Jessica, a Goodwill L.I.F.E. Academy student, paints a vase for the fundraiser
“These one-of-a-kind vases are the result of the wonderful and creative imaginations of our students,” said Lynn Pottorf, principal of the L.I.F.E. Academy, a charter school for students with intellectual disabilities. “The students enjoyed this project because it allowed them the opportunity to use a wide variety of mediums to create such unique vases. This project also gave each student the chance to experience individual success and accomplishment.”
Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida’s annual Breakthrough Awards Luncheon was held on Thursday, May 10th. The event, sponsored by SunTrust bank, was held at the Harborside Event Center in the Fort Myers River District. The Breakthrough Awards spotlights businesses and members of the community who have supported Goodwill’s mission, as well as Goodwill’s clients who have broken through their personal barriers to employment and independence.
Carolyn Rogers, APR, CPRC of Simplify PR, was a luncheon attendee who purchased not one, but three of the students’ vases.
“The vases were not only the centerpiece for the table but were the centerpiece of the luncheon,” said Rogers. “They sum up the mission of Goodwill all in one beautiful item- a product created by the L.I.F.E. Academy students that show off their abilities. We bought one for the office, one for a friend and one for Mother’s Day.”
Designs on the vases varied, and included college athletics, with Gator and Seminole themed vases; to peacock, sheet music, and a Goodwill-themed vase.
The L.I.F.E. Academy (http://www.GoodwillLifeAcademy.org) is a tuition-free, open-enrollment Lee County charter school designed to promote self-advocacy and develop life skills for independent living. Students with intellectual disabilities who are entering grades six through twelve (ages 11-22) are welcomed, as well as post-graduate students who have not yet reached the maximum age of 22.
The L.I.F.E. Academy is currently accepting students for Fall 2012. For more information on the L.I.F.E. Academy, call principal Lynn Pottorf at (239) 334-4434 or visit http://www.GoodwillLifeAcademy.org
Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida, Inc. helps people with disabilities and other disadvantages overcome their barriers to employment and independence. Supported programs include Job-Link services and job placement programs, youth mentoring and education, vehicle assistance, and affordable housing. More information about Goodwill’s programs and services is available at http://www.goodwillswfl.org.
Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/
