THE LUNCH By Goodwill Dallas

During its 100th anniversary, Goodwill Industries of Dallas, Inc. hosted THE LUNCH, presented by JPMorgan Chase, with Texas native and former New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees. THE LUNCH drew more than 620 supporters to the Omni Hotel and broke a record for the nonprofit by raising more than $1.68M to help continue its transformative workforce development program which provide robust, no-cost, individualized career services for individuals with barriers to traditional employment, including those with physical and intellectual disabilities and formerly incarcerated.

“Once again, our community has shown its exceptional generosity which empowers us to continue our mission of transforming lives by providing opportunities for individuals when other doors have been closed to them,” said Goodwill Dallas President & CEO Tim Heis.

Attendees witnessed the impact of Goodwill Dallas’ mission first hand through an employee spotlight at the event. Goodwill Dallas post retail and salvage manager Travita Parker described to the audience how the organization gave her an opportunity to not only make a living wage but also further develop her job skills after exiting prison, allowing her to support herself, her children and even her grandchildren. She is now a respected manager after more than two stable years with Goodwill.

Presented by JPMorgan Chase & Co., THE LUNCH also provided an opportunity for sports fans and philanthropists alike to hear from 2009 Big Game championship quarterback Drew Brees on the importance of investing in our community.

“It’s about creating this cycle and environment of success. So much of what people need in life is for someone to believe in them,” Brees said at THE LUNCH.

Since 2015, Goodwill Dallas’ THE LUNCH has featured names including Mike Krzyzewski, “Coach K,” Peyton Manning, Dr. Condoleezza Rice, and President George W. Bush and raised more than $11M for the nonprofit’s workforce development program. The event has helped more than 16,000 North Texans build skills, find jobs, and reach their full potential.

Dallas skyline photo by Robert Ables; All other photos credited to Goodwill Dallas