On September 26, 2024, Goodwill Central Texas hosted our annual fundraising gala, A Good Night for Goodwill—and this one was certainly a night to remember. Among the festivities were our inaugural Good Looks fashion show featuring sustainably sourced designs and outfits, and a rousing silent auction. We raised a whopping $298,000 to help support our mission of transforming lives through the power of education and work. This included $178,000 for our Bridge Fund, which provides emergency assistance to students and program participants who need help with basic needs and unexpected expenses.
We also held our 2024 Hall of Honor award ceremony, in which we celebrated the people who bring our mission to life. Their stories of leadership, determination, and resilience represent the many individuals we are honored to work with and learn from each year. Keep reading to learn more about the Goodwill Central Texas 2024 Hall of Honor award-winners!
Henna Award for Good: Lee Cooke & Les Gage
When it comes to the work Les Gage and Lee Cooke have done for the Goodwill Central Texas mission, two words come to mind—legacy and impact. Their partnership as co-chairs of the last capital campaign helped realize the completion of the Henna Education Center, which is home to both the Goodwill Career and Technical Academy (GCTA) and the Goodwill Excel Center Adult High School.
The cumulative impact of the Henna Education Center, where high school and certification courses are taught, is immense. GCTA Director Alexis Denny says, “I have seen students completely transform their lives as a result of getting a certification with us, as well as finding, getting, and keeping a job that gives them purpose.”
Excel Center Superintendent Theresa Rapaport is in full agreement. “I am incredibly grateful for the work that Lee and Les have done. They have created a legacy that will live far beyond me, and far beyond any of the students here today.”
Les and Lee have worked tirelessly to promote our mission of transforming lives through the power of education and work. Their efforts have been integral to our success and that of the thousands who have benefitted from our life-changing programs. CEO Rob Neville explains, “The Excel Center just celebrated its 2,000th graduate. The GCTA has prepared students for thousands of certifications. When you think about the massive impact that’s had in our community, it’s astounding.”
Marcia Brown: Student of the Year
Marcia was supposed to graduate high school in 1999. She was struggling yet resisted asking for the help she needed due to fears of stigma and bullying. Instead, Marcia quit high school altogether.
25 years later, at the age of 41, Marcia still dreamed of getting her high school diploma. As a mother of five, a caregiver for her mom, and a home health aide, she was working 16-hour days. That’s when she took the leap and signed up for the Excel Center Adult High School.
While at Excel, Marcia found the support she missed receiving decades before and even participated in the school’s inaugural yearbook class. This past spring, Marcia graduated with her high school diploma and a phlebotomy certification during the very same week her 18-year-old son graduated high school.
Marcia recalls the summer day she got the call from We Are Blood and when her new career as a phlebotomist began. “I was elated and ran into my mom’s room crying, ‘I got the job!’ and I remember my mom saying, ‘I’m so proud of you!’”
Today, Marcia is working in a career she loves, earning a good salary, and has more time to spend with her family. According to Marcia, “Before, I was working and sacrificing. Now, with a new career path, I have time for my kids, my mom, my family, and myself.’” Her youngest daughter says, “Seeing how she got through school makes me think, ‘If she can do that, I can do that.’ She’s a really good role model.”
Marcia says, “If anyone out there thinks that they’re too old to go back to school: you’re not. I’m 43, and I went back at 41 and finished. It’s never too late. You’re never too old!”
Crystal McCray-Beasley: Team Member of the Year
Just over one year ago, Crystal McCray-Beasley started work as a Goodwill Store Associate. Today, she’s an Assistant Store Manager.
Crystal came to Goodwill from a recovery group, and finding a stable job was an important step in her journey. When she first began applying for jobs, she experienced multiple rejections. Crystal shares, “But, when I applied for Goodwill, and I got that ‘Yes,’ I thought, ‘Oh my gosh. Now I can go places.’”
Goodwill General Manager Hannah Jiminez recognized something special in Crystal from the start. Hannah says, “Nobody else would give Crystal a chance due to her background. But when somebody’s genuine and says, ‘This is my story, but I want to work,’ that is everything. And Crystal was just an open book from the beginning.”
Hannah says it’s been incredible to witness Crystal’s journey to career and financial stability. A year ago, Crystal was living in a hotel room. But today, she and her husband recently signed a lease on a new home, and Crystal is on the road to rebuilding her life.
She is also working hard to cultivate a relationship with her son. Crystal recently enjoyed going to his first baseball game and is eager to become a larger part of his life. “Now that I’m back to a place where I can be a good role model, it’s heartwarming that I’m being welcomed back in.”
Crystal says, “Knowing I’m no longer out there struggling gives me a great deal of purpose. It’s humbling. I’m finally stable and comfortable with my life. That’s huge for me.”
Cristobal Yañez: Achiever of the Year
Our Achiever of the Year, Cristobal Yañez is a hard worker, a leader, and an integral member of the Motive Infrastructure Solutions team. However, he had to overcome several obstacles to get to where he is today.
Cristobal struggled with challenges early in life and needed to make a change. He shares, “When I was younger, I started hanging out with the wrong people, drinking, getting involved with drugs. But eventually, I realized, ‘I need to get past this and be who I want to be.’” This was when Cristobal moved to Austin, began rehab, entered a sober living house, and began working in post-retail operations at a Goodwill warehouse.
Director of Post-Retail Operations Corey Williams explains “We have people on our crew fighting through [things like] homelessness and addiction, so our job is to give [them] a chance to get back on track and get their life right.”
Cristobal worked hard and took every opportunity to create the life he wanted. Just two months after starting at Goodwill, he landed an interview at Motive Infrastructure Solutions. Jordan Gold from Motive says, “When I first met Cristobal, he was shy and timid. But I saw something in him that told me I had to hire this guy.”
Today, Jordan says, “If we had 30 more Cristobals, our organization would run a lot more efficiently.”
According to Cristobal, “Goodwill is not just a store or a place where you donate your things. They help people who are in need and to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I have a good job now, I make good money, and I have the potential for growth.”
