Elizabeth and Tom Small recognize every transaction at Goodwill translates into opportunities for fellow Arkansans to thrive. “Thrifting is fun, but Goodwill is more than a thrift store or just a convenient location to drop off those gently used clothes and household items,” Elizabeth explains. “The revenue from the sale of donated items stays in Arkansas to provide needed resources to Arkansans.”
Elizabeth and Tom share a panache for business finesse. She works with UA Little Rock School of Business Economics/Finance Department as a director and instructor. Tom is a business advisor with Goldman Sachs 10K Small Businesses Program and owns Bizart LLC, a consulting company for area banks performing appraisal reviews and bank regulation advice. The dynamic duo will welcome guests to the second annual Goodwill Industries of Arkansas Gala for Good. The evening will celebrate the spirit of Goodwill as well as the amazing achievements of program participants, graduates and community partners.
“I have known about Goodwill’s contributions and programs for many years but engaged with fervor in 2021,” Elizabeth elaborates. “Goodwill’s concentration in education and workforce development through the Excel Center and the Academy mirror my passion and interests.” She believes everyone can engage in the mission of Goodwill Industries of Arkansas and the gala offers a forum to learn more. Highlights include the life-changing stories from Goodwill Arkansas’s Graduate of the Year, Achiever of the Year, Community Partner of the Year and Employer of the Year. “We look forward to experiencing the collective energy in the room. The personal achievements of recipients and the willingness to publicly share their accomplishments always create a ‘can do’ spirit throughout the room.”
The transformative power of education will be highlighted as Mike Poore receives the Spirit of Goodwill Award. With more than three decades of experience – he has served as superintendent for the Little Rock School District, Bentonville Schools and the Sheridan School District in Colorado. President & CEO Brian Marsh adds, “Mike has been particularly instrumental in helping support the growth of The Excel Center, Goodwill’s high school for adults, to gain legislative support as the first and only adult high school in the state of Arkansas. This achievement is a testament to his unwavering commitment to providing educational opportunities for all, regardless of age or background.”
The festivities, which include Who’s Bad: The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience, have finite purpose. Senior Vice President of Development Shannon Boshears notes, “It is truly a celebration of Goodwill’s mission and how it creates meaningful impact on the people, communities and the state of Arkansas. It often surprises attendees who aren’t aware of Goodwill’s work beyond our stores – our second-hand retail model funds second chances to Arkansans seeking opportunity. Elizabeth adds, “Sharing Goodwill’s mission and purpose is truly fun. Everyone at Goodwill is willing to form positive education and workforce partnerships, which makes all of Arkansas stronger. Goodwill’s operations are good for the environment, good for job creation and good for the (my) soul!”
Gala for Good
Saturday, October 26
Statehouse Convention Center
