## Goodwill of Orange County ##

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Microsoft Makes a $550,000 Software Gift to Goodwill of Orange County

Microsoft® has awarded Goodwill of Orange County with a software grant of $500,000 and an additional award of $50,000 cash to support programs. The gift will be used to support technology upgrades that will enable the organization to better serve the community’s program participants. Goodwill is the largest provider of education, training and employment services in Orange County, whose mission is to provide people with disabilities and other barriers the opportunity to achieve their highest levels of personal and economic independence.

Goodwill of Orange County is the Happy Recipient of $500,000 software grant from Microsoft.

This gift will make it possible for Goodwill to enhance and replace existing technology resources vital to providing customized training and educational services to people with disabilities and other barriers to employment. The hardware and software in the Orange County Goodwill’s computer learning labs and career centers are becoming outdated and the agency seeks to make upgrades, particularly in the area of adaptive technology for individuals with severe disabilities.

Team Microsoft Welcomes Shoppers as the New Store is Unveiled.

“In order for program participants to increase their skills in a highly competitive marketplace, they must have access to the most current technology,” explained President and CEO Dan Rogers. “Through the use of updated technology, Goodwill participants will be trained on basic computer skills and business software applications, which help them to obtain permanent jobs with sustainable wages and the potential for career advancement.”

Goodwill CEO Dan Rogers and YMCA CEO Jeff McBride both accepted grants from Microsoft at the grand opening event in Mission Viejo

Microsoft COO Kevin Turner publicly presented the funds to Goodwill of Orange County at the Mission Viejo Microsoft store’s grand opening. For more information, contact Goodwill of Orange County Communications Manager Katherine Ransom at (714) 547-6308 ext. 308 or katheriner@ocgoodwill.org.

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Jump to Goodwill of Orange County's Press Release

Orange County Register Covers Microsoft Store Opening Where Goodwill was Presented with $550,000 Gift 1,000-plus people crowd new Microsoft Store
Goodwill receives $550,000 software grant and store credit
The Microsoft Store at the Shops at Mission Viejo officially opened.
By NIYAZ PIRANI
THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

Link to article

MISSION VIEJO - Nobody was getting into American Eagle Outfitters this morning. More than 1,000 people were blocking the entrance to the apparel store, which had the unfortunate position of being located directly across from the Microsoft Store, which officially opened at 10 a.m. in The Shops at Mission Viejo.

"Let's count down from seven for Windows 7!" exclaimed Kevin Turner, chief operating officer for Microsoft.

A curtain that shrouded the store dropped and the crowd roared as workers within the store, dressed in shirts matching the primary colors of the Microsoft logo, danced and lined up to give high-fives to patrons as they streamed through the doors.

Many, including Aliso Viejo resident Stefanie Tran, had been waiting for this moment since the day before. Tran was first in line, around 3:45 p.m. Wednesday. She waited through the night, partly for her own curiosity, but mainly to secure tickets to a parking lot performance by Canadian pop star Justin Bieber at 5 p.m. today. "It's phenomenal," Tran said of the store. "It was well worth (the wait). I'm glad I'm a part of this, this is so cool."

Before the curtain came down Turner, who said Microsoft was happy to be a part of the Mission Viejo community, presented a $1 million software grant to the YMCA of Orange County and a $500,000 software grant to Goodwill of Orange County. Both organizations also received $50,000 each for their programs.

Mission Viejo Mayor Frank Ury praised Microsoft for the generosity, and thanked the company for choosing his city first.

"We're first in the state in public safety and now we're first in the state with a Microsoft Store," he said. "I'm excited that 100 new jobs have been created in Mission Viejo and I think it's a wonderful location for Microsoft to pick."

As the crowds received their high-fives and picked through gift bags that included tickets to see Bieber, a $25 Zune Pass gift card, ChapStick, a sport bottle and a sticker, people finally had the chance to take in the store — highlighted by video screens that wrap along the sides of the store and cast a glow on the entire space

"The walls – I've never seen anything like that in a store," Mission Viejo resident David Giordano said. "I can't believe how amazing it looks," said Navid Zamani, of Laguna Niguel. "The screens along the sides are phenomenal. The (Microsoft Surface) tables are awesome." While at least one man was seen clutching a Mac Book while waiting for Justin Bieber tickets for his sister, the majority of attendees had already begun to take digs at Apple.

The Mission Viejo opening has been a high-profile event, as this location will be the first where Microsoft will go toe-to-toe with an Apple Store. Attendees weren't privy to the battle today though, as the Apple Store is closed for renovations and will not re-open until November.

"I like it," Percillia Chuajai, of Glendale, said. "All the music, all the colors – it's very exciting." Though a majority of those who camped out in the cold the night before were there for the concert, some did come to shop. "We came at 8 p.m. last night and yes, it was worth the wait," said Shelly Nicks, of Laguna Niguel. " … I've been looking for a laptop. I'm really computer illiterate, so I can't wait to get started."

Once the crowds calm down, Microsoft enthusiasts will be left with a store that promises to showcase Microsoft products, personal computers, Xbox hardware and software and more. The hoopla marks the second opening of the Microsoft Store in as many weeks. The nation's first location, in Scottsdale, Ariz., opened on Oct. 22 to coincide with the release of Windows 7, the latest upgrade to Microsoft's juggernaut computer operating system.

Microsoft COO Turner said customers have been asking for Microsoft to enter brick-and-mortar retail for some time. The opening of the stores is the company's response to its customers, he said.

"This is their laboratory and they're going to help us continue to refine and improve this format," he said. "We're very excited about the Microsoft Store.

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