On October 30, 350 community leaders, partners, and supporters gathered at the Hilton Columbus at Easton for the 37th Annual Goodwill Columbus Extraordinary People Luncheon. Emceed by eight-time Emmy Award winner and 10TV News Anchor Angela An, the afternoon was an inspiring celebration of resilience, opportunity, and the power of individuals living lives of possibility and purpose.
Thanks to the immense generosity of our attendees and partners, we raised more than $270,000—including successfully meeting our $10,000 day-of matching gift challenge, made possible by The Robert Weiler Company!
Every dollar raised supports Goodwill Columbus programs, helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and job seekers across Central Ohio build pathways toward independence.
Recognizing our 2026 Extraordinary Honorees
The heart of the luncheon was recognizing three incredible individuals whose journeys remind us why this work matters so deeply: Sonja Nelson, Michael Bohanan, and Sasha Macarus.
Goodwill Art Studio & Gallery Pop-Up Success
Guests also had the opportunity to shop a special pop-up gallery featuring original artwork created by talented artists with disabilities from the Goodwill Art Studio & Gallery.
Because our artists earn a 70% commission on every sale, each purchase directly fosters their financial independence and personal creative growth (with the remaining 30% reinvested into studio supplies). Attendees showed overwhelming support by purchasing 25 original artwork pieces and eight renderings of our focus group’s recent Whitehall mural collaboration—raising a total of $1,882 for our artists and studio program!
Thank You to our Sponsors
This memorable afternoon would not have been possible without the generous support of our corporate and community partners.
Presenting Sponsors
- Elevated Integrity
- Grange Insurance
- Ohio Power Company Foundation
Gold Sponsors
- Nationwide
- Origo Branding
- Stonehenge Partners
Silver Sponsors
- Coastal Ridge
- FCBank
- KeyBank
- KPMG
- Lindsay Honda
- OhioHealth
- Vaco by Highspring
Bronze Sponsors
- Able Printing
- AndHealth
- Astute Technology Management
- Aurora Exhibit Solutions, Inc.
- BakerHostetler LLP
- Carmen’s Distribution Systems, Inc.
- CASTO
- CFBank
- Columbus State Community College
- Delta Dental
- Elford, Inc.
- Emblem Promos
- G.A.S. Properties
- Genesis Building Systems, Ltd.
- Integrated Building Systems
- Lument
- McGohan Brabender
- Mettler-Toledo
- Minutemen Workforce Solutions
- National Church Residences
- Nationwide Children’s Hospital
- Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP
- Primary Solutions
- Retail Control Systems, Inc.
- Sullivan Commercial Supply
- Vorys, Sater, Seymour & Pease LLP
Thank you to everyone who attended, donated, and celebrated with us. Your partnership makes this life-changing work possible every day.
Save the Date
Mark your calendars for next year’s Extraordinary People Luncheon on September 24, 2027. We can’t wait to celebrate with you again!
Interested in information regarding the 2027 Extraordinary People Luncheon? Contact Abigail at [email protected] to learn more.