L to R: Matt Whyte, KP; Chris Davis, Goodwill; Michael Paine, U.S. Marine veteran; Bill Robertson, KP CEO; Plina Fuller, U.S. Army veteran; Tom Shults, KP; Brad Hogreve, KP; and Tim Shaw, KP
“Their [Kirk Pinkerton's] philanthropic efforts have been instrumental in not only changing the lives of veterans and their families but also by creating a stronger community," said Chris Davis, Veteran Program Manager for Goodwill Manasota.
Sarasota, Florida (PRWEB) June 03, 2014
Goodwill Manasota is partnering with Kirk Pinkerton, P.A. to award scholarships to veterans seeking to further their education in the Sarasota/Manatee community.
The Kirk Pinkerton Veterans Scholarship Fund, a financial resource when no other funds are available, currently gifts $2,500 per year to veterans. To date, two recipients have received scholarships – Michael Paine and Plina Fuller.
Goodwill Manasota screens and manages the cases of potential recipients for the scholarship. The nonprofit is seeking applications from veterans who are active with a good academic history.
“By awarding these scholarships to veterans, Kirk Pinkerton has set an unprecedented standard,” said Chris Davis, Veteran Program Manager for Goodwill Manasota. “Their philanthropic efforts have been instrumental in not only changing the lives of veterans and their families but also by creating a stronger community. We need more leaders and veteran advocates like Kirk Pinkerton.”
A U.S. Marine who served during the Gulf War, Paine was awarded over $800 to continue pursuing a bachelor’s degree in homeland security at the State College of Florida. He has been a straight A student since 2011.
Fuller, a disabled U.S. Army veteran, is a true testament to resilience. After being homeless and unemployed for three years, he is only one class short of an associate’s degree and on his way to a bachelor’s degree in social work. Fuller was gifted over $700 to pay off a previous balance to resume classes in January 2015.
“Kirk Pinkerton established this scholarship fund to assist veterans pursuing their educational goals,” said Bill Robertson, CEO and personal injury attorney for Kirk Pinkerton. “We want to help courageous and dedicated women and men, like Michael and Plina, to follow their dreams.”
For more information or to apply for the scholarship, call 941.355.2721 x 454.
About Goodwill Manasota
Goodwill Manasota is an industry-leading, 501(c)(3), not-for-profit organization that changes lives through the power of work. With the sales of donated goods and philanthropic donations, Goodwill is able to assist people with disabilities and other barriers to employment by providing job skills training and employment opportunities. In 2013, we served more than 16,000 people, placed 537 people in jobs and assisted 329 veterans as they reintegrated back into the civilian workforce. Goodwill Manasota’s economic impact back to the community is worth $39.3 million. We accomplish our mission through a network of Good Neighbor Centers in Sarasota, Manatee, Hardee and DeSoto counties and our Mission Development Services (MDS) around North America. Goodwill has provided opportunities through such programs as Donated Goods Employment Services, Job Connection, American Veterans & their Families Initiative, JobsPlus, Supported JobsPlus, GoodwillWorks, White Glove Services, Good Neighbor Program and Ambassadors Program. Goodwill is one of the pioneers of the reduce-reuse-recycle movement and this past year diverted 37 million pounds out of the landfill. Goodwill Manasota is legally organized under the laws of the United States and the State of Florida. We are accountable to a local Board of Directors. Goodwill Manasota in essence belongs to this community, and is NOT owned by any individual or company. For more information, visit http://www.EXPERIENCEGOODWILL.ORG.
About Kirk Pinkerton, P.A.
Kirk Pinkerton, P.A. has been serving Sarasota and Manatee counties with distinction since 1926, representing prominent clients and Sarasota pioneers like John Ringling. Since that time, the law firm has continued to provide clients with quality, results-driven legal services at the highest level. For more information, visit http://www.kirkpinkerton.com.