2019 marks Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania’s 100th year of providing services to those in need in the Pittsburgh area. To celebrate this special birthday, the organization will conduct various activities and events to commemorate their 100th Birthday.
“Goodwill has done so much to help our region throughout its 100 year history,” said Michael J. Smith, President/CEO of Goodwill SWPA. “We are planning a big year to celebrate!”
- The agency will kick off the celebration at Goodwill SWPA’s annual Power of Work Awards on March 22 at 11:30 am at the Sheraton Station Square, with the public debut of a special new video featuring thoughts from local celebrities and VIP’s regarding the agency’s long-time impact in southwestern Pennsylvania. The video can also be found at youtube.com/goodwillswpa. The Power of Work Awards recognize the outstanding workforce development efforts of local businesses, thus resulting in a better quality of life for individuals with personal challenges and their families.
- On June 23 through June 26 at the Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown, Goodwill SWPA will host Goodwill Industries International’s Delegate Assembly. At this event, executives and high-ranking officers representing 162 Goodwill organizations throughout North America will convene for their annual meeting. Sponsorship opportunities are available now at: https://one.bidpal.net/delegateassembly2019/welcome.
- Goodwill SWPA will hold its official “Birthday Party” on Sunday, September 15 at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium. This is a family-friendly event, complete with cake and ice cream, is open to families, community partners, neighbors and friends. The event will also feature a picnic lunch, live entertainment, Goodwill trivia, and much more! Help us celebrate our 100th birthday by coming out and snapping some fun pics in our Gif Booth provided by DigiBooths, they’re the go-to source when it comes to Photo Booth Rental in Pittsburgh PA! Information about the event can be found at: https://one.bidpal.net/100thbirthdayparty/welcome
The official by-laws of Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania (then Goodwill Industries of Pittsburgh) were adopted on August 6, 1919, with the headquarters located at 25th and Smallman Street in Pittsburgh’s Strip District. The organization was founded to help those in society considered to be unemployable, including thousands of soldiers returning from World War I. In the years to come, the organization expanded its role by focusing on helping people with disabilities through job training. In 1967, the agency moved its headquarters to Carson Street in Pittsburgh’s South Side, and in 2010, they moved to their current location in Lawrenceville.
“In addition to celebrating our 100th year, we are also focusing our attention on the next 100 years as an important part of the workforce development in our communities. On a more personal note, I couldn’t be more proud to have spent the last 30 years of my career at Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania,” Smith said.
A complete “timeline history” of Goodwill SWPA can be found at www.goodwillswpa.org/history.
MEDIA CONTACT: David J. Tobiczyk, Vice President, Marketing & Development
412-632-1942 or david.tobiczyk@goodwillswpa.org