Banquet lauds Goodwill, employees

BOARDMAN — Nearly 250 people attended last week’s Youngstown Area Goodwill Industries’ annual awards banquet at Mr. Anthony’s Banquet Center here.

Many area businesses and community members, along with Goodwill employees, were honored at the banquet

With Goodwill’s primary focus to rehabilitate and teach job skills to those with social and physical disabilities, its employees were acknowledged for exceptional performance over the past year. The event also recognized the vital community support received. Jonathan Schoenike, president of Goodwill’s trustee board, provided the welcome.

Michael W. McBride, Goodwill executive director, stressed the importance of donations to Goodwill. He reminded people the donations allow Goodwill to provide jobs, funding for wages and funding to help Goodwill meet its goals.

In addition, McBride informed the audience of Goodwill's impact on the community. In 2006, Goodwill’s operating revenue exceeded $6 million. It paid more than $3.1 million in wages, and Goodwill employees paid more than $84,000 in taxes.

“That’s a lot of money going back into the community,” McBride said.

Goodwill honored its employees who have demonstrated outstanding achievement, and expressed its appreciation to businesses and community members who have contributed outstanding support to Goodwill’s mission.