Moses Gouveia and Leslie Nilo – Presidential Fashion

It takes a good amount of dedication, passion and sacrifice to serve as the president of their clubs. Leslie and Moses share much in common - they are both humble, very talented and feel comfortable mentoring the future Fashion Stars in their programs.  They are both Goodwill GLAM Squad members who have committed to support this summer’s public awareness event – presented by Bank of Hawaii called Goodwill Goes GLAM!  This public awareness event will help to support Goodwill Industries of Hawaii‘s mission – to help people with employment barriers to reach their full potentail and become self-sufficient.

Leslie - The UH Manoa Apperal Product Design and Merchandising (APDM) program’s 2012 fashion show is called REVOLUTION  and I’m involved in the planning and production of the show.

Moses - The name of the HCC fashion show is called LE REVE – THE DREAM.  Aside from mentoring and fundraising, I’m also involved in the production of the show.

TGH- What or who inspired you to join the fashion program at your school?

Leslie – I’ve been told that I have an eye for styling.  In addition to styling, I have a deep interest in event planning and production.  I enjoy bringing varying elements together and creating a whole new original look.

Moses – It’s easy Valentino is my fashion icon and inspiration.  His designs are romantic, opulent and feminine.  Another one of my fashion icons is the model Iman.  No one is like Iman – one of the original Super Models.

TGH- You’re both a part of your school’s fashion programs, what is your specific area of interest?

Leslie - I’ve just graduated with my Bachelor’s degree and my major was in Apparel Product Design and Merchandising (APDM).  My emphasis was in merchandising.

Moses – My emphasis is on Fashion Design, but I am very drawn to Fashion Production.  I would love to continue to produce fashion shows.  My plans after graduating from the HCC Fashion Program is to attend UH Manoa and join the APDM program in Fall of 2013.

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Here are a few shots from the exciting HCC Fashion Show LE REVE, April 28, 2012.  Goodwill GLAM Squad member, Rhonee Rojas is pictured below rocking the Aloha Wear.

The UH Manoa APDM Program partnered with Goodwill Industries of Hawaii this year.  The eight senior designers were each given $50 in Goodwill dollars. Much like the store “Mood Designer Fabrics” from Project Runway, Goodwill served as the students’ only textile resource. Their challenge was to repurpose items from Goodwill, keeping within their $50 budget.  Each chose an Era to focus on.  Their repurposed designs were debuted at their annual fashion show, this year named REVOLUTION on April 29, 2012.  The segment was called Goodwill Goes GREEN.

Designs from:  Anna Tomita, Kathryn Stringer, Melissa Lee and Ryan Hanaoka

Designs from: Kate Hooven, Fiona Ng, Matt Gonzalez and Feliz Salas

All of the UH Manoa APDM Senior designs from the Goodwill Goes GREEN segment will be featured in the windows at the Kaimuki Goodwill store in June.  Be sure to look for their photos in the Goodwill Hawaii facebook page and “like” the ones you “like” the most in June.  You may be eligible to win a Fast Pass at Goodwill Goes GLAM.  The senior designs will be featured at the Goodwill GALA & VIP Pre-sale on August 23.

Here are more details about this highly anticipated event:

From Aug 23 -26, 2012, Goodwill Industries of Hawaii will have its inaugural public awareness event – Bank of Hawaii presents Goodwill Goes GLAM! Talent Showcase & Treasure Marketplace.  This four-day event takes place at the Neil S. Blaisdell Exhibition Hall.  To launch the week, there will be an exclusive Goodwill GALA & VIP Pre-sale on August 23, 2012. This includes the Gala dinner, Fashion Show and first access to the Pre-sale featuring more than 50,000 treasures and bargains.  This is followed by the Goodwill GLAM! Sale - open to the public from August 24-26, 2012.  All proceed benefit Goodwill’s mission: to help people with employment barriers to reach their full potential and become self-sufficient.

Be sure to go to www.higoodwill.org to learn more about how you can get your exclusive Fast Pass tickets, or how you can volunteer and get involved.  Here’s a preview of the innovative fashions you’ll be able to see at the event.

Charen Kepler – Director of Maui County Operations at Goodwill Industries of Hawaii

Meet Charen Kepler, she’s the Director of Maui County Operations and has been with Goodwill Industries of Hawaii, Inc for 3 years.  Charen oversees all programs and operations on the island of Maui as well as the First to Work TANF program statewide.  Charen holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Arts degree in Organizational Management.  She has over 15 years of management experience.  Here’s Charen’s blog article:

In recent years Maui County has become community conscious and committed to going Green.  This Green movement stems from the island’s limited resources and the understanding that reducing, recycling and reusing are musts in order to sustain the beauty and quality of our island.   Maui’s extremely mindful Green attempts are seen through government efforts, various private businesses, and non-profit organizations.

On January 11, 2011 Maui County started the Bag Ban.  This new law prohibits the use of single use plastic bags.  This movement decreases non-biodegradable shopping bags from going into the landfills, oceans and road sides.  Since this law, store owners are liable to provide biodegradable and re-useable bags to their shoppers either for free, purchase, or minimal service charge.  Many locations also give patrons a small bag credit if they bring in their own re-usable shopping bags.  Other islands across the state such as Kauai have also joined the bag ban wagon, while other islands are in discussions to also follow suit.

Another way that Maui has been moving toward perpetuating our sustainability is looking at alternative forms of energy.  The Kaheawa Wind Farm currently has 20 turbines that use kinetic energy generated by mechanic power from the windmills that is moved into a generator which is then converted to electricity.  They plan to add another 14 turbines which will help to power electricity for approximately 18,700 homes annually.

Other private businesses are also thinking Green in their own organizations and changing some of the ways that they do business in order to play their part in saving the planet.  One way that companies are doing this is by creating Green teams.  The Fairmont Kea Lani Resort is such an organization that has developed a team of staff members who meet quarterly to dedicate thought, energy and action to new environmentally friendly incentives and programs.  Another company that has been doing their part to bring awareness to Green efforts to Maui is the Maui Ocean Center.  This past March they celebrated St. Patrick’s Day by bringing a new meaning to the green significance behind the holiday.  Maui Ocean Center sponsored an event which provided green living presentations, eco-friendly vendors and informative sessions on land and energy conservation.

In the month of April the Blue Planet Foundation sponsored a Bulb Blitz where some Maui organizations and not-for-profits  participated in exchanging incandescent light bulbs with Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) bulbs to the public for free.  CFLs are more energy-efficient because they provide the same amount of light while using less energy or watts.  Organizations that did the manual labor of collecting and giving out light bulbs were rewarded for their efforts by receiving monies from Blue Planet as a fundraiser type project.  Some of the Maui agencies that participated were the Paia Youth Center, Baldwin Theater Guild and the Kihei Composite Squadron of Civil Air Control.

Asia Thompson, Job Retention Coach for SEE Maui

Lastly, we here at the Maui site of Goodwill Industries of Hawaii, recycle our cardboard boxes, aluminum and plastic cans and bottles, toner cartridges and shredded paper.  Our most recent step toward helping our Maui community to go Green will be the opening a thrift store in 2012 click here for more information about the Maui Goodwill Store.  Goodwill’s retail store adds to the Green awareness on Maui by allowing the community more options to keep re-usable items out of our landfills.  Did you know that Goodwill helps to keep more than 13 million pounds out of Hawaii’s landfills?  Revenue generated by Goodwill stores directly fund our Human Services programs.  These programs improve the lives of the people in our community.  To learn more about Goodwill’s community impact visit www.higoodwill.org.  Goodwill’s mission helps people with employment barriers to reach their full potential and become self-sufficient.

Luke Bobo, Employment Counselor for Imi Loa Maui and Chentelle Rowland Team Lead Employment Counselor for FTW VR Maui

The Green movement on Maui is prevalent and alive as described above - the various organizations actively work to improve our island living.  If you live on Maui or you’re planning to visit and are interested in joining the Green movement or have a Green project of your own, go to www.greentowns.com.  At this site, you’ll be able to find or post current initiatives and opportunities to protect our environment.

Marla Sakoda - Director of Accounting Services at Goodwill Industries of Hawaii

Meet Marla Sakoda - she is the Director of Accounting Services at Goodwill Industries of Hawaii.  She’s been with Goodwill since 1995. Before joining the Goodwill family, Marla worked at Hawaii Instrumentation and Controls. Inc.  She enjoys playing virtual games on her iPad as well as actual golf in Hawaii on her free time.  Here’s Marla’s blog article:

Goodwill, by nature, is an environmentally friendly organization. When people donate their gently used goods to Goodwill, it keeps unwanted items out of landfills and in many cases prevents the production of unnecessary new materials.

Your donations also support Goodwill’s mission: helping people with employment barriers to reach their full potential and become self-sufficient.

Many organizations have adopted green-practices, not only to be “earth-friendly” but also because it’s economically inefficient NOT to be green.  You save on ink, paper, transportation costs just to name a few areas in business.

Since Earth Day (April 22) is just around the corner, I wanted to share a few of my own eco-friendly office tips with you as well as a few tips from treehugger.com:

1) Digitize:  Scan documents instead of making copies in preparation of meetings and document sharing. The greenest paper is no paper at all, so keep things digital whenever possible. The more you do online, the less you need paper. Keep files on computers instead of in file cabinets (this also makes it easier to make offsite backup copies or take them with you when you move to a new office). Review documents onscreen rather than printing them out. Send emails instead of paper letters.

2) Electronic Invoicing:  We’re glad that many vendors and businesses have adopted the practice of electronic invoicing, it not only helps to reduce the use of paper, but it helps us to easily organize our files.

3) Double-up: If you do need to print – then copy and print double-sided.  According to a recent Sierra Club study, the average U.S. office worker goes through 10,000 sheets of copy paper a year. Let’s reduce that number in a big way

4) Shred it and recycle it:  Keep a box near your desk dedicated to paper that will be sent to shred and recycle. But before you go Shred-Crazy, review your company’s retention policy to see if there are certain documents that must be kept as hard-copy files. Did you know that Goodwill in Hawaii has a division called Secure Solution Document Destruction?  Click here to learn more.

5) More Work, Less Energy: For many people, a computer is the central tool at work. Optimizing the energy settings for computers and other devices can be more than a modest energy saver. Set computers to energy-saving settings and make sure to shut them down when you leave for the day (“standby” settings will continue to draw power even when not in use).

6) Lunch Time: Bringing lunch to work in reusable containers is likely the greenest (and healthiest) way to eat at work. Getting delivery and takeout almost inevitably ends with a miniature mountain of packaging waste. But if you do order delivery, join co-workers in placing a large order (more efficient than many separate ones). Also, bring in a reusable plate, utensils, and napkins.

Simple changes of habit can save energy and resources at work, and these small steps can be multiplied by persuading your co-workers to adopt environmentally friendly (and often cost-effective) practices.  For more information on how to you can be eco-friendly, visit www.donate.goodwill.org.

Pink 100% genuine leather coat, authentic red Coach bag, red Charlotte Russe heels

Spring is a great time to add color to your wardrobe.  Yes, your black and brown “go-to” looks can be placed in the back of your closet.  A pop of color is HUGE this spring.  Check out the pink leather coat, smart pair of red heels and the authentic Coach bag pictured above.  These items will be available at the much-anticipated Goodwill Goes GLAM! event in August, presented by Bank of Hawaii.

But before you venture out to your nearest Goodwill store to thrift for treasures, consider doing a little spring cleaning.  The simple act of cleaning out your closets and storage spaces this spring could mean more than just a tidier home.  If you donate your gently used clothing and reusable household items to Goodwill, you’re helping to give people without jobs a Fresh Start.  Your donations directly support programs that further Goodwill’s mission - helping people with employment barriers to reach their full potential and become self-sufficient.

Our friends over at the Goodwill/Easter Seals in Minnesota came up with the following fantastic tips for spring cleaning:

Top 10 reasons to incorporate donating to Goodwill into your spring cleaning routine

1. Your closet is packed, but you can’t find a thing to wear.
2. You can’t close the closet door.
3. Cobwebs connect glassware on display shelves.
4. What’s inside boxes is a total mystery.
5. There’s no room for the “smart car,” or any vehicle, in the three-car garage.
6. Your book or DVD collection is bursting.
7. The guest bed is buried beneath piles of who knows what?
8. Dusty small appliances engulf the kitchen counter.
9. You consistently move cartons to get to the washer.
10. Donating to Goodwill is a great cause that makes a difference in your neighborhood.

If numbers 1 through 9 describe you, you have more stuff than space.

You can reclaim your space one step at a time in one room at a time. Start with the easiest space or a closet. Invite friends and family over for a spring cleaning party and feed them pizza for helping.

SHOULD I KEEP IT OR DONATE IT?

Tips for deciding what to keep and what to give away

The hardest part of spring cleaning and organizing is deciding which items to donate and which to keep. We are often emotionally attached to gifts, collections or special purchases. But when our stuff surpasses our space or collects dust it complicates cleaning and adds stress. Here are a few things to consider when deciding what to keep and what to release. It’s time to let it go if:

• You didn’t wear it last season. You probably won’t wear it this year either.
• It isn’t the correct size. Each season, go through your children’s drawers and closets.
• Nobody in the family has used it in six months.
• You rarely use it and it uses valuable storage space.
• Your collection clutters a room or the house. Limit the number of items in the collection. When you buy an addition, remove another.
• You’re sentimental and keep everything. Consider purchasing one plastic bin for items you don’t use but can’t give away. Store them and next year when it’s time for spring cleaning, go through the box. You’ll be surprised how much less attached you are to some items.

Reduce clutter, reclaim your rooms and reduce waste by donating to Goodwill.

The Goodwill Hunter thanks our friends at Goodwill/Easter Seals in Minnesota.  If you have any spring cleaning tips you’d like to share with our readers, we welcome you to comment below.

Lori Lau - Assistant Director of Workforce Development at Goodwill Industries of Hawaii

Meet Lori Lau, Goodwill’s Assistant Director of Workforce Development which includes overseeing the statewide SEE Hawaii Work and VITA program.  Lori joined Goodwill in 2005, prior to Goodwill, she worked as an Outreach Counselor for at-risk youth with the YMCA.  Here’s Lori’s blog article:

If you’re like me, you took advantage of the past few rainy weeks to catch up on your favorite TV shows and put some serious miles on the couch.  “Wait, she said what?!!”  Well, I’m ready to come out of hibernation and get back out there.It’s easy and fun, yes FUN, to get involved.  Be A Volunteer!  Okay, tell the truth, when was the last time you got really excited about volunteering?  Well, if you love Great Deals, Social Media, Style, Fashion, Photography, Hair and Make-up—and we know you do!—I know just the place for you!

Goodwill’s “Call for Talent” is seeking professionals and new talent to volunteer in a wide variety of roles in the upcoming Goodwill Goes GLAM! Talent Showcase & Treasure Marketplace.

Proceeds will benefit Goodwill’s ongoing mission and services.  Goodwill’s mission is helping people with employment barriers to reach their full potential ans become self-sufficient.

There is also a call out to individuals that have experience with Stage Production and Retail Operations for the 3-and-a-half-day extravaganza, so get your friends to volunteer too.

Goodwill's Call for Talent preps volunteers for the Goodwill Goes GLAM! event in August: Dayna Kalakau, Sarah Tenney (VP of Marketing, Communications & Development), Moses Gouveia, Olotania Alalamua, Craig Kojima and his daughter. Paula Rath, Shawn Torres Akiyama and Luana Alapa interview volunteer prospects

Volunteering is a great way to support any organization—if you’ve been following this blog you’d know Goodwill’s a great one—and gives back to our community.  Volunteering makes us feel good about ourselves and strengthens the connections we have with each other. A total of 250 volunteers are needed throughout the Goodwill Goes GLAM! event.  The title sponsor of the event is Bank of Hawaii.  They have a great reputation for giving back to the community, not only through event sponsorships but through their employee volunteer programs.  I encourage you to be a part of Goodwill Goes GLAM! in August,  so make sure you sign-up (click here) to do your good work today!

I’ll see you there, and don’t worry, The Voice will be over by then!

Goodwill supporters gear-up for Goodwill Goes GLAM!

Career Ready look: Forever 21 ruffle jacket, Banana Republic skirt, Nine West heels, authentic Coach mini travel tote

Your clothing reflects your attitude, it is yet another form of communication.  Your attire speaks volumes.  It’s not about how much you spend on an outfit, but the thought (or lack of thought) that goes behind it.  First impressions are critical, especially in a job-interview setting.

Goodwill Industries of Hawaii empowers people to become job-ready through a number of Human Service programs.  Goodwill’s mission is helping people with employment barriers to reach their full potential and become self-sufficient.  After becoming job-ready through skill building and education, Goodwill’s retail stores is a great resource for people who are looking for an interview worthy outfit from H2T = head to toe.

Rosemy Shikiko is a fine example of someone who is on the road to becoming job-ready as a result of a Goodwill – she’s part of the Ola I Ka Hana program.  This program provides out-of-school youth-at-risk ages 14 to 21 with education, training and employment services necessary to increase educational skills, social skills, life skills, vocational skills, social responsibility, health competencies, and basic math and reading skills.  Youth program participants learn healthy, productive behaviors which help their transition to adulthood.  Youth are also able to further their educational goals and obtain a high school diploma.  The Dress For Success program has provided valuable services for a number of Goodwill’s participants, helping them with professional dress attire.

Hawai News Now will be featuring a Goodwill Spotlight segment on the Sunrise morning show from March – August 2012.  This month’s segment featured Misti Pali, Assistant Director of Employment Services who talked about the VITA Tax Clinic (Volunteer Income Tax Assistant) that offers free tax preparation services for individuals and families making under 50K annually.  Rosemy was featured as a VITA Tax Clinic volunteer and Career Ready make-over recipient.  GLAM! Squad member and fashion expert, Rene Rodriguez did Rosemy’s hair, make-up and styling for the segment and helped to create the compelling before and after make-over for the segment.  Her entire look and the ensemble on the mannequin came from the Goodwill store in Kaimuki and can be found at this summer’s monumental event - Bank of Hawaii presents Goodwill Goes GLAM!

A before and after transformation on Hawaii News Now

http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/17278185/goodwill-goes-glam.

Be sure to tune-in to Hawaii News Now and watch the Goodwill Spotlight each month on Sunrise in the mornings.

Keri Russell - Director of Kauai County Operations at Goodwill Industries of Hawaii

Meet Keri Russell – she began employment with Goodwill Industries of Hawaii in June of 2005 with the SEE Hawaii Work Program and currently oversees six programs that services the low-income and non-citizen population in Kauai County. Read the rest of her bio in the Writers Block section.  Here’s Keri’s blog contribution:

It can be extremely challenging to find employment, especially for the immigrant population due to language barriers. In July, 2011 Goodwill established a new immigrant program on Kauai which is a free service that helps low-income individuals to develop the right skills and training to find and secure employment and acquire the tools and assistance to become self-sufficient.  Participants work closely with a multi-lingual Employment Counselor in individual or group classroom settings which cover topics that include resume writing, interviewing skills, job search strategies, and employment stability.

Follow-up and support services are provided for one year following the hire date. Employment Counselors provide community referrals for resources and emergency services for food, bus passes, work attire, affordable housing, and utilities assistance. We are excited to offer this new employment program on Kauai!!

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Joann Lojan and family

Nowadays, Joann Lojan is very happy that she finally has a job that she really enjoys which provides support for their family of seven.  Joann migrated to Kauai from the Marshall Islands in April, 2003. She was able to work a few jobs in previous years; however, she was unable to maintain them due to the language barriers and the fact that she was shy and could not speak up for herself.  Joann came to the Imi Loa Program because she needed assistance to boost her confidence and interviewing skills. After completing her Individualized Program Plan and Pre-Employment Training, Joann said she had learned about the employment process and how important it is to secure a job.

Resumes, cover letters, personal portfolios, and professionalism are all topics which were covered. Joann was more confident and prepared for her interview with the Parrish Collection, in which she secured a full-time housekeeping position.  She appreciates the staff, program and what they do to help people get jobs.  Joann said the program staff has given her skills and abilities in the employment process and mostly, motivation and confidence. With all her kids attending school and not worrying about finances, she is happy and has successfully built her self-esteem and confidence, because she has gained the skills to help support her family.

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Jeff Jacklick

Aloha!  Yokwe!  Ran Annim! Lenwo! Konichiwa!My name is Jeffery Jim Jacklick, I usually go by Jeff. I am Kosraean and Marshallese.

In 1998, right after graduating from high school, I joined the U.S. Military. I reminisced about my time in the U.S. Military as a great adventure and a swift learning experience. In 2002, I finally realized that I would not be able to make a career in the Military. I decided to go back to school to pursue education. I attended College of the Marshall Islands during the summer 2003 to spring 2005. In 2005, I moved to Hawaii to attend the University of Hawaii at Hilo.

As a psychology major, spending time with Marshallese families helped me to discover ways to help the Marshallese Community. I have always wanted to be a counselor. In 2008, I moved to Kauai where I found the smallest Micronesian (Marshallese) population in Hawaii. Working my way up the ladder, I became the President for the Marshallese Community here on the beautiful Garden Island of Kauai. I am a young leader, and a representative for the Marshallese community. In November, I joined Goodwill Industries of Hawaii team in a position where I am able to help a lot of people, especially the Marshallese population.

As a Job Readiness Trainer and an Employment Counselor, I assist clients in obtaining employment and to become self-sufficient. I am very happy in this position, as I am able to help members within the community.

I have been given talents, abilities, and strength of mind to help others.

~Jeff Jacklick, Job Readiness Trainer/Employment Counselor

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*Goodwill’s mission is helping people with employment barriers to reach their full poential and become self sufficient.  To learn more about Goodwill’s Imi Loa and other programs, go to www.higoodwill.org. There are many ways that you can get involved, shop, donate, volunteeer, refer a friend, and subscribe to our e-newsletter, facebook, twitter and this Goodwill Hunter blog.

Anya Rozova is a long-time supporter of Goodwill Industries of Hawaii. You might have seen her on America's Next Top Model - Cycle 10. She purchased her entire look (blouse, skirt and heels) at the Beretania Goodwill store in Honolulu. (photo by Mark Ramelb)

Goodwill’s  Call For Talent volunteer recruitment was held at Ward Warehouse on Saturday, February 25, 2012 in support of the August event – Bank of Hawaii presents Goodwill Goes GLAM!

More than a dozen leaders in the Public Relations, Media, Fashion, Retail, Marketing and Beauty industries came together for a Good cause. Affectionately called the A-Team GLAM! Squad members – they led the way, interviewing and guiding prospective Glam! Squad volunteers.

This talent and recruitment event played a vital role in rallying volunteers for manpower and pre-event preparation for Goodwill Goes GLAM! in August.  The Call For Talent is still running.  To register, go to www.higoodwill.org and click the Volunteer or Intern tab.  Individuals and groups are encouraged to register.  This is a great way to gain experience, helping to further a Good cause.  Goodwill’s mission is helping people with employment barriers to reach their full potential and become self-sufficient.

Getting the word out about this unique Call For Talent was critical. This helped continue momentum past the recruitment event. Although 89 people registered to volunteer during the event-week in support of the GLAM! event, volunteer registrations keep coming in. Now Goodwill has over 100 registered  volunteers. Twenty two Ward merchants participated with offers for Kamaaina Rewards members. Ward also offered movie tickets to shoppers with $76 or more in receipts.

Rhonee Rojas from Wilhelmina Hawaii walks for the A-Team in hopes for a spot in the Goodwill Goes GLAM! fashion show in August. (photo by Mark Ramelb)

Many came together to make this event possible: Bank of Hawaii, Ward Centers, Hawaii Pacific Entertainment, Hawaii Fashion Incubator, 76 and Kamaaina Rewards, McNeil Wilson Communications, the A-Team interviewers and GLAM Squad volunteers. Goodwill also appreciates the great coverage they received from Hawaii News Now, MidWeek, the Honolulu Star Advertiser, the Honolulu Weekly, PaulaRath.com and KDNI radio.

The A-Team interviewers motivated prospective volunteers throughout the day.  The A-Team included Megan Anderson Garvey (Marketing Manager from Nordstrom Hawaii), Paula Rath (paularath.com), Anya Rozova (Cycle 10 – America’s Next Top Model), Cheryl Witbeck (TV Station General Manager  at TBN), Rene Rodriguez(Runway coach and make-up artist), Craig Kojima (Honolulu Star Advertiser Photographer), Mark Ramelb (Fashion Photographer), Dayna Kalakau (Model & Fashion Show Producer), Robert Gibson (Professional Visual Merchandiser), Shawn Torres Akiyama (Model & Make-up Artist), Brianna Acosta (Professional Model) and Luana Alapa (former Miss Hawaii and Pageant Director). Zee Rabago-Iwabuchi (Radio Personality), Moani Hara (Miss Kahala) and Serena Karnagy (Miss East Oahu) were also part of the A-Team on that day.

Serena Karnagy, Brianna Acosta and Moani Hara show their support for a Good cause - Goodwill's Call For Talent. (photo by Mark Ramelb)

President/CEO  of Goodwill Industries of Hawaii, Laura Robertson Smith commented on the Call For Talent and stated: “It is clear that there are many talented people out there with a heart for Goodwill. To learn more about Goodwill Goes GLAM! and volunteer opportunities for you or your friends, visit our website – www.higoodwill.org.”

Purple Splendor - animal print inspired gown and the complimentary mixed animal print cocktail dress - located in the GLAM! window at the Kaimuki store. These prom season inspired dresses will be available in August, at Goodwill Goes GLAM!

It’s that time of year, the time to shop for Prom dresses.  Who can forget that one special night when girls get to express their personal style in movie-star worthy gowns.  Guys look forward to the stretch limo, the stretched curfew and live bands,  although some are reluctant to rent a tuxedo.

Proms emerged from the popularity of high society, upper-class debutante balls.  Girls in white dresses, perfect hair and white gloves would be introduced to the social dating scene.

Claire Suddath of Time Magazine US (website) states: “The word prom is short for promenade, the formal, introductory parading of guests at a party. The prom can be traced back to the simple co-ed banquets that 19th century American universities held for each year’s graduating class. A growing teenage culture pushed proms younger and younger, and by the 1940s the adolescent dance we know today had almost entirely taken hold.

In the 1950s, a thriving postwar economy allowed high schools to eschew the traditional gymnasium in favor of proms held in hotels or at country clubs. President Kennedy rescheduled a 1963 $1,000-a-plate fundraiser at the Beverly Hilton to accommodate a local school whose prom had been booked for the same time.

In 1975, President Ford’s daughter Susan held her high school’s senior prom at possibly the best prom location ever: the White House.” http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1987594,00.html

Prom worthy items found at Goodwill. These items will be available at Goodwill Goes GLAM! in August.

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GLAM PROM DRESSES ON A BUDGET:

When you’re shopping for a Prom dress on a budget, a Good resource is Goodwill.  Go to your nearest Goodwill retail store and check out the gowns section.  When you purchase your dress or any item from Goodwill, more than 90 cents of every dollar goes to furthering the mission of – Helping people with employment barriers to reach their full potential and become self sufficient.  The Prom dresses featured in this write-up will be  available at Goodwill Goes GLAM! in August.

Carol Taira - Vice president of Finance/CFO at Goodwill Industries of Hawaii

Meet Carol Taira.  She is the Vice President of Finance and CFO of Goodwill Industries of Hawaii, Inc. She’s worked at Goodwill for over 13 years.Previously she was a Controller at Tropical Trading Company for 10 years.

Carol has extensive experience in Finance and Retail Management, she operated retail clothing stores, Esprit and Kunah’s. Graduated from University of Hawaii, BBA at accounting.

Here’s her blog contribution:

It is Spring, 2012, and with the spring flowers and showers, comes the dreaded deadline for your income tax returns.  This year, the filing deadline for the federal income tax return is April 17, because April 15 falls on a Sunday and April 16 is the Emancipation Day holiday in theDistrict of Columbia.  So you have 2 extra days to file.

There’s a great program that eases the tax crunch a bit, by getting your taxes done “free” at one of the Goodwill Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) clinics.

If you qualify, (i.e. earned $49,000 or less, do not own your own business and do not own your own home) you can call any one of the many Goodwill sites and make an appointment to get your tax returns done.  The VITA volunteers will prepare and file your tax returns at no cost.  It’s just another program that furthers Goodwill’s mission – helping people with employment barriers to reach their full potential and become self-sufficient.

If they qualify, anyone can take advantage of this service, so tell your friends and family about the VITA clinics.  There are other locations and organizations that sponsor VITA clinics on all islands. I also wanted to remind Goodwill employees of this great benefit for them, getting their taxes done “free” at one of the Goodwill Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) clinics.

Many Goodwill employees also volunteer their time as certified tax preparers and greeters.  I am a volunteer tax preparer at the Goodwill – Kapolei site on Saturdays.

It is a wonderful feeling to help people file their returns and, in some cases, see them get a large tax refund.

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VITA Tax Clinic Sites:

Oahu:

Goodwill Industries of Hawaii – Beretania

1072 Young St., Rm. 102

Honolulu, HI 96814

Phone: (808) 436-9947

January 26, 2012 – April 10, 2012

Tuesdays and Thursdays: 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Ohana Career and Ohana Career and Learning Center of Kapolei

2140 Lauwiliwili St.

Kapolei, HI 96707

Phone: (808) 436-9948

February 4, 2012 – April 7, 2012

Tuesdays: 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Hawaii Island:

Goodwill Industries of Hawaii Career Center – Hilo

200 Kanoelehua Ave., Suite 102

Hilo, HI 96720

Phone: (808) 345-1656

February 2, 2012 – April 5, 2012

Thursdays: 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Goodwill Industries of Hawaii – Kona

74-5599 Luhia St., F-4

Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

Phone (808) 430-0608

February 2, 2012 – April 5, 2012

Thursdays: 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Maui:

Goodwill Industries of Hawaii – Maui

250 Alamaha St., Suite N17

Kahului, HI 96732

Phone: (808) 281-4802

February 6, 2012 – April 6, 2012

Mondays: 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Kauai:

Goodwill Industries of Hawaii – Kauai

4334 Rice St., Suite 205

Lihue, HI 96766

Phone: (808) 482-4326

February 1, 2012 – April 7, 2012

Wednesdays: 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.