Nearly 700 people gathered for Tacoma Goodwill’s annual “Ready to Work Breakfast” this morning at the Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center to applaud Tacoma area residents that successfully completed the organization’s training programs.
Three outstanding individuals were awarded top honors at this year’s event: Achiever of the Year — Chau Bui, Custodial Skills Training graduate, now working for Goodwill’s Go2 Services; Graduate of the Year — Christine Hower, Supported Employment participant, now working for The Home Depot; and the Michener Inspirational Award — Laura Barker, Warehouse, Transportation and Logistics program graduate, now working for The News Tribune.
More than 350 people donated over $160,000 towards Goodwill’s scholarship fund this morning.
“The scholarship funds are Goodwill’s source of flexible mission funding for people facing additional barriers to employment,” said Terry A. Hayes, Tacoma Goodwill CEO. “The generous support of the fund ensures that everyone who wants to get help can get it.”
Tacoma Goodwill also recognized two businesses: Community Partner of the Year — Columbia Bank; Business Partner of the Year — The Boeing Company and Employees Community Fund of Boeing Puget Sound.
The presenting sponsor of the event was Columbia Bank. Award sponsors included Bank of America, Boeing, Murray Pacific Corporation, and Print NW. Sponsorships for the breakfast mean all the funds raised at the event go directly toward scholarships.
