Goodwill Industries Volunteer Services
to Host its Annual Volunteer Salute Dinner
 

The Goodwill Industries Volunteer Services organization will recognize several members of the community who have demonstrated notable levels of volunteerism at its annual Volunteer Salute Dinner Thursday, August 20, 2009, at the Country Club of Jackson.

Steve Hope, President of the Jackson Board of Goodwill Industries, said the Goodwill Industries Volunteer Services organization has helped provide funds to address the specific needs of Goodwill. “They have provided funds for everything from a new delivery truck and office equipment to scholarships for job training courses, medical exams for employees and special celebrations at holidays and birthdays,” Hope said.

The Goodwill Salute Dinner Honorees for 2009 are:

• Pat Chambliss, Technical Analyst at Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company, is the Co-founder and Executive Director of Metro Jackson’s Dress for Success Program that helps disadvantaged women find jobs by providing professional attire, career development and network support.

• Susan Easom Garrard, Executive Director of the Mississippi Children’s Museum, is a past President of the Junior League of Jackson and was the driving force behind the Mississippi Children’s Museum. She has remained committed to the museum, helping to raise over $22 million for the project.

• Jeff Good, Co-owner, Managing Partner, Mangia Bene, Inc. (BRAVO! Broad Street Bakery, Sal & Mookie’s New York Pizza & Ice Cream Joint), is involved many organizations including the Metro Jackson SafeCity Watch, Mississippi Children’s Museum, Fondren North Renaissance and is the Charter President of the Jackson Police Foundation.

• Mary Sydney Green founded the Garden Club of Jackson in 1991 to enhance the beauty of the Jackson area. The Garden Club has hosted fundraisers to benefit Mynelle Gardens, the Welty Garden, The Oaks and the Mississippi Museum of Art.

• David Landrum, Senior National Sales Director of Primerica, is a member of the Steering Committee for the Mississippi College Campaign and former member of the Board of Trustees. He is the current Chairman of the Board of Mission Mississippi and volunteers and serves on boards for Madison-Ridgeland Academy, Boys and Girls Club of American and Here’s Life among others.

• Sandra McLaurin, Mortgage Broker for Amerisouth Financial, Inc., began actively volunteering with the Central Mississippi Chapter of the American Red Cross in 2007 and began a Red Cross Auxiliary that plans and coordinates three fundraisers each year.

• David McMillin, a Regional Sales Manager for the Xerox Corporation, is an active Rotarian, member of the Board of Trustees for Methodist Rehabilitation Center and Stewpot Community Services.

• Jackie Petrus has accepted various volunteer roles through the years as part of the Junior League of Jackson. She gives her time to the Mississippi Museum of Art Auxiliary, American Heart Association, Friends of the Jackson Zoo and Jackson Symphony League. She is also the Board President for Friends of Children’s Hospital.

• Jan Foster Taylor was recognized by Jackson Public Schools in 2008 as their PTSA Volunteer of the Year. She is a weekly “Book Buddy” at George Elementary, helping children with their reading skills and a coordinator for the Meals on Wheels program.

• Lester Senter Wilson has helped organizations produce fundraising concerts and has donated her artistic expertise. She has been the recipient of the Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts.

• Sophie Sharp, a student at St. Andrews Episcopal School, volunteers at Stewpot and serves as Chair for her youth’s group Relay for Life tent, helping raise $3000 each year. She tutors elementary students and serves as a summer camp counselor for children with disabilities. In memory of her twin brother, she helped start Simon Sharp Eagle Fund to raise money for the Boy Scouts of America and the Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital.

• Lorraine York, a student at Jackson Preparatory School, is active in Jackson Prep Service Club, treasurer of the National Honor Society and Senior Class Secretary. She has logged over 110 hours of community service in her junior year, including tutoring at Neighborhood Christian Center’s after school program and volunteering at the Mustard Seed.

David Landrum said he volunteers because the Bible says everyone should use their gifts to serve others. “I volunteer because I believe in what these organizations stand for and the difference they are making in our community,” he said.

Sophie Sharp said even changing just one person’s life is worth her time. “Volunteering is the best teaching device out there,” she said. “Not only have I learned concrete skills, but volunteering has taught me to be understanding of the people around me.”

Join us as we honor those in our community that have demonstrated notable levels of volunteerism and helped raise funds for Goodwill industries making it possible for Goodwill to continue to serve our community. For more information, please contact Goodwill at 601-853-8110.