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Dorothy Farkas Receives 2008 Elsine Katz Volunteer Leadership Award from Goodwill Industries International

June 30, 2008

Rockville, MD – Thousands of hours of service, an unwavering belief in Goodwill’s mission and a new vision for the future of Goodwill volunteerism has garnered Dorothy “Dottie” Farkas the 2008 Elsine Katz Volunteer Leadership Award from Goodwill Industries International®.  

Farkas, a resident of Easton, CT, has been a steadfast volunteer at Goodwill Industries^® of Western Connecticut (Bridgeport) for more than 14 years, serving as a board trustee, an advisory board member, volunteer coordinator, member of the financial committee and client advocate. She was heavily involved in the Goodwill Industries Volunteer Services (GIVS) both locally and nationally for more than a decade and led its restructuring in 2007, resulting in a greater emphasis on the role of the volunteer in the Goodwill movement.

She served on the national board of Goodwill Industries International for three years, representing volunteer interests and advocating for leadership programs for all Goodwill volunteers.

“I know Dottie to be a tireless and articulate leader for volunteerism at all levels within our Goodwill movement,” says David H. Turner, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Western Connecticut. “She has spread the message nationally regarding the changing trends and opportunities for volunteers to bring positive changes into the lives of so many.”

Farkas’ spirit of volunteerism extends beyond Goodwill Industries. She is active with the Women’s Guild of the United Congregational Church, Public Health Nursing Association, Bridgeport Hospital Auxiliary, Bridgeport Symphony, the Easton Historical Society, the Red Cross, Girls Scouts of America and more.

“Dottie’s history with the organization is noteworthy but her vision for its future is even more important,” says Jim Gibbons, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries International. “She has helped us transform the former Goodwill volunteer organization into a national Goodwill Volunteer Services Advisory Council that will connect Goodwill volunteers everywhere with training, resources and networking to make them be more effective in their roles.”

This award is given to a local Goodwill Industries volunteer in recognition of outstanding leadership and service to a member Goodwill Industries organization. The program is designed to focus attention on the expanding role of the volunteer in Goodwill Industries. It is named for the late Mrs. Elsine Katz, a past president of Goodwill Industries Volunteer Services (GIVS) at Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee (Nashville) and former GIVS International Executive Board member, who endowed the award.

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