Hornady Honored as Goodwill's 2023 Distinguished Community Partner
June 26, 2024
Goodwill is an organization that relies on the “good will” of others in our community who jump in to lend a helping hand whether it be with a large capital project, a fundraising event, or to serve lunch at our annual Christmas party for participants in our Mission Programs. We could not begin to do all that we do without the help of others who understand the importance of teamwork, compassion and have a generous spirit to continually say “Yes!” To say “How can we help?”
We have many wonderful community partners that we rely on and are grateful for. The Distinguished Community Partner Award recognizes a community partner that can be counted on year after year to not only answer the call when asked, but also to step forward before they are asked. This partner looks for ways to enhance and grow their service to the Goodwill organization and by doing so, is dedicated to helping people overcome challenges like mental illness, substance use disorder, a brain injury, homelessness, former incarceration, lack of job skills or an intellectual or developmental disability reach their goals and improve their quality of life. This not only impacts the people who come to Goodwill for services but also our community as a whole.
Goodwill Industries of Greater Nebraska has had a long relationship with Hornady.
In the 1980’s Individuals with Developmental Disabilities worked in what was called a sheltered workshop. One of the contract jobs was packaging Hornady ammunition. From there the partnership grew as Hornaday supported Goodwill’s Behavioral Health Services and provided funding to build the Behavioral Health Building on the corporate campus in Grand Island.
In the 1990’s Margaret Hornady approached then CEO Kris Nolan Brown to organize a charity shoot to benefit Goodwill. They anticipated that the shoot would be held for “maybe” 5 years.
This summer, we will hold the 31st Annual Platte River Charity… presented and “fueled” by Hornady. What started as a simple charity shoot has grown into a critical partnership for Goodwill and our largest fundraiser.
We thank Michelle Fitzke for her many years of service to the charity shoot; she has been a vital member of the planning committee – from providing ammo and prize awards, organizing Hornady participants and ensuring the day runs smoothly – her expertise and contributions have been invaluable. We look forward to the future of our partnership with Sarah Arthur assuming Michelle’s role in 2024, and Hornady’s management of Heartland Shooting Park under the direction of Tom Busch.
And last, but certainly not least, we thank Steve and Jason Hornady for their leadership at Hornady and their continued support of Goodwill. We cherish this partnership. Hornady has always been there when we ask for help, but notably, they also provide invaluable guidance and visionary leadership.
Congratulations to our valued partner, Hornady!