Palmetto Goodwill honors award recipients at Shining Star Awards Banquet
April 23, 2019
On Thursday, April 18 Palmetto Goodwill held its Shining Star Awards Banquet at The College Center at Trident Technical College. Tessa Spencer of ABC News 4 hosted the event, which was attended by over 180 business and agency partners. The annual event is organized by Palmetto Goodwill to honor program participants who have overcome barriers to employment and to recognize businesses and individuals who have played a positive role in the growth of Goodwill’s mission.
This year’s award winners include:
• Office of Governor Henry McMaster (Partnerships for People Award – South Region)
• Horry-Georgetown Technical College (Partnerships for People Award – North Region)
• Southeastern Paper Group (Business Partner of the Year)
• Charleston Radio Group (Corporate Partner of the Year)
• Georgetta Rutledge (Volunteer of the Year)
• Moneak Martin (Barbara Banks Customer Service Award)
• Wayne Merritt (Employee of the Year)
• Evelyn Hinman (Achiever of the Year)
• Ivan D’Arrigo (Graduate of the Year)
• Maurice McKoy (Goodwill Works! Award)
Palmetto Goodwill President & CEO Robert Smith commented, “We are honored to recognize Goodwill program participants who have successfully completed a Goodwill program and achieved stable employment. We are also pleased to recognize our partners and employees who have advanced Goodwill’s mission of helping people achieve their full potential through the dignity and power of work!”
Also during the banquet, past Chairwoman and Board Member Sandra Campbell was inducted into Palmetto Goodwill’s Hall of Fame. Ms. Campbell played a vital role in helping the organization grow and expand its mission while on the Board of Directors from 1995-2001. Smith praised Campbell, stating, “Sandra’s passion and leadership helped Palmetto Goodwill transition and grow into what it is today. It is a great honor to induct Sandra Campbell into the Hall of Fame and recognize her for years of dedication and support of Goodwill’s mission.”
Rep. Nancy Mace was the keynote speaker, expounding upon why she dropped out of high school and how she ultimately overcame certain barriers to become the first female graduate from The Citadel’s Corps of Cadets. Rep. Mace went on to detail her sponsorship of legislation supporting Palmetto Goodwill’s efforts to establish the Palmetto Excel Center, which would replicate an adult high school degree and certification program that has been highly successful in other states.
Smith gratefully thanked Rep. Mace, saying, “This is yet another step in the evolution of Palmetto Goodwill as we continue to train and find gainful employment for people, while also helping the state overcome the workforce challenges it now faces.”
Palmetto Goodwill
Palmetto Goodwill is a nonprofit social enterprise whose mission is to help people achieve their full potential through the dignity and power of work. Over 90 percent of Goodwill’s revenue goes to fund mission related services. Goodwill serves their mission by providing job training, educational programs and employment services to people with barriers to employment. Last year Palmetto Goodwill served 15,398 people, provided training to 4,152 individuals and helped place 3,094 job seekers into new employment. For more information about Goodwill’s programs and services, please visit www.palmettogoodwill.org.
