Goodwill Announces 2014 Cornerstone Award Winners

Goodwill will honor community advocates and celebrate client successes at the 2014 Cornerstone Celebration on May 16. The annual luncheon spotlights graduates of Goodwill’s job training and career development programs and honors individuals and corporations for their support of Goodwill and our efforts in Changing Lives Through the Power of Work! 

We are thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2014 Cornerstone Awards:

• Jack Callaghan Cornerstone Award to Darren Ash, founder of Charlotte Family Housing (formerly WISH), an organization that empowers homeless families to achieve long-term self-sufficiency through shelter, housing, support services and advocacy. The Jack Callaghan Cornerstone Award is Goodwill’s highest honor and is given to a leader who has devoted their life to providing workforce development opportunities and services for people facing disabilities or disadvantages.
• HELMS Volunteer of the Year Award to Christil McKenzie, VP, Project Manager at Bank of America Merrill Lynch. An active volunteer with Goodwill since 2010, Christil has empowered individuals who are seeking employment opportunities by providing Financial Literacy training to help them set achievable financial goals during their job search. The HELMS Award is named for Goodwill founder Edgar J. Helms and is given to a volunteer who exemplifies Helping Elevate Leadership and Meaningful Services.
• Corporate Champion Award to Carolinas Healthcare System, which has provided long-term support of Goodwill’s mission through volunteerism, financial contributions, job placements, donations, and health and wellness education. The Corporate Champion Award is given to an organization that has demonstrated outstanding and multifaceted support of Goodwill’s mission.
• Good Work! Award to Curtis Baker, a graduate of Goodwill’s Hospitality & Tourism Training program. Curtis is currently employed with the Hampton Inn in Pineville, NC. The Good Work! Awards are presented to individuals who have received or are currently receiving services and have overcome significant barriers, achieved and maintained employment, returned to serve their peers and more.
• Good Work! Award to Nah Darkwa, a graduate of Goodwill’s Banking & Customer Service Training program. Nah is currently employed with Carolinas Healthcare System in Charlotte, NC.
• Good Work! Award to Rashad Jones, a graduate of Goodwill’s Construction Skills Training program. Rashad is currently employed with Zemko Supply in Fort Mill, SC.
• Good Work! Award to Prince Moses. Prince received services from Goodwill’s Job Connection in Concord and participated in the Operation Independence program for veterans. He is currently employed with the VA Medical Center in Salisbury, NC.

Join the conversation online by using the official event hashtags #Cornerstone2014 and #alittlegood on May 16.The presenting sponsors for this year’s 2014 Cornerstone Celebration are Bank of America and Wells Fargo. The event sponsors are Fifth Third Bank and NFP Corporate Benefits.  For more information, visit the event website.