GOODWILL OF ORANGE COUNTY'S WALTER KNOTT AWARD LUNCHEON A BIG SUCCESS

Santa Ana, CA -- On Wednesday, October 25, 2006 Goodwill of Orange County held its annual Walter Knott Award Luncheon at the Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach. The event was a great success, netting over $280,000 for people with disabilities and other barriers.

The Walter Knott Award Luncheon recognizes people who demonstrate that people are more powerful than the barriers they face. The event is named in memory of Walter Knott, a founding Goodwill of Orange County Board Member for his legacy and community service.

This year, Goodwill recognized Gary Franken, Janie Walker, and Tony DeBlois. The three extraordinary individuals lives represent invincible human spirit, determination and personal achievement.

Gary Franken- Gary is an integral part of the Goodwill family. He has worked at Cal Trans for 26 years and oversees the Park and Ride sites where some of Goodwill’s Donation Centers are located. He has helped establish and maintain key donation centers, resulting in material donations worth more than $15 million. And though he lives with Cerbral Palsy, his spirit cannot be held down. Gary is a resident of La Mirada.

Janie Walker- Janie inspires everyone who knows her. Despite suffering two severe injuries, she coaches high school softball. As a former police officer, she volunteers as an advisor for the Costa Mesa Police Explorers program. Her “don’t give up” attitude has allowed her to continue pursuing a fulfilled life, undaunted by her personal challenges.

Tony DeBlois- Tony is a professional pianist. He also plays the organ, harmonica, guitar, harpsichord, English handbells, violin, banjo, drums, saxophone, clarinet, ukulele, Mandolin flute and trumpet. Tony is blind, autistic, and has Savant Syndrome, but for him, they have not been roadblocks to becoming a creative and accomplished performing artist.

Goodwill of Orange County is a nonprofit organization with is Main Campus located at 410 North Fairview in Santa Ana. Now in its 82nd year, Goodwill of Orange County has provided thousands of people with disabilities and other barriers the opportunity to achieve their highest levels of personal and economic independence through competitive employment.

For more information on Goodwill of Orange County and its education, training and employment programs and services, please contact Anne Blasius, Communications Manager at (714) 547-6308 ext. 308 or anneb@ocgoodwill.org.

Information may also be found at www.ocgoodwill.org