Goodwill of North Georgia recently hosted its annual Goodwill Gala fundraising event, which successfully raised over $419,000 in support of local entrepreneurs.
The money — which set a fundraising record for the event — will go towards benefitting Goodwill of North Georgia’s 14 Career Centers, which offer critical funds for entrepreneurs participating in the retail organization’s GoodBIZ! Entrepreneurship Program.
GoodBIZ! is an educational initiative that teaches aspiring entrepreneurs about how to successfully run a business through free career coaching and workshops.
The Gala celebration featured Goodwill’s annual Battle of the BIZ! competition, which saw three of the top graduates from the GoodBiz! Program compete against one another for the chance to win a $10,000 grand prize.
This year’s Battle of the BIZ! winner was Kristel Valencia, the founder of Cafexito Mexican Coffee Shop.
Cafexito Mexican Coffee Shop is a culture-based coffee company that utilizes sustainably-sourced coffee beans to ensure fair payment for farmers in their homeland.
The coffee brand originally started out as a pop-up shop at Piedmont Park, before eventually securing a permanent pop-up space at the Met in Southwest Atlanta back in 2019.
In addition to the competition, the event also presented Stephanie Stuckey, the CEO of Stuckey’s (pecan and candy producer), with the inaugural Iron Will Award — which commemorated Stuckey’s “entrepreneurial spirit” and “‘never say die’ attitude.”
Along with Stuckey, the Goodwill Gala also honored The Home Depot (home improvement retailer) with the Power of Work Award, which is given to companies that “empower people to discover their potential through the power of work,” according to Goodwill.
Keith Parker, the CEO of Goodwill of North Georgia, says that the fundraising event enables the organization to help aspiring business leaders in the region to flourish.
“Our purpose at Goodwill of North Georgia is not just about creating jobs but fostering the spirit of entrepreneurship. Every dollar raised signifies a beacon of hope, a dream realized, and a brighter future for the residents of North Georgia,” said Parker.
“Through Battle of the BIZ! and our landmark GoodBIZ! program, we remain committed to nurturing the next generation of Georgia’s entrepreneurs and helping them pave their way to success.”
