Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona (GCNA) hosted its annual Empower fundraising breakfast on Wednesday, Sept. 20, at the Phoenix Art Museum. More than 350 guests gathered to learn how Goodwill transforms the lives of individuals and families through programs and services like The Excel Center, a tuition-free high school for adults, the new Veteran and Military Family Career Center, the Hope & Home Family Shelter Program, and other no-cost career services. The event raised more than $285,000.

“Nearly one million people in Arizona live in poverty and cannot achieve goals for themselves or their families. They face the uncertainty of unemployment, unpaid bills, and living on the verge of eviction,” said Tim O’Neal, CEO of Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona. “Thanks to the generosity of our community, we are working everyday across Arizona to build programs that help remove these barriers so people can move beyond entry level jobs into careers that truly maximize their lifetime earnings.”

Tim O’Neal, CEO of Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona; Bobby Ghisolfo, SVP of Mission Services for Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona; William M. Fischbach III, Board Chair for Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona; Fabian Zazueta, Board Chair for Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona Foundation; Rick McCartney, Board Member for Thrive Services Group; and Mona Stone, EVP, General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer and Corporate Secretary for Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona spoke at the event sharing the story of Goodwill.

Several success stories were shared about students at The Excel Center along with individuals who visited a career center and gained skills to employment. Goodwill’s mission is to empower individuals, strengthen families and build stronger communities through the power of work.

This year’s presenting sponsor was Comfort Systems USA. Visionary Sponsors included Commit Agency and Thrive Services Group and Supporting Sponsors were Tiffany & Bosco, P.A., Greenberg Traurig and Arizona Bank & Trust.

To donate to Goodwill, visit: http://www.goodwillaz.org.

About Goodwill of Central & Northern Arizona
Founded in 1947, Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona is a 501(c)(3) dedicated to ending poverty through the power of work. Best known as your neighborhood non-profit thrift store, Goodwill is empowering individuals, strengthening families, and building stronger communities. Through a profound commitment to the community, Goodwill offers career development, training, and education that lift individuals from a minimum wage to a family-sustaining wage. To learn more, visit http://www.GoodwillAZ.org.