards will also be presented at the event. Recipients are selected by an internal nomination and selection process.
The Gala for Good serves as Goodwill’s signature fundraising event of the year. Presented by Bank OZK, the Mardi Gras-inspired evening will include a plated dinner, signature cocktails, silent auctions and high-end raffles. In addition, New Orleans-born band The Bayou Royals will perform, channeling the spirit of a classic soul revue with a fresh, modern edge.
Longtime friends of Goodwill, Denise and Tim Luft, will serve as co-chairs. Denise has served on the board of directors since 1999 in such pivotal roles as chair and vice chair. Tim, a cardiovascular perfusionist, shares Denise’s admiration for Goodwill’s mission, particularly its role in enhancing the lives of Arkansans.
“Tim and I are excited to be chairs of this year’s Gala for Good,” Denise said. “In only its third year, the event has had tremendous success in communicating the wonderful work of GIA to the public. Having been involved in Goodwill for more than 25 years, we are always looking for ways to share GIA’s mission to provide education, training and employment opportunities to help Arkansas build brighter futures.”
Proceeds from the gala will support Goodwill’s mission to offer life-changing opportunities to individuals seeking education, training and employment to better their lives, their families and the communities in which they live.
Goodwill programs include: The Excel Center, the only adult high school in Arkansas; The Academy, a trade school offering certifications and training in the top industries in Arkansas; career services for those seeking employment, including career counseling and other job-readiness assistance; and reentry services for those reentering the workforce and community after involvement in the criminal justice system.
The event offers several sponsorship opportunities, including an option to purchase individual tickets. For more information, visit thegalaforgood.org or call 501-372-5100, Ext. 1187.
Feature Photo Credit: 2024 Goodwill Gala for Good
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