A billionaire philanthropist just made a large donation to Goodwill Industries across the nation, with a substantial amount coming to the Rockford region.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been catastrophic for so many people; businesses and families have been ravaged. The struggle to regain the life that once was, for so many, will be a hardship that may never be overcome. Our community's social services play a very important roll in our region's recovery from the pandemic.

Today, Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois shared the details of a recent donation that will go very far in helping those who need it most.

The announcement was a $5 million donation from billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. The former wife of Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, announced more than $4 billion in gifts to 384 different organizations, 47 of which were to Goodwills across the country, according to MyStateline.com.

“These past months have been particularly difficult for the thousands of disadvantaged individuals in these communities that Goodwill exists to serve. We will soon be announcing plans to apply these significant financial resources to fund ambitious endeavors that will have the greatest possible impact to bring hope, meaningful progress and, ultimately, change lives and transform communities now and for years to come", said Ben Bernsten, President of Goodwill Leadership Team

I greatly encourage you to read the WHY and the HOW, regarding Ms. Scot's donation.

Steve Shannon is host of The Steve Shannon Show on 97ZOK. On the air weekday mornings from 6 to 10 a.m. and a special 'Rewind' show, featuring favorite moments from previous shows, on Saturday mornings from 5 to 7 a.m.. Follow him on Twitter, Instagram, and like his page on Facebook.

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