All That Glitters Is Indeed Gold.

By: Rick Stanton, Creative Director / President, Stanton & Everybody Advertising + Design

Thursday evening, November 4^th most of our office attended Seattle Goodwill’s Glitter Gala. It’s an opportunity to raise awareness and money for the good work Goodwill contributes to our community. There was a silent auction with everything from jewelry to a vintage era 1950’s Schwinn bicycle, a lovely salmon dinner, a fashion show featuring clothing from the 1920’s to today’s look and an appearance by Sir Mix-A-Lot.

It was a hoot and from the pulse of the evening, it would seem Goodwill did very well. Which leads me to the meat of this message. You probably have a very wrong understanding of what Goodwill is all about.

Our agency has worked pro bono on their behalf for 15 years with a small budget trying to get the word out. So I am going to use this venue to help in that regard. Goodwill is not high profile nor socially glitzy like PONCHO or Boys & Girls Club. But the difference they make in the lives of hundreds of people each and every day is stunning. Their free, job training classes send people into the marketplace with the skills they need to get and keep a job. They provide a hand up, not a hand out.

And unlike Value Village that masquerades as a non-profit organization, Goodwill is a true non-profit relying on donations of gently used clothing, furniture, electronics, toys and other materials along with sales in the retail stores and donations from companies and individuals to provide the services they offer.

I would ask you to visit the website, get a real understanding of what Goodwill is about and the next time you clean out your closet, cupboards or garage take what you don’t want or need anymore to a Goodwill drop off site. Someone’s going to love what you don’t want, you will be doing good for people and an organization that deserve it and you can even get a receipt for a tax deduction for the effort.

By the way, the Glitter Sale is next weekend, November 13^th and 14th. Speaking of hoots, you should go, it’s the ultimate treasure hunt, and there are some real steals. Check this out: http://www.seattlegoodwill.org/