The Spirit of Goodwill
Goodwill South Florida celebrates its 65-year legacy with a remarkable gala featuring Project Runway's Jhoan Sebastian Gray.
Updated 10:27 am EST, December 12, 2024
Published 01:01 am EST, December 12, 2024
Featuring Goodwill South Florida
Special Thanks: Nestor Camacho, Debbie G. Rodriguez, Stephanie Paz
The Spirit of Goodwill
Goodwill South Florida celebrates its 65-year legacy with a remarkable gala featuring Project Runway's Jhoan Sebastian Gray.
Updated 10:27 am EST, December 12, 2024
Published 01:01 am EST, December 12, 2024
Featuring Goodwill South Florida
Special Thanks: Nestor Camacho, Debbie G. Rodriguez, Stephanie Paz
A Night of Empowerment and Style
On November 9, 2024, Goodwill South Florida, an American business that provides job training, employment placement services, and other community-based programs for people who face barriers in their employment, celebrated its remarkable 65-year legacy with an unforgettable gala. Craft Your Look: Rediscovering Goodwill, held at the posh Jungle Island in Miami. The evening was a tribute to the incredible work the organization has done for over six decades—helping individuals with disabilities and other barriers to employment achieve independence and thrive.
Goodwill South Florida 65-year gala, featuring Jhoan Sebastian Gray.
A Legacy of Transformation
Since its founding in 1959, Goodwill South Florida has been a beacon of hope, providing job training, employment opportunities, and job placement for individuals facing obstacles to work. The organization’s impact is profound, as it continues to empower South Floridians with disabilities, helping them discover their strengths and achieve a fulfilling life.
Goodwill South Florida 65-year gala
Julie Greiner Weiser, Chair of Goodwill South Florida’s Board of Directors, expressed the significance of this milestone: “For over six decades, Goodwill South Florida has created pathways to meaningful work, transforming both lives and communities. This evening allows us to share the depth of our mission and how we empower individuals to succeed and thrive.”
An Evening of Style, Sustainability, and Culinary Excellence
The gala was an extravagant affair, blending style, sustainability, and cuisine. South Florida’s own celebrity chef, Eileen Andrade, renowned for her popular restaurants Finka and Amelia’s 1931, collaborated with Badia Spices to craft a sensational menu infusing each dish with bold, local flavors. Guests sipped on signature cocktails created by Bacardi’s expert mixologists as they savored the flavors of the evening.
Goodwill South Florida 65-year gala
The evening’s highlight of the night was the fashion show, curated by Jhoan Sebastian Grey, the winner of Project Runway Season 17. Grey presented a stunning collection of upcycled designs, each piece showcasing his signature blend of elegance and edge. The collection featured monochrome palettes artfully twisted with unique textures. It was made entirely from materials sourced from Goodwill’s resale operations.
Goodwill South Florida 65-year gala, featuring Jhoan Sebastian Gray.
Each of the stunning designs showcased upcycled materials and transformed into chic and modern outfits with Grey’s unique touch. The collection was not only a visual feast but also a powerful statement about the intersection of fashion and sustainability. Grey worked closely with Goodwill employees, whose sewing skills brought these reimagined pieces to life. The runway showcased how donated goods could be turned into high-fashion pieces that are both stylish and sustainable—perfectly aligning with Goodwill’s commitment to eco-consciousness and social responsibility.
The Spirit of Goodwill
The gala’s entertainment reached new heights with a performance by the award-winning Spirit of Goodwill Band, an award-winning ensemble composed of 25 talented musicians with disabilities. Their song set, brimming with energy and passion, was a reminder of the profound talent that Goodwill fosters within its community programs.
Goodwill South Florida 65-year gala
Collective Support
Among the notable guests were Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, who has long advocated for Goodwill’s mission. Mayor Levine Cava, a proud supporter of the organization, reflected on how Goodwill continues transforming the lives of individuals facing barriers to work.
Goodwill South Florida 65-year gala
“Goodwill South Florida is driven by a commitment to create avenues for individuals with disabilities, helping them discover their strengths and apply their talents in meaningful ways. This evening is a celebration of our shared impact and the legacy we’re building together.”
Supporting the Mission
The event wasn’t just about celebrating the past but also about investing in the future. The silent auction, featuring exclusive items such as a signed Lionel Messi T-shirt, a framed Taylor Swift CD and poster, a Napa Valley getaway, and even a NASCAR racing experience, played a crucial role in raising funds to support Goodwill’s critical programs. These programs help individuals with disabilities gain job training, employment, and independence—ensuring they can continue to thrive in the workplace and beyond.
Goodwill South Florida 65-year gala
Goodwill South Florida’s 65th-anniversary gala proved to be a resounding success, blending fashion, food, and philanthropy into one unforgettable evening. The night was a testament to how far Goodwill has come in its mission to change lives and how much more it will continue to do in the years to come.
As the evening came to a close, guests were reminded of the lasting power of Goodwill’s work and its positive impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities. The event served not only as a celebration of the past but also as a call to action—encouraging all to actively support Goodwill’s ongoing efforts in building an inclusive and thriving community for everyone.
DISCOVER MORE
By The Editorial Board
By Liubov Lavreniuk
By Kiki Khairy
By Pomy Hailu
By Dana Yurglich
By Omar Enrique Matos
Join Our Newsletter
Get the latest fashion, culture, and art updates, including magazine releases release parties
Sponsored Content
