Nearly 700 people attended Tacoma Goodwill’s annual awards breakfast this morning at the Tacoma Dome Exhibition Hall. The event honors individuals who have overcome disabilities or disadvantages to find successful employment through Goodwill programs. The event also recognizes businesses who have been exceptional partners in providing employment and assistance to Goodwill clients.

Naomi Judd, a former welfare mother who overcame both economic and medical hardships and is now one of the entertainment world’s most admired women, was the keynote speaker.

• Home Depot received the Large Employer of the Year Award for hiring staff from Tacoma Goodwill’s Supported Employment Program, which helps participants realize their potential and hold meaningful jobs.
• Mervyn’s received the Small Employer of the Year Award for learning more about Tacoma Goodwill’s programs and giving work experience to nine youth during the holidays.
• Shasta Beverages received the Business Partner of the Year Award for consistently outsourcing to Tacoma Goodwill’s contract packaging services, which provides valuable work opportunities for Tacoma Goodwill employees and has helped generate revenues to support Tacoma Goodwill’s mission.
• Donna Morton, a mother of five children, received the Achiever of the Year Award for overcoming multiple barriers and leaving public assistance to become an asset to Tacoma Goodwill’s Operations Center.
• Chelsie Rolen, a single mohter who participated in Tacoma Goodwill’s Youth Program’ “STEPS,” received the Graduate of the Year Award for developing new skills and the network she needed to find stable employment at Group Health Cooperative.
• Weyerhaeuser received the New Business Partner of the Year Award for selecting Tacoma Goodwill to provide both custodial and contract services for the company.

The event’s Premier Sponsor was Columbia Bank. The event’s Diamond Sponsors included KMPS FM 94.1, Bank of America, and Mountain Construction. The event’s Gold Sponsors included Bratrud Middleton, Rainier Pacific Bank, Roblees Total Security, and Rushforth Construction. The event’s Silver sponsors included BCRA Architects, Bose Luxury Limousine Service, Bosnick Roofing, Brown & Brown, Chuckals Office Supply, Clark Nuber, Clover Park Technical College, Davies Pearson PC, Dimmer Family Foundation, Eisenhower & Carlson PLLC, GVA Kidder Mathews, Heritage Bank, Mountain View Funeral Home, Murray Pacific Corp, Penske Truck Leasing, Premier Plastics, Schnitzer Steel, US Bank, Weyerhaeuser, and Wingard & Company.

Tacoma Goodwill Industries will provide vocational services to 2,400 people this year who have disabilities or other special needs. These education, job training, and job development services are funded through financial gifts, grants, fees, and the operation of 17 thrift stores throughout southwestern and central Washington.