Goodwill Announces New Philanthropic Advisory Council

June 18, 2021 – Sarasota

Goodwill Manasota has formed a Philanthropic Advisory Council to ensure its sustainability for years to come. The new leadership body will assist in articulating Goodwill’s mission to the community, advise on how Goodwill might address community needs, engage with philanthropic donors, participate in fundraising, and introduce Goodwill to other potential Council members.

The members of the Council are: Goodwill Board members Rae Dowling and Eric Kaplan, Michael and Victoria Zeppi, Lori Abrams, MD, and Kevin Henault. Goodwill CEO Bob Rosinsky, Vice President Margie Genter, and Community Outreach & Development Manager Pavitra Ciavardone support the effort, which had its first official meeting in February.

A current priority for this group is mental health services for veterans and their families. Goodwill is investigating the gaps in local services, such as when a veteran is actively in crisis or when there are mental health issues but the veteran experiences barriers to seeking help. Also on the Council’s agenda is a new and unique fundraiser, “Goodwill Haunting.” This will be an event where supporters invite friends who will connect with Goodwill’s mission, and hopefully become supporters themselves. This free, invitation-only event takes place on October 30, 2021.

“While there are many people in the community who know some of what we do, we have found that few understand the entire scope of our mission to change lives through the power of work,” said Rosinsky. “With the Philanthropic Advisory Council’s support, we can raise greater awareness of all the facets of our social enterprise operations and be introduced to new supporters. Our ultimate goal is to guarantee that our essential programs and services are available to those who need them for many years to come.”

For more about Goodwill, go to experiencegoodwill.org or call 941-355-2721.